My first fretted build, a six-string bass, has gone through 2 1/2 years of seasonal changes and the truss rod adjustments I make (in December and July) are very predictable and it plays like a dream. However, I'm a little concerned that I'm turning the LMI rod a little beyond it's intended range and I am seeking the collective advice from the more experienced bunch here.
The neck: QS maple- .840"-.910" thick, two YUGE (.25"x.375") CF bars, the LMI double action rod, pau ferro fingerboard, snug-fit frets.
It's seems very strong. I'm using medium-light gauge strings. The adjustment range: Winter, at the maximum the rod is tensioned roughly 200-210º from neutral position, and about 150º when summer. The difference of <1/4 turn doesn't seem like much, but I am unsure about the limits of the LMI rod. The threads were given a little lube before installation and it still turns very easily in this range- I also give the rod a little help when tightening. Many thanks in advance for your advice!
LMI double action rod- maximum safe adjustment?
-
- Posts: 5
- Joined: Sun Jan 08, 2012 2:16 pm
- Greg Robinson
- Posts: 686
- Joined: Fri Jan 06, 2012 1:54 pm
- Location: Coburg North, Victoria, Australia
Re: LMI double action rod- maximum safe adjustment?
Rodger,
Nothing to worry about, so long as you're "helping" the truss rod when you adjust it (bending the neck to the desired relief before adjusting the rod).
I wouldn't be worried about the LMII rod unless you had a neck that was undergoing severe plastic deformation and you had to put around 3 full turns on it from static.
Nothing to worry about, so long as you're "helping" the truss rod when you adjust it (bending the neck to the desired relief before adjusting the rod).
I wouldn't be worried about the LMII rod unless you had a neck that was undergoing severe plastic deformation and you had to put around 3 full turns on it from static.
MIMForum staff member - Melbourne, Australia
-
- Posts: 5
- Joined: Sun Jan 08, 2012 2:16 pm
Re: LMI double action rod- maximum safe adjustment?
Thanks, Greg! For my future builds, this will be good to know. If I do another 6-string, I may consider further counteracting the effect of the tension with compression fretting or maybe compensating when I do the initial leveling. peace, R