X7 tweaked
 

I put a new set of strings on my X7 just now, *(Martin PB 13-56 mediums).

I had noticed previously that the neck looked like it had a bit more forward bow than it really needed.

When I tuned up it seemed more noticeable than before (heavier strings ? More critical eye ?)

Anyhoo ... got the provided truss rod key out and found that there was NO tension whatsoever on the rod.
Took a half turn or more just to bite, then I went in little increments about another half turn.

Action is sooo much better now ! Board is flatter and it is easier to play up the neck , no buzzing.
I was going to sand the saddle a bit, but I think that teeny turn of the screw has improved the playability enough now. :up:


*I put these strings on pretty much everything from GS Mini to resonators to dreads, cheaper by the multi-pack, always sound good to me.

EDIT: Just read this back and I realise it’s guitar maintenance 101 to all you ol’ timers,
but I hope it might help another youngster like myself.....

Glad it helped..

You actually do go by the tops of the frets after all efforts for proper neck relief have been attained. Changing Back and forth with different string gauges can be a nightmare for someone that plays all over the neck.
A clarification about that. Setting the fret board flat, will in some cases throw the frets out of alignment relative to string contact. The frets will ultimately need to be straight relative to the strings.(fret dressing/leveling) It's nice to have both right for sure but that's why many of the pre 80's Martins without adjustable truss rods have the frets leveled relative to the string contact rather than fretting(pun alert) about a non adjustable fret-board being perfect.
A builder certainly starts there, but the finer adjustments can sometimes take away that parallel fret to fret-board symmetry.
However most of those points are regarding wood components. :D