Truss adjust recovery time?

BloodRose

Professional Scapegoat
I adjusted in alil relief on my new 12 string. How long does it usually take for the adjust to fully set in? I mean, I can see the diff and looks about perfect, but I didnt know if I should wait any period of time before setting the strings back to pitch?? thanks
 
Re: Truss adjust recovery time?

Depends who you ask. Some people say instant some say, 3 days...who the hell knows.

Put the strings back to pitch right away, its going to bend it back a bit (even more so with a bass). A Small adjustment will be needed then too probably, then just keep your eye on it over the next day or two.

Also, don't be afraid to make small adjustments with the strings at pitch (ya, I know some of you will go ape-**** on this but **** right off).

Usually my process is as follows (lets say there's a big ass bow in that sucker):

-Make major adjustments while strings are off/ slacked depending what I'm doing, get it to where it looks good
-Put strings on and up to pitch, adjust further. Careful to retune after each adjustment tho!
-play play play, check it after an hour...a few hours, then the next day.
 
Re: Truss adjust recovery time?

Necks are always moving, hence the adjustability. You just need to keep your eye on it, and adjust again as issues come up. Technique comes in in how you adjust the rod. You don't want the rod to be doing the work of moving the neck. You want to bend the neck to where you want it, and adjust the rod so that it holds it there. If you bend the neck directly with the rod (i.e. by simply turning the adjustment nut, and nothing else), it will take longer to settle.
 
Re: Truss adjust recovery time?

ok, thanks.. I have made very few truss adjusts in my life. Thankfully haven't had to. I usually slack/adjust/re tune and play and eye ball for a few days. This one was on my 12 string. I adjusted and thought Id ask.. since i didnt get a reply right away, I had to go to work. So, will be with slack strings for about 12 hours. will retune and check when I get home..And of course, eyeball it for a few days..
 
Re: Truss adjust recovery time?

Depends who you ask. Some people say instant some say, 3 days...who the hell knows.

Put the strings back to pitch right away, its going to bend it back a bit (even more so with a bass). A Small adjustment will be needed then too probably, then just keep your eye on it over the next day or two.

Also, don't be afraid to make small adjustments with the strings at pitch (ya, I know some of you will go ape-**** on this but **** right off).

Usually my process is as follows (lets say there's a big ass bow in that sucker):

-Make major adjustments while strings are off/ slacked depending what I'm doing, get it to where it looks good
-Put strings on and up to pitch, adjust further. Careful to retune after each adjustment tho!
-play play play, check it after an hour...a few hours, then the next day.

Got to admit, this is how I do it on any guitar, including brand new builds.


Larry
 
Re: Truss adjust recovery time?

If it does not turn out right, you know how to make corrections.
 
Re: Truss adjust recovery time?

On my Les Paul the changes seem to be fairly immediate, I don't believe it takes as long as people say. Sometimes I'll give it a few hours if I'm changing string gauges like the other day when I went from 9s to 10s.
 
Re: Truss adjust recovery time?

When I adjust my truss rods the change seems fairly immediate, but the neck does need a little time to settle before it reaches a stable steady state. In short, I say adjust it where you want it, play it, then keep an eye on it for the next day or two to make sure the adjustment took completely (usually, the neck will up-bow a little more in this time as the wood adjusts to the new total tension).
 
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