Truss Rod Adjustment

[John M. Riley]

One of my buddies came by yestarday and had a gibson fern similar to mine. For some reason his played a little spongey, but it was really, really loud. He has ajusted the bridge several times and didnt change anything much, so He has had it for several years and the truss rod had never been adjusted. He adjusted the truss rod right on the spot yestarday at my place. It made such a difference in the playabilty! We both noticed it right on the spot that it had a much more tight feeling and played so much easier. But it seemed to have hurt the volume somewhat. Anyone have a comment on this?? I was aware that a rod ajustment could make a difference...but I didnt know it would make a noticable sound change...

[Fretbear]

I absolutely believe that adjusting them can have a detrimental effect on tone and volume. Whether it is long or short term is another question. I really don't like the idea of messing with truss rods unless it is an absolutely necessity, especially on older "settled" instruments. I have personally heard a guitar's sound completely "de-masculinized" by ill-advised truss rod adjustment.

[John M. Riley]

thanks for the reply... but of course this mandolin was only 3 years old or so

[JGWoods]

From mostly guitar experiences I would say play the thing for a few days before drawing any conclusions about what the overall effect of the adjustment was.

[jim_n_virginia]

I have routinely adjusted my truss rods on my guitar and mandolin for many years. It's not rocket science if you understand what you are doing and don't overtighten.

My guitar I've adjusted many times due to humidity and seasons but mandolin not so much due to the short neck length.

Once you find the sweet spot so to speak on a mandolin you don't have to mess with it much. I have the neck relief so perfect on my Flatiron right now I haven't had to mess with it in a long time.

I like just a slight, slight (and I mean SLIGHT) bow on my fretboard due to my playing style which is pretty heavy.

Just remember 1/4" turns and play it for a few hours after you make an adjustment to let it settle in after you make an adjustment.

happy picking! #http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif

[bjc]

Like Jim I do a lot of my own adjustments due to weather changes...must be something about Virginia?...And I always let the axe in question settle, before readjusting. I really haven't noticed that much of a change in the tonal properties, but I haven't made any major adjustments either. I suppose it could affect tone.
Makes me wonder if the truss rod is the difference in my Eastmans. My 614 plays like butter and the 515 plays better than my other mandos, but not anywhere as easy as the 614.