The Acoustic Guitar Forum

Go Back   The Acoustic Guitar Forum > General Acoustic Guitar and Amplification Discussion > Carbon Fiber

Reply
 
Thread Tools
  #1  
Old 02-26-2012, 08:07 PM
Rhythm Rhythm is offline
Registered User
 
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: the carolinas
Posts: 36
Default CA guitar question

I heard that CA guitars do not have truss rods. Ok, I know that the neck will never move so in theory it does not need adjustment. But what if I dont like the stock action of one of there guitars. That dont make no sense to me. Is this true? Maybe Im being to picky but the fact that I am unable to customize the setup of my guitar kind of erks me.
__________________
I am what I am by the grace of God
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 02-26-2012, 08:47 PM
Steve Christens Steve Christens is offline
Registered User
 
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Twin Cities, MN, USA
Posts: 627
Default

Well first off, you don't use a truss rod to adjust action, you use it to adjust the amount of relief. And since carbon fiber guitars are so stable, a number of builders have decided to make their guitars without truss rods to make things simple. The amount of relief you get is an average level that suits most players.

As for action, you can adjust that all you want by altering the saddle and nut, even if there is no truss rod to adjust relief.

Some of the Rainsongs now come with adjustable truss rods, which is a good thing. But there are many many satisfied players of carbon fiber guitars without truss rods, so it does work - though perhaps not for you.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 02-27-2012, 06:41 AM
Doubleneck Doubleneck is offline
Registered User
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Ohio
Posts: 6,427
Default

I have a pre-Peavey CA that I lower by sanding the saddle to a very low action. It is very easy to see what the relieve is on a guitar and see if that works for you. Peavey right now is intent on a low action so I doubt there will be an issue. I have a Rainsong as well with a truss rod, that is nice but it would not be a deal breaker for me if I like the guitar.
__________________
Steve
2020 McKnight Grand Recording - Cedar Top
2005 McKnight SS Dred
2001 Michael Keller Koa Baby
2014 Godin Inuk
2012 Deering B6 Openback Banjo
2012 Emerald Acoustic Doubleneck
2012 Rainsong JM1000 Black Ice
2009 Wechter Pathmaker 9600 LTD
1982 Yairi D-87 Doubleneck
1987 Ovation Collectors
1993 Ovation Collectors
1967 J-45 Gibson
1974 20th Annivers. Les Paul Custom
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 02-27-2012, 08:25 AM
mchalebk mchalebk is offline
Registered User
 
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 2,628
Default

Probably 95% of guitarists can get by with a standard relief setting. Wood guitars need truss rods because you can't guarantee that the relief won't change over time. CF guitars don't need a truss rod because they won't change over time. As mentioned, there are plenty of adjustments that can be made at the nut and/or saddle to adjust action.

That being said, there are guitarists who really want to be able to tweak the relief and feel they need a truss rod. If you really want one, your CF choices are limited to some RainSong models and Emerald (I think you can get a truss rod in all of their models).
__________________
Brian
http://www.youtube.com/mchalebk
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 02-27-2012, 11:24 AM
Kindness Kindness is offline
Registered User
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Posts: 2,137
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by mchalebk View Post
Probably 95% of guitarists can get by with a standard relief setting. Wood guitars need truss rods because you can't guarantee that the relief won't change over time. CF guitars don't need a truss rod because they won't change over time. As mentioned, there are plenty of adjustments that can be made at the nut and/or saddle to adjust action.

That being said, there are guitarists who really want to be able to tweak the relief and feel they need a truss rod. If you really want one, your CF choices are limited to some RainSong models and Emerald (I think you can get a truss rod in all of their models).


Yes, Alistair will install a truss rod if you want one for about $200 last I checked.
__________________
Lisa

Phoenix Guitar Co. Custom Classical Guitar
Rainsong Shorty FLE
Pre Peavey Cargo
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 02-27-2012, 12:56 PM
ac ac is offline
Registered User
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 1,787
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by itself View Post
[/B][/COLOR]

Yes, Alistair will install a truss rod if you want one for about $200 last I checked.
This past summer, it was $100. I don't think it's $200 unless something has changed just recently.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 02-27-2012, 06:01 PM
dkoloff dkoloff is offline
Registered User
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Michigan
Posts: 1,258
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by ac View Post
This past summer, it was $100. I don't think it's $200 unless something has changed just recently.
The great debate of truss rod versus not....as said earlier if they get it right for 95% of the guitarists without the truss rod they will probably be satisfied as to not putting it in at Peavey.
__________________
David K.

Taylor 424ce SL
Emerald X20 purple weave
Emerald X20 gold weave
Taylor NS34ce
Taylor T5X
Composite Acoustic OX Raw (Peavey)
Rainsong OM
Breedlove Pro C25/CRH
Prestige Eclipse Spruce/Mahogany
Voyage Air VAOM-1C (2)
Baden D style Mahogany
Journey Instruments Spruce/Mahogany
Journey Instruments OF660
Recording King ROA-9 Bakersfield Limited
Mogabi 200
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 02-29-2012, 04:17 PM
AndyFrank AndyFrank is offline
Guest
 
Join Date: Nov 2010
Posts: 1,374
Default

When I bought my first CA from Ted a few years ago I was concerned tha not having a truss rod would become a problem but it never was. As pointed out already you don't use the truss rod to set the action but too much relief can be a problem so if you are after a very low action suitable for fingerstyle and not much more than you will want the ability to adjust the truss rod. Rainsongs new N2 neck has an adjustable truss rod and I'm told it's been a huge hit.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 02-29-2012, 04:21 PM
mc1 mc1 is offline
Registered User
 
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: nova scotia
Posts: 14,146
Default

i also think the 95% mark is closer for players who use standard gauge strings. if you use heavier or lighter strings, or detune, etc, then perhaps a truss rod is more important.
Reply With Quote
Reply

  The Acoustic Guitar Forum > General Acoustic Guitar and Amplification Discussion > Carbon Fiber

Thread Tools





All times are GMT -6. The time now is 08:53 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
Copyright ©2000 - 2022, The Acoustic Guitar Forum
vB Ad Management by =RedTyger=