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Is one way easier for the install process? Is one way better structurally? I'm getting ready to do my first one and just from looking at it, it would seem to be simpler on the headstock end as making the cover appears quite easy. I"ll be cutting it on my table saw as my crummy skil router and table just seem to have to much slop in them for this process imo.

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Bobby Masten

If the argument is aesthetics, then perhaps a body access wins. If it's ease of adjustment and getting to the rod, then neck access wins. Structurally, and particularly with regard to modern necks with metal or graphite reinforcement through the peghead, the argument of weakness due to the cavity is no longer relevant. Another argument is that if someone is stupid enough to lean their guitar against something and it tips over and the peghead breaks, its not a warranty issue, its an abuse issue.

You don't have to loosen the strings and you don't want to -- you want to adjust it at pitch. I deal with a lot of touring musicians who move from city to city and make adjustments as needed. It's a lot easier and faster at the peghead end than trying to fish around to get to some of these body access rods, many of which you need a J style truss rod wrench and the patience of Job to get the dang thing in there.

I never had to loosen strings to get at the truss rod . In the body I just go in through the strings . Most headstock covers come off with 3 screws but most times I can get to them without loosening anything. I personally like in the body access but I am a martin fan . I don't think it is all that big a deal but a personal preference .

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John Hall
blues creek guitars
Authorized CF Martin Repair
Co President of ASIA
You Don't know what you don't know until you know it

First 10 guitars were soundhole access...after that, headstock...simple truss rod cover, one screw, strings stay at pitch...just works better for me...

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http://www.presnallguitars.com

I have repaired a TON of acoustic Gibsons with busted headstocks. I rarely see a broken Martin headstock. I'm going to go out on a limb and assume Martin sells more acoustics than Gibsons, so I should expect to see alot more Martins, if indeed it doesn't matter one way or another, no?
Come to think of it, I see a LOT of broken Gibson headstocks, period!
I think that the headstock trus rod adjustment is a structural weakness especially with mahogany necks as mahiogany cleaves readily along it's grain lines.
That being said, my basses and electrics with laminated maple necks have the trus rod access at the headstock end.

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Old growth, shmold growth!

Gibson also removed a lot of material for the single action truss rod nut which really weakened the neck, couple with the thin neck at the nut you don't got much material there to work with With modern truss rods, you remove less material and with the added volute (which is also pleasing to the eye) you've increased the strength of the headstock/neck area so it's not an issue.

I honestly don't think it's fair to base ALL guitar failures on Gibson or Martin. So what if they've sold a million guitars.... they are still not the norm as far as custom goes....

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"There's really no wrong way, as long as the results are what's desired." Charles Fox

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I used to do them with access from the soundhole, but my last few instruments have the opposite way. I agree with the points that have been made in favour of this arrangement; modern truss rods don’t require any excavation of the peghead for access in addition the ¼” slot, and I also use carbon fibre bars to reinforce this area plus a hand stop and / or back strap, so it is nothing like those fragile Gibsons. I agree that the main advantage IMO is serviceability; what could be easier than to adjust the neck with the strings tuned to pitch, and with easy access to the nut, in clear view.

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Rian Gitar og Mandolin