Tech: Truss rod on a Takamine Guitar (G-Series

Subject: Tech: Truss rod on a Takamine Guitar (G-Series
From: GUEST,Beachcomber
Date: 14 Apr 23 - 07:28 AM

I recently bought a Takamine guitar which has a