TRUSS ROD ADJUSTMENT
The adjustable truss rod in the neck of your guitar has been shop
adjusted and should not require any change. If the neck should develop a dip
or hollow spot over time it can be removed by tightening the truss rod
adjustment nut that protrudes from the base of the headstock just above the
nut.
- A ‘back bow’ or ‘hog-back’ can be removed by loosening the nut. Great care
should be taken with truss rod adjustments where as little as 1/4 of a turn can
vastly alter the shape of a neck.
STRING ACTION
The string action refers to the height of the strings above the frets. If the
action is too low, the strings will buzz on the frets. If it is too high the guitar will
be difficult to play.
ACTION AT THE NUT
Setting the string action that is right for you starts at the string nut. The slots at
the string nut should already be close to perfection but you might want to
make some adjustment. Here’s how to do it!
Push the sixth string down between second and third fret. The space between
the top of the first fret and the bottom of the string should be about .006
or
just about the thickness of the paper that these instructions are written on. If
the gap is wider than .006
you should deepen the slot with a small needle file
until it is correct.
DO NOT FILE TOO DEEP!
If the slot is too deep you can fill
the slots with a mixture of white plastic sanding dust and super glue and then
re-shape the slot.
Repeat this same procedure for the other 5 strings. The action at the nut is
either right or wrong; it is not a matter of personal preference.
Now let’s adjust the height of the strings over the 12th fret. Minor adjustments
in the string action can be made by raising or lowering the individual saddles
on the tremolo bridge with the small hex key that has been provided with your
FLEMING Guitar Kit. Following is a chart to assist you. This action adjustment
is a matter of personal preference. There should be a gradual increase in
height from the first to the sixth string.
STRING HEIGHT AT THE 12TH FRET
First String Sixth String
Low Action 1/32
1/16
Medium Action 1/16
3/32
High Action 3/32
1/8
