Truss rod adjustment: how to adjust the truss rod - frudua.com

[bingefeller]

You could have low action and a perfectly set-up guitar but it could still buzz when you play. For light action the player themselves has to have a very light touch to avoid string buzz.

[FruduaTv]

@bingefeller This is absolutely correct, and this is why a very low action dramatically reduces your ability to put dynamic in your playing and music.

[toshineon]

Really helpful video, helped me set up one of my guitars, it used to have a backbow resulting in really bad buzz, all fixed now :D

[LifewithNick]

@toshineon yeah for me 2 :) I bought a new guitar, it was not set up at all! had really bad fret buzz at the 1st, 2nd and 3th fret! Now its al gone! :D

[mario4526]

Hey frudua my guitar neck has too much relief truss rod is not maxed out but pretty tight should i keep turning it untill neck is straight?

[ScrewyLouie27]

@johnmorisi8 ya you basically have to take the neck off the body...there's ways of doing it with the strings still on but either way just a bit more work

[okamasphere]

Fruda, When I first got my strat, it was set up perfect from the factory with no buzz. When my teacher took apart the tremolo and put it back together, there was buzz, even when I told him I didn't want that. I took it to a guitar doctor and the same thing happened. Buzz. I know the guitar can be set up correctly, but no one does it for me.

[FruduaTv]

@okamasphere So sorry I can't help you from here except for invinting you to carefully watch and follow these videos I posted in this channel.

[Passpartuz]

i have a schecter diamond with 24 frets, wich fret should i check the relief?

great videos :D

[FruduaTv]

@Passpartuz Check it on the 9th fret.

[Passpartuz]

@FruduaTv thanks!

[Indyplumber]

I love your videos. I noticed the guitar in the video has 22 frets. And you check relief at the 10th fret. I have a Fender Strat with 21 frets.  Fender guide says to check relief at the 8th fret. Should I check it at the 8th or 10th? Does the number of frets matter?

[edwwui]

im trying to ajust the truss rod of my guitar, but im scared because it's very hard to turn and i dont want to force it because it could brake my guitar neck :(, what should i do?

[Aleksej79ns]

What is that guitar, please? :)

[FruduaTv]

@Manuell110 Scusa non so perchè mi dava l'icona del video delle sellette strat pensavo ti riferissi a quello. Certo l'acustica ha il truss rod come le elettriche ed il funzionamento è identico.

[johnmorisi8]

what if i have to adjust a truss rod that isn't adjustable at the headstock, like a vintage strat neck, where the adjustment is only at the heel.

[FruduaTv]

@johnmorisi8 nothing changes it's the same.

[johnmorisi8]

@FruduaTv

Thanks, but I mean, how do I adjust it if I have to remove the neck?

[FruduaTv]

@johnmorisi8 unfortunatly the best way to do this is to indeed remove the neck.

[rhcppetar95]

you're amazing. thanks

[max8591]

I think you are one of the most helpfull guys when it comes to guitar videos on youtube. Thanks a lot for the effort you put in!

[wseeback]

Finally! A real good explanation on how to adjust your truss rod. I've seen so many idiots try to explain it. Only problem is, it seems so simple, that people won't want to believe. But, BELIEVE IT. It really is this simple.

[Muso992]

What kind of guitar is being used in the video? It's beautiful.

[FruduaTv]

@Muso992 It's a Frudua Direct Deal "Carved Pro" pls check fruduadirectdeal>>dot>>com

[drawnacrol]

Great video, very informative

[vassili1987]

im not trying to insult you or try to come off as rude but at 1:50 you remind me of the guy who owns the Gun Booth in Beverly hills cop 3 0_0

Anyways got my neck straightened =D thanks you very very much Frudua!! =D

[FruduaTv]

@vassili1987 ahaha I'll take a look :)

[mario4526]

Hello im have a problem with my guitar i cant get the guitar to have bow in it i belive the neck has a reverse bow cause i over tightend it what should i do to get the neck to normal again?

[FruduaTv]

@mario4526 If you overtightened it just release the truss rod. Just follow the video.

[stefanakos1414]

Hi frudua...You're perfect..you are a guitar doctor in our house...I want to make a question..Can you tell me the steps that i have to do for my guitar set up....?????

[FruduaTv]

@stefanakos1414 Yes they are written below in some comments!

[ambharbor]

Excellent Galeazzo ! Thank you.

A question for you...I have a 40 year old acoustic guitar that I would like to adjust the truss rod. Is there anything I should be concerned with due to the age and that it has never been adjusted before? It has been kept well thru the years and looks to be in new shape.

[FruduaTv]

@ambharbor First try if it moves easily and then PM me.

