The Hamer of Truss Rods?

[FrettyMcgee]

Sexy topic, I know.

Soooo, are are most truss rods created mostly equal, or am I being naive? I was looking at LMI's new 3 way rod ($37 CAD), Stew Mac's two way Hot Rods ($25 CAD), and a random ebay seller ($7 CAD). They are all steel rods and flex. I'm assuming it comes down quality of welds and threads? Get what you pay for?

Regardless, what's the consensus for HFC experts on who (and what) makes a kick ass truss rod? Dare I say the Hamer of truss rods......?

[SSII x 2]

The 'spoke' type truss rods as used by EBMM with the wheel adjustment at the base of the neck

are the freakin' bomb, IMHO.  They can even be easily removed if the need ever arises.  Pinpoint

adjustments in either direction, and all you need is an allen key--or a nail--to make adjustments.

[Dave Scepter]

Actually a pretty interesting topic~ thanks for posting... I have a couple of somewhat desired necks that are out of adjustment "completely loosened and no relief" and was wondering if they're trash or if there is some way to revive them? ... I was planning on making a jig where I can place the neck and slowly "through the use of clamps/heat/humidity/time" bend the neck for more relief... 

[Jeff R]

I love those spoke wheel heel rod adjusters, in and out lightning fast.

On your "no relief" necks, Dave ... my '55 LP Junior husk project suffered from that when I got to that point in the resto. Rod was fully operational but I couldn't get relief to occur, much less stick, even with heavier strings tuned up a few steps - that old block of mahogany was seemingly locked in place. Its vintage-size frets (which had already been refretted at some point) were in dire need of a re-fret again from a wear perspective and for my personal tastes (I wanted a taller fret). When I pulled them, not only did I freshen (tighten) up the 12" radius (it had never been re-radiused) but I strategically sanded the needed relief into the fingerboard itself during the re-radius to buy me the relief I wanted. It was a slow, calculated task (my straight-edge was the MVP of the day), but I got the result sought. The way I did it too, if the neck starts developing relief, I can use the then-functioning truss rod to compensate for the fingerboard relief modification, aka put the neck back where I "burned in" that fingerboard.

[Dave Scepter]

That's very interesting Jeff~ Guitars are fun to work on aren't they?... lately, I'm finding myself enjoying working on them more than actually playing them... positive results can be extremely rewarding huh?... I admire & wish I had the talent/skill/patience that you, Jay & Mike have... 

[Dave Scepter]

My buddy just picked up a new guitar~ check out his truss rod adjustment... easy peasy 

[FrettyMcgee]

Good responses guys, thanks.

The question now becomes, how would a spoke truss rod look on a set neck '78 Explorer re-pro?

[Jakeboy]

My Peavey Firenza has the spoke- wheel type and I dig it. I am surprised more makers don't use it.

[scottcald]

I have a Wayne that uses the spoke wheel.  It's awesome!

[Steve Haynie]

20 hours ago, FrettyMcgee said:

Good responses guys, thanks.

The question now becomes, how would a spoke truss rod look on a set neck '78 Explorer re-pro?

The spoke wheel would look out of place.  If you are doing a totally custom order with other elements that would be considered out of place for a 70's Gibson then go for it.