Rainsong Truss-Rod Cover

[jgillard]

Who else thinks that the Rainsong truss rod cover is hideous? My hand goes up! I just don't think it matches well with the rest of the guitar. I think that the N1 neck with the black headstock face is much better looking than the N2 neck with the terrible truss rod cover.

But, the carbon weave on the N2 headstock is pretty cool looking too. Well, I've seen that there used to be aftermarket carbon fiber truss rod cover's you could buy. I thought they looked pretty darn good. They matched the faceplate a lot better and actually looked pretty good IMO. But, they are not being made any more.

So, what's a guy to do? Get creative! I decided to see if I could just make the thing myself. Let me know how you think I did?

[Kindness]

Nichols Inlay makes some stunning truss rod covers. It's important to get him the specs as you have to go super thin as there is not a whole lot of room.

[sonicland]

I like it and agree it's a big improvement. I think the stock cover looks fine but it's way too thick. I have a small cf blank (thinner than a credit card) that I'll fashion like yours. May I ask how you made yours? I was planning on cutting my blank rough shape with metal shears and then grinding it smooth with a bench grinder.

[ChunkyB]

Another problem with the Rainsong TRC is the fact that it's too tall. The 3rd and 4th strings actually rest on top of the cover and hurts break angle over the nut. I actually just cut the shape out of some extra black plastic that I had from my pick guard.

Would you be willing to sell one of those? I'd buy one from you right now if possible.

[jgillard]

Another problem with the Rainsong TRC is the fact that it's too tall.

I never mentioned that fact either! :P Yes, that is a problem with the stock truss rod cover. Not so in my version. I still have to buy myself some shorter screws. The stock ones work, but same version with shorter shaft would work much better. (As I could screw them right down) I just have to get out to the store to pick some up.

Would you be willing to sell one of those? I'd buy one from you right now if possible.

I did not order a lot of material, but I have enough to make a few more. Just pm me and we can work it out. This one here is actually my version 2.0 The first one I made was not bad, but I thought I could do a bit better on a second try.

May I ask how you made yours? I was planning on cutting my blank rough shape with metal shears and then grinding it smooth with a bench grinder.

Your blank must be thicker then the material I used. (mine was 0.20” (1/50”) thick) I cut a rough shape with scissors and then sanded to final shape. (It's still thick enough that its not like cutting paper, and you can't really cut rounded angles with scissors)

[HeavyDuty]

I've been using a CF TRC, but my new Nichols custom TRC just came in:



It's going back to him to be thinned down a little, but it is absolutely gorgeous!

[RP]

I wouldn't call the stock TRC hideous, but I do prefer yours. Where did you get the carbon fiber pieces???

Originally Posted by jgillard

Who else thinks that the Rainsong truss rod cover is hideous? My hand goes up! I just don't think it matches well with the rest of the guitar. I think that the N1 neck with the black headstock face is much better looking than the N2 neck with the terrible truss rod cover.

But, the carbon weave on the N2 headstock is pretty cool looking too. Well, I've seen that there used to be aftermarket carbon fiber truss rod cover's you could buy. I thought they looked pretty darn good. They matched the faceplate a lot better and actually looked pretty good IMO. But, they are not being made any more.

So, what's a guy to do? Get creative! I decided to see if I could just make the thing myself. Let me know how you think I did?

[jgillard]

I wouldn't call the stock TRC hideous, but I do prefer yours.

Hideous may be a strong word. Maybe "unsightly" works better! :P

Where did you get the carbon fiber pieces???

I got the carbon fiber from Protech Composites.

[seamusknives]

Thanks for the heads-up on Protech Composites. I just ordered a .5mm piece to make both a truss rod cover and a pick guard. Hopefully this will deal with my noise issue I have due to the "fine texture" finish I went with on my RainSong studio series.

[ChunkyB]

I'm also going to order a .5mm piece from protech composites.

I may even go with the adhesive backed sheet so there will be no screws. I'll post pics when done.

[Blueser]

Originally Posted by HeavyDuty

I've been using a CF TRC, but my new Nichols custom TRC just came in:



It's going back to him to be thinned down a little, but it is absolutely gorgeous!

How did it work out with Bill Nichols thinning down your TRC? I have been corresponding with him regarding a custom TRC for my RS Shorty, and he told me that it would have to be thicker than the stock cover due to the inlay, which sounds to me like it will be even worse with regard to the strings laying on it.

I appreciate any feedback you can provide.

Thanks,
Dave

[HeavyDuty]

Dave, apologies for never posting an update.

Bill did a great job thinning down my TRC and it installed with no issues. The D and G just lightly touch the bottom edge, not enough to cause a kink or anything. I'll try and get a pic taken.

I'm very happy!

[Doubleneck]

Originally Posted by Blueser

How did it work out with Bill Nichols thinning down your TRC? I have been corresponding with him regarding a custom TRC for my RS Shorty, and he told me that it would have to be thicker than the stock cover due to the inlay, which sounds to me like it will be even worse with regard to the strings laying on it.

I appreciate any feedback you can provide.

Thanks,
Dave

Is that shell enlay TRC ebony wood?

[HeavyDuty]

Originally Posted by Doubleneck

Is that shell enlay TRC ebony wood?

Yup! Correct.

[Doubleneck]

That is just lovely,