[bati9rst]

Man, this video is awesome!!! But if my guitar is a 21 fret's guitar, that make any difference?? Sorry my bad english

[FruduaTv]

@bati9rst no go ease man

[stuntboy298]

When setting up the guitar what is the order of all adjustments you have demonstrated so nicely?

[FruduaTv]

@stuntboy298

1) lower pickups

2) truss rod

3) bridge saddles height

4) nut height

5) intonation

6) pickups height

[MackenzieLawless]

@ 2:05 i had to pause the video i was laughing to hard! XD

[fuzzysound]

Man. I have to thank yo for these videos of yours, really helpfull, probably best lessons on maintenance of a guitar in youtube, honestly

Thank you very much

[indieRPF]

wood is an alive material :') ahhhh its gonna get me XD

[MikeyGee001]

DUDE ,,, WITHOUT A DOUBT .... "BEST" video on the web for instructions on how to adjust truss-rods

EXCELLENT ...

[blueoceantraders]

Thanks for replying so quickly, ciao

[blueoceantraders]

Wonderful instructional video, Grazie You did not mention to loosen the strings as in other videos. Is this necessary or not. I have a Takamine 12 string which needs adjustment. What is your opinion? Jimi

[FruduaTv]

@blueoceantraders Do not loosen the strings when performing TR adjustment, you need the tension to be there to correct neck curvature properly.

[jaystrings]

Very helpful. Thanks so, so much!

[Kirkasradio]

there re no negative votes !

Keep up the awesome work man!

[FruduaTv]

@Kirkasradio Let me put one myself ;)

[AncientItalianSecret]

Learned SO much....THANKS!!!!!

[metal571]

amazing detail and extremely helpful. you are a pro.

[andreww8178]

I love how you get straight to the point on the information.. thanks

[TheMrDwarf]

2:08...jizzface

[orion1336]

very good video, thanks alot frudua. i was trying to adjust my jackson kelly with a floyd for months now and i just figured it out cause of you. it was very long and painfull process, but its perfect now. check out my old video before the guitar was messed up if you want

[FruduaTv]

@orion1336 I will thanks

[sledx999]

my guitar has 24 frets which fret should I check or is it still the 10th fret?

[FruduaTv]

@sledx999 put it half the fretboard

[MichaelLozano12]

PLEASE when your not to busy give us a video on fret crowning, dressing, etc. Possibly something with basic at home tools? Whatever you show though will be helpful and thanks for all the previous vids!

[FruduaTv]

@MichaelLozano12 What I am trying to give here is advise on setup. For more advanced repair I also make luthierie individual courses.

[1bladlus]

...and ehh.. feel free to ride me

[metalskull5000]

mr. Frudua, Thanks a million for your wonderful videos! because of your videos my guitar plays amazing today! :) Best setup tutorials i've ever seen! Thanks again!

[ITellUStraight]

Please can you help? I have a Johnson Strat and I think the neck has a problem. Each day I get the guitar out of the bag and I have to detune the top 4 strings! they seem to be getting tighter over just a day rest. Maybe the neck is twisted and getting tighter? the temperature is the same and it happens mainly with the D,G,B,E strings. You have a great channel.

[ITellUStraight]

@ITellUStraight Any other expert out there know what's happening?

[FruduaTv]

@ITellUStraight try stocking the case in vertical position

[ITellUStraight]

@FruduaTv OK thanks for reply. Tried this and didnt fix the problem. I think I will try another neck - the guitar sound is amazing with the EMGs so it's worth keeping. .

[Jasaxos]

Thx. Will this aid on intonation problems with Steiger height?

[smokymcpot24]

Tnx man for posting all your great how to vids. You explain it very good.

[Eldererr]

do you have video for fret dressing?I want to collect these videos and then show my sister how to tune her guitar!

[FruduaTv]

@Eldererr In these videos I am mainly concentrating on setup. Something that you can do at home with no particular tools as I show. For most advanced stuff I do guitar making and setup and lutherie classes.

[Eldererr]

Man I love you.Wish you were my guitar tech, but I learned a lot from these vids and I dont need a tech anymore! YAY! but can I do this without capo? its kinda expensive here..

[FruduaTv]

@Eldererr You can but it's a bit tricky if you are not that experienced

[Eldererr]

Man I love you.Wish you were my guitar tech, but I learned a lot from these vids and I dont need a tech anymore! YAY!

[LeviMan2001]

Some more advanced videos such as one on steaming off a fretboard to fix a warped neck would be amazing! I have a 90's danelectro that I got with a warped neck and it is a very cool guitar unfortunately I can't get a good relief with the neck all warped!

