Truss Rod - Choosing the right length

Suggested Truss Rod Guide for neck building.

The following is a list for the recommended truss rod sizes for various musical instrument setups. This list is simply meant as a cross reference and it's not intended to be an engineering or technical selection for individual setups. Truss rods construction and lengths vary greatly from Manufacturer to Manufacturer and builder to builder. Another factor that enters into the equation is the type of wood and skill set of the builder to shape and prep the neck for overall performance.

This list is done as a guide for your assistance. We have received numerous questions over the years on various setups and rods for the application.

In general we have opt'd to work mainly with two way or dual action type rods. For the most part they fit almost all applications for building, but offer the flexibility for two way adjustment instead of single direction. This allows the builder the most options and adjustment for correction or playability of the guitar, bass, mandolin or other instrument.

Any feedback on this list is great appreciated. We collaborate with many builders to hone in on the best solutions for builders.

Just a quick note on the different rods we offer:

Two Way Rods:

1. Dual Action. This rod is threaded at each end and works be pulling the rod in different directions either toward the center of the rod or away from the center. It allows the top and bottom part of the rod to move away from each other and apply pressure up and down at the same time to adjust the neck

2. Two Way. This rod is welded together on one end and threaded on the other end with a metal cap welded over the threaded nut. This allows the nut to push against either the rod or the end of the cap causing the entire rod to flex in one direction to allow adjustment. The nut is covered completely by the welded cap and turns inside the cap. Do not remove this cap, it is part of the design.

Carbon Fiber Rods:

1. Carbon Fiber. Clearly a very light weight and extremely strong non-adjustable neck reinforcement. This rod can be used in combination with a metal truss rod or one or two additional carbon fiber rods in the neck. It allows for very consistent and very straight necks, however, it does require the build to be very precise and consistent, there is not an adjustment once this is installed unless you add a two way or dual action rod to the build. 1.5 million PSI breakpoint and extremely light weight. This is a great option for bass guitars.

Again, this list is simply suggestions for your use. Your specific applications may vary depending on your needs and designs.

Dual Action Rods	Part Number	Instrument setups for this rod
8 3/8"	081232	Mandolin
10 1/4"	081231	Electric Mandolin, Baritone Ukulele, Short scale guitar
12 1/4"	081233	Acoustic Guitar 12 Fret at Neck
12 14"	081233	Resonator Guitars
14 1/4"	081234	Acoustic Guitar 14 Fret at Neck
16 3/4"	081236	Electric Guitars typical 21 fret
18 1/8"	081239	Electric Guitars
18 1/8"	081239	Banjo
19"	081242	Short Scale Bass
20 1/8"	081240	Bass Guitar
23 5/8"	081241	Bass Guitars
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Two Way Rods	Part Number	Instrument setups for this rod
14 1/8"	081204	Acoustic Guitar 14 Fret at Neck
16 3/4"	081206	Electric Guitars typical 21 fret
17 1/4"	081208	Electric Guitars
18 1/8"	081209	Electric Guitars
18 1/8"	081209	Banjo
19 1/8"	081212	Short Scale Bass
22"	081211	Bass Guitar
24"	081210	Bass Guitar
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Carbon Fiber Rods	Part Number	Instrument setups for this rod
14 1/4"	081284	Acoustic Guitars
17 3/4"	081289	Electric Guitars
17 3/4"	081289	Banjo
17 3/4"	081289	Bass Guitar Short Scale
24"	081290	Bass Guitar