Sticky truss rod on a Gibson J-45

[PatDie]

Hey folks,

the truss rod on my fairly new Gibson J-45 does its job, but it's super sticky and hard to turn while doing so. I'm used to truss rods that can be turned rather smoothly, while with my J-45 it's rather turning in little steps. Anything to worry about?

Here's a sound example of turning the truss rod.

Thanks,
Pat

[rmp]

While I'm certainly not an expert that' don't seem quite right.

I would call customer service to see if there's any advice. (lubrication or something?)

[guitar george]

The threads likely need lubricating.

https://hazeguitars.com/blog/quick-tip-stiff-truss-rods

I would unscrew the nut and apply WD-40 to the threads and then tighten and loosen the nut a few times to spread the WD-40 on the threads.

Make sure you do not overtighten or try to tighten if you are at the end of the threads of the truss rod. If you overtighten you can break the neck.

[zombywoof]

The rod should turn smoothly and freely. If this was anything but a guitar under warranty I would put a drop or two of penetrating oil in the Allen nut assuming it is a one way rod. But as this guitar is brand spanking new I would take it to a good tech to be checked out. If there is anything more than some white lithium grease or something needed let Gibson sort it out.

[jricc]

Originally Posted by PatDie

Hey folks,

the truss rod on my fairly new Gibson J-45 does its job, but it's super sticky and hard to turn while doing so. I'm used to truss rods that can be turned rather smoothly, while with my J-45 it's rather turning in little steps. Anything to worry about?

Here's a sound example of turning the truss rod.

Thanks,
Pat

Hey Pat, my new Gibson L-00 (built in April 2021) was doing the same thing, same exact sound. I had it to my tech yesterday and he took the nut off, stood the guitar upright and let some 3 in 1 oil drip down into the truss rod shaft. It now turns easily and that sound is gone. Hope this helps.

[PatDie]

Originally Posted by jricc

Hey Pat, my new Gibson L-00 (built in April 2021) was doing the same thing, same exact sound. I had it to my tech yesterday and he took the nut off, stood the guitar upright and let some 3 in 1 oil drip down into the truss rod shaft. It now turns easily and that sound is gone. Hope this helps.

Interesting; mine is from end of March 2021. Maybe they were running out of oil I'll do the same, thanks!

[davidd]

Originally Posted by guitar george

The threads likely need lubricating.

https://hazeguitars.com/blog/quick-tip-stiff-truss-rods

I would unscrew the nut and apply WD-40 to the threads and then tighten and loosen the nut a few times to spread the WD-40 on the threads.

Make sure you do not overtighten or try to tighten if you are at the end of the threads of the truss rod. If you overtighten you can break the neck.

Never use WD 40 on a guitar period! Any silicone will be there forever. A couple of drops of lubricating oil is all you need. Go easy and you should be good to go.