[FruduaTv]

@LeviMan2001 htere a way to do this but it involves high temperatures so I prefer not to teach it here.

[nun1nh0Productions]

oh and i have a floy d rose BTW

[nun1nh0Productions]

one question....

the strings are in the right position but the ticker ropes make a starnge "buzz"... any advice?

[FruduaTv]

@nun1nh0Productions what you mean by "ticker ropes"?

[nun1nh0Productions]

@FruduaTv the top ropes, 6th to 4th strings....

[michaeljjeffrey]

AWESOME VIDEO !!!

[TheSozimal]

HI! i have a question... does it make a diference if the ajustmentscrew is in the sound hole or at the top?? (sorry my english is not very good)

Anyway.. great video I really enjoyed it!

[FruduaTv]

@TheSozimal Depends on how the truss rod was intalled and which types of truss rod but if the instrument has been properly designed it should not.

[ruijsmark]

Great video! Can you explain how to make use of the 'micro tilt' screw while adjusting the truss rod of a strat? Thnx!

[FruduaTv]

@ruijsmark Good idea I'll make a video out of this.

[who8allthepies]

@ruijsmark micro tilt unscrew the 4 screws about 4 turns and turn the hex nut 1 quarter of a turn thats fender ffactory spec , usally adjusting micro tilt is to get more out of the saddle height if the screws are fully adjusted. also it levels the neck more.

[REDEEone]

Your vids are great man! Very easy to understand and follow thanks!

[stefanakos1414]

Hi frudua..You've got nice and helpful videos...I got a question...i just got my guitar back fron the general service and some notes are buzzing when i push the frets..what could be wrong??ah i noticed that the bridge was lower than it was before the set up..you think is this the problem or is the truss rod???Thanks..a lot...:))

[FruduaTv]

@stefanakos1414 where is the buzz coming? Last frets (toward pickups) or first frets (toward the nut)?

[stefanakos1414]

@FruduaTv The buzz coming in 7-9 fret..I visited the shop today where my guitar was for service and the man told me that my guitar is perfect...And that all guitars are buzzing..perfect guitar does not exist...What do you think???

[FruduaTv]

@stefanakos1414 Did you had a fret dressinf on this guitar? Are you pluckingwith a pick? or with your naked fingers?

[stefanakos1414]

@FruduaTv No i didn't have...I'm playin with a pick...

[FruduaTv]

@stefanakos1414 OK you first must be sure the frets are dressed and the perform guitar action adjustments.

[stefanakos1414]

@FruduaTv The fret dressing it's easy to do it myself???Sorry to ask but i don't know much about it..What's the guitar action adjustments???

[FruduaTv]

@stefanakos1414 NO you need a pro to do this :)

[stefanakos1414]

@FruduaTv Ok Frudua...So i have to visit the store again and chck my guitar for fret dressing..Thanks a lot..keep up the fine work..Youre the best :)

[VcookiemonsterV]

do you only need to check the high e string? my low e string buzzes in open like its slapping the fret. i have my bridge screwed all the way down cause it looks silly risen and my neck relief seems to past the paper test but i haven't adjusted the saddles yet at all. should i heighten the bridge? my high e string is already sort of high.

[FruduaTv]

@VcookiemonsterV Is your low E strings buzzing only open playede or even if you fret the notes

[VcookiemonsterV]

@FruduaTv I raised the saddle so now it only starts to buzz when i get down around the 6th fret and below. i'm confused as to if i adjust the truss rod, or the string height first. I'm not sure if im checking the neck relief right or not. The B string buzzes bad to where you can't even hear the note sustain.

[FruduaTv]

@VcookiemonsterV First you adjust the TR. Normally if the guitar buzzes on the last frets, neck needs less releif and viceversa. trys tightneing the TR and giving the neck a bit less of relief. Then go and adjust (raise) the saddles as I explain in the other dedicated video. If you still have problems (pluck with a pick not with fingers)  you most probably need a fret dressing.

[VcookiemonsterV]

@VcookiemonsterV i have all the strings sounding fine with great action now except for the low E and D strings around the 11th, 12th, and 13th, fret. the truss rod is adjusted so that the neck isn't completely straight but slight relief. should i make it straighter? when i do the truss rod test to see they play i have in the string with capo on 1st fret finger on last pushing at 12, i can see that when i push around 12 its also touching on the bottom most frets near the pickups.

[FruduaTv]

@VcookiemonsterV I ma afraid thesere is some problem with the neck, most problably you need a fret dressing. Take the guitars to a good techinicain and let him evaluate neck straightness.

[Killer9299]

if i switched to a higher string gauge i would have to turn the truss rod clockwise to compensate for the higher tension right?

