Detuning and Neck Relief

[iainchan97]

Hey guys, so I realized that I detune my guitars a lot. Normally I would go just a half step down to Eb Standard. However, I like to tune down even lower sometimes, to D or sometimes even C#/Db. I've heard that I should adjust my truss rod for proper neck relief everytime I change string gauges. My question is, do I need to adjust my truss rod when I detune since, different tunings have different tensions right? And if so, how do I adjust my truss rod for proper neck relief? I mean I know how to adjust a truss rod, just how much should I be adjusting, and is it necessary?

Thanks for all your feedback guys

 

[aleclee]

Re: Detuning and Neck Relief

Adjust your truss rod when you think the relief needs to be changed. Doesn't matter if the reason is different string gauge, downtuning, change in humidity, or whatever. If the guitar is playing the way you like, don't worry about it.

 

[Jeff5]

Re: Detuning and Neck Relief

I agree with Alec. Put on the strings you want and tune it to whatever you're playing in before you do anything else. Then give it a day or so to settle. After that see how it plays and measure it also. (using a straight edge, or ruler, etc.)

You may not actually have to adjust anything depending on where the neck was to begin with and the extra string tension from heavier strings. The heavy strings might offset the lower tuning. You won't know this until you do it though. You can set it up to "spec" or you can set it how you like. This stuff is really personal preference. Then if you think you need to adjust the truss rod, go for it. Then string height, then intonation and you're all set!