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Re: Burns Gear-O-Matic Truss Rod

Posted: Fri Sep 22, 2017 1:16 pm
by Barry Daniels
Polished out the finish by hand using Meguiars 105 and it shined up surprisingly easy.
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The new bound fretboard blended well with the neck.
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Re: Burns Gear-O-Matic Truss Rod

Posted: Fri Sep 22, 2017 1:19 pm
by Barry Daniels
Tuning machines back into the bushed pegholes seemed more stable. Made a ebony truss rod cover held in place by hidden magnets. New bone nut.
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The tone of the instrument seems more alive with the new electronics. Hope the client is happy.

Thanks to those here for their interest and suggestions on this project.

Re: Burns Gear-O-Matic Truss Rod

Posted: Sun Sep 24, 2017 12:38 am
by Mario Proulx
Well done..!

I've been using Jescar wire(mostly SS but some EVO) for all my new builds since around 2004 or 2005. Great stuff..! For repairs, I'll still turn to various SM wire to match the original size, or for the wider tang.

Re: Burns Gear-O-Matic Truss Rod

Posted: Sun Sep 24, 2017 10:21 am
by Barry Daniels
Thanks Mario. Yep, the Jescar is nice stuff. I now remember that I had used it before, but never realized the difference in tang width. Doh!

Re: Burns Gear-O-Matic Truss Rod

Posted: Wed Feb 16, 2022 10:05 pm
by Ryan Mazzocco
It's crazy that I'm finding this now after all these years. I have an old Baldwin 12 string guitar in the shop right now and it has this truss rod. Fortunately it seems to be working just fine. Thanks Barry for posting these pics. I figured there had to be gearing and a worm drive involved, but it's nice to actually see it taken apart. Also, a little late but, Great job on the rest of the project as well!

Re: Burns Gear-O-Matic Truss Rod

Posted: Wed Feb 16, 2022 10:38 pm
by Barry Daniels
Thanks Ryan!

By the way, a couple of years ago I visited the Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix and they had a 7-string Gretsch just like the one I repaired, except in primo condition.