[FruduaTv]

@Killer9299 Yes Sir!

[KidGloves2112]

I have a question. I am replacing the saddle on an old Epiphone guitar. The guitar hasn't been played for about 2 years and was stored in a cold garage.  I'm sure the truss rod needs adjustment. How will I know how to set the saddle height vs truss rod adjustment?

[FruduaTv]

@KidGloves2112 Just watch this video and the other one I made on strings saddle height adjustment (same channel)

[ImJustKiddingDude]

Hi, im a guitar newbie, i have been playing with my guitar for barely a week, but i realised my guitar string are really difficult to press down, if i dont press it down hard enough, it produces a buzzing sound. So i checked if the neck was bowed, however it wasnt at all. playing my guitar really hurt my fingertips, can anyone help me with my problem?

[FruduaTv]

@ImJustKiddingDude Take the guitar to a guitar tech and have him adjust the truss rod then lower the bridge and then IMPORTANT the nut. 

[ImJustKiddingDude]

@FruduaTv Hi, really thanks for the suggestion, however, my guitar is just a tgm acoustic guitar, it is a really cheap one, and i bought it 2nd handed, it was just about $45, so i wont want to bring it to a guitar tech and end up having the proccess cost more than my guitar. Is there anyway i can do it myself?

[FruduaTv]

@ImJustKiddingDude Mhh sorry I actually never saw any 45 euros or $ guitar that can be setup to be playable.

[ImJustKiddingDude]

@FruduaTv Oh ok then. Anyway, really appreciate your help :) I've rate this video 5 stars :)

[Sonic0509SH]

Hi!

Do I need exactly acoustic guitar capo or can I use one for electric guitar to adjust truss rod?

[FruduaTv]

@Sonic0509SH Anyone is ok!

[Sonic0509SH]

@FruduaTv

Thanks! I'm almost sure I have guitar with neck too stright. However truss rod isn't turning. Does that mean that truss rod is damaged or it's beacause guitar is new and it wasn't adjusted before?

[FruduaTv]

@Sonic0509SH You mean you'can't omve the TR nu at all or that it is moving but you see no result in the neck movement?

[Sonic0509SH]

@FruduaTv Can't move at all.

I tried to move it lightly, increasing strenght little by little. And I stopped trying when I realised that it won't move and I don't want to damage my guitar.

[FruduaTv]

@Sonic0509SH In this case take to a good technician.

[Sonic0509SH]

@FruduaTv OK. Thank you for such a quick reply.

[sueside]

@FruduaTv Yeah, with a pick I can go as low as 1,5mm on low E and 1,3mm on high E without buzzing. But I often play and strum without a pick because of the softer tone. Your new video about the string height explains almost all my questions.

So I'll leave it on the 2-1,6mm, best compromise of tone and comfort. Lower is always welcome, but I think it can't be achieved that well on a Strat-like guitar.

[FruduaTv]

@sueside Lower action also reduce your playing dynamic ability... not sure if you got what I mean...

[avrajsingh123]

you are the most helpful person in the world! Your videos are really clear, straight-forward and well made. Thank you so much for being a great help to thousands of guitarists out there! keep posting :)

[FruduaTv]

@avrajsingh123 Thank you! I love being of help to you guys!

[InFuriatedShadows]

HI frudua, I have a truss rod question. I switching the string gauge on my guitar from 10s to 11s on the heavier strings and 10s on the lighter strings. if I do this, will I have to adjust the truss rod?

[FruduaTv]

@InFuriatedShadows Yes you will problably have to make a light backbow adjustment. PM me if you have any dounbt.

[IzzacV]

Can't say thank you enough. Great videos!

[Trex1268]

Great channel!! Hey, I have a 2006 American Fender Stratocaster. I had one tech set the strings pretty low without any buzzes, so I know it can be done. When I had a new tone block install they changed my setup. Can you do a video on how to set strings on a Stat low as possible with no buzzes? This Strat has a tremolo, but I don't use it. It's set up like a hard tail. Thanks alot!!!!

[FruduaTv]

@Trex1268 Which strings gauge do you have on the Strat?

[Trex1268]

@FruduaTv I have .10 gauge. Thanks for the reply!!

[FruduaTv]

@Trex1268 Is the guitar buzzing? If so: at the first frets toward the nut or at the last frets toward the pickups?

[Trex1268]

@FruduaTv Strings are buzzing bad on last frets towards the pickups. Thanks again!

[thevalveamplifiers]

@Trex1268 ok so tighten the truss rod a bit and let me know.

[FruduaTv]

@Trex1268 Probably too much of a up bowed neck. Check it out.

[sueside]

@FruduaTv First of all: Extremely helpful videos, thanks a lot for the whole effort! - And btw, beautiful guitars shown in the videos.

I've got almost the same problem as Trex1268. Built my own Strat, mounted .10 gauge strings and tried to get as low as possible without buzzing. Got 2mm low E and 1,6mm high E heigt. Everything below is buzzing (but only low E and A, and only fret 1-10). Can I go lower or am I limited with the neck and string gauge?

[FruduaTv]

@sueside Did you perform a dressing of the frets? this si curcial if you want a vey low buzz-free action.

[sueside]

@FruduaTv yes, a luthier did it. He also filed the bone-nut. One fret is 2mm in height, the height between fretboard and the nut-cut is 2,5mm. It doesn't buzz now (2-1,6mm on 17th fret), even when I play really hard. But when I lower the height on the saddles or change the truss rod - which is more confortable to me - the lower E and A will buzz when played without a pick.

[FruduaTv]

@sueside Playing without a pick forces the string to move wider thus increasing buzz. Make you test playing with a pick. Does it buzz on E and A, and on fret 1-10? If so release the truss od JUST A BIT. But in any case make the testing with the pick.

[JohnathenDavis]

Sir you REALLY know your stuff. That is great. ;)

[RyuBlade1980]

Great! Thank you!

[FruduaTv]

The step by step procedure is (better if frets are dressed):

1) neck (truss rod) relief

2) string's height at bridge

3) srtings height at nut (VERY IMPORTANT for both comfort and INTONATION)

4) intonation

For the Gretsch just buy a bridge with roller saddles and lube the nut slots :)

[nurik1979]

thank you so much for all your videos-its fantastic!

Can you recommend a system, sort of a plan in steps on how to do a complete setup of a guitar.. Like where to begin and whats the final step.

I got 3 guitars: les paul, standard strat with vintage style tremolo and gretsch G5120 hollow body with bigsby vibrato. Gretsch goes out of tune ALL THE TIME...do you have any suggestions on how to improve the tuning stability on it?

Thanks a lot again, sharing is the true power!

Best,

Nurali

[imakingprawnok]

can you do a video on how to set the saddle height???

[FruduaTv]

@imakingprawnok Shure!

[coal1987]

@FruduaTv could u help meplease? i have a epip les paul and the no matter how much curve a put on the neck and how high the action is, i still get fret buzz. I don't know what else to do. i've adjusted the truss rod i've change the action height a number of time and the fret buzz is haven't gone anywhere. the buzz is on all the fret on the G, D, A and E. thanks

[FruduaTv]

@coal1987 You probably have some frets higherr than other. I recommend that you take the guoitar to a luthier to dress the frets. Tell him to be careful and first to check if some of the frets are moving (unguled) he'll understand.

[mitchelldog4]

Aha thank you very much I will try this tomorrow =)

[mitchelldog4]

Could you make a video to show how to fix strings being to close to the side of the guitar( high e slips off when played)? I just bought a SRV strat that has this issue. Would I need to get a new nut to fix this issue?

[FruduaTv]

@mitchelldog4 >> release (untune) the strings so they are just in tension enough to stay straight on the neck then unscrew the 4 bolts that hold the neck to the body on the rear of the guitar just 2 complete turns. Then push the neck toward the low strings side and while keeping it this way fix the bolts again with strength. Tune again You're done.

[damrak1969]

Galeazzo - the hollow body guitar you've made is beautiful. Do you use CNC machining on your bodies or are they all completely hand carved? Also - do you think pressing on the neck after you've made truss rod adjustments to get it to settle faster is helpful or should the neck be left to move on it's own?

[FruduaTv]

@damrak1969 thank you! check it out at fruduadirectdeal >>dot >> com.

It's carved from solid wood using a pin router not CNC and finished by hand. Kinda of an old school method. I won't suggest you press the neck to hasten settling. The result is always uncertain. I suggest you use the trick I show in the video. This is more natural for the neck and 90% times help to hasten the TR settlement.

[Hielkenator]

absolutely awesome!

[lidesnowi]

The best truss rod is no truss rod !

Wood is NOT the greatest material to use for necks, carbon fiber is!

[tsal01570]

Thank You!

[mmim4]

my truss rod is hard to turn when i turn it it makes a cracking sounds or snap

[fruduadirectdeal]

@mmim4 A few TR are hard to turn. In this case take it to a good luthier for inspection.

[gooney0]

Great video and awesome advice. Thank you very much.

[FruduaTv]

about 3/10 of mm

[johnnyd5005]

You're the man! What size of feeler gauge would you say is the same as the D'addario cardboard?