What is a Maxed Out Truss Rod

[kaspforeva]

I am having a painful learning curve with truss rods. When I hit a wall I can't see what is happening with this hidden component of the guitar. My latest flop was dealing with a truss rod which simply won't turn anymore to increase back bow. I thought it could just be a stiff fretboard because it is a 40 year old guitar. But no. I applied quite a lot of effort and it simply ceases to turn.
Now, I don't know what is happening there. I can't see inside.
To hone a question out of this, what is a maxed out truss rod? Surely it isn't simply coming to the end of the threads of the nut. The idea of adding washers seems to be the solution for that.
Could someone describe to me what a maxed out truss rod is?

[charles Tauber]

Originally Posted by kaspforeva

To hone a question out of this, what is a maxed out truss rod? Surely it isn't simply coming to the end of the threads of the nut. The idea of adding washers seems to be the solution for that.

It is. Adding washers can be a viable solution, depending upon why the nut/rod has run out of threads.

Many people apply pressure to the neck in the direction they want it to bend, requiring less force on the rod/turning of the nut.

[mirwa]

A neck can only bend so far, the term maxed out truss rod is when the truss rod has been tightened as much as it can, it no longer can be tightened any further without damaging / stripping the threads of the nut or rod.

Sometimes a truss rod will be able to wind down to the end of its threaded section and stop because there are no more threads to wind along, in these situations it is "sometimes" possible to add a washer to space the nut further along the threaded section and in turn gives more adjustment.

Steve

[kaspforeva]

Thanks. That sheds light on the problem. I can visualise the rod better now.

[Howard Klepper]

What make of guitar?

Do you know what kind of truss rod (there are a few different types)?

[Frank Ford]

It's more common than you might think for a truss rod nut to seize because of rust/corrosion on the threaded portion of the steel rod. A simple removal and lubrication of the threads can be both diagnosis and cure.

[Truckjohn]

Frank makes a very good point re:corrosion and junk..

Have you removed the nut to take a look see? That would be a fine time to lube the threads and ensure all is well otherwise.

[kaspforeva]

Originally Posted by Howard Klepper

What make of guitar?

Do you know what kind of truss rod (there are a few different types)?

The guitar is an Yamaha FG360. It is a single action truss rod.

[kaspforeva]

Originally Posted by Truckjohn

Frank makes a very good point re:corrosion and junk..

Have you removed the nut to take a look see? That would be a fine time to lube the threads and ensure all is well otherwise.

I've taken the nut off. I applied some graphite lube. But I might try some simple vasoline. I made a mess of things, with the whole project. That's what sent me to this forum to ask some questions. I realised I am proceeding in the dark somewhat, and banging into walls. What I need is a clear picture of what could be happening. And the forum is helping I'm glad to say.

[mirwa]

The Yamaha truss rods of this era are anchored at the other end in the actual heel, when a neck is removed you can see a square head exposed in the actual dovetail.

Steve