Truss Rod Adjustment
String tension exerts tremendous
bending force on a guitar neck.
Environmental conditions such
as temperature and humidity can
also cause neck bowing. Each Guild
guitar has an adjustable truss rod
(dual truss rods on 12-string models)
running the length of the neck that
counteracts this force, strengthens
the neck and ensures straightness.
A truss rod that is too loose will result
in a concave neck bow and action
that is too high; a truss rod that is too
tight will result in a convex neck bow,
action that is too low and fret buzz.
Depending on the model, truss rod
adjustments on Guild guitars are made
either beneath the truss-rod cover on
the headstock or inside the soundhole at
the other end of the neck. Both require
a 4mm hex wrench. If the adjustment
is at the headstock, the truss rod cover
must first be removed with a small
Phillips screwdriver (see illustration 4).
Please note: Instruments should
remain tuned to pitch during
truss rod adjustments.
Illustration 4
If the neck has an excessive concave bow
with high action, tighten the truss rod by
turning the wrench clockwise (looking from
the headstock down the neck toward the
body). If the neck is humped with a convex
bow, loosen the truss rod by turning the
wrench counterclockwise (looking from
the soundhole up the neck toward the
headstock). Adjust the rod only a partial
turn at a time and allow time for the wood
to settle before adjusting again. Sight down
the neck after each adjustment and be
careful not to over-tighten the truss rod.
Illustration 4 (continued)
If you meet excessive resistance or prefer
not to make this adjustment yourself, please
take your guitar to an Authorized Guild
Service Center.
Action Adjustment
String height and tension typically
determine the ease with which strings
can be fretted. This description of
playability is called the “action”
and is characterized by the distance
between the strings and the frets.
Depending on your technique
or playing style, high action can
sometimes make a guitar difficult
to play, whereas low action can
cause string buzz. On flat-top and
classical guitars, action adjustments
are often delicate procedures that
should be performed only by
qualified service personnel. In these
adjustments, lowering the action
requires removing the bridge saddle,
cutting it down to the appropriate
height and re-installing it; raising the
action involves removing the saddle
and replacing it with a higher one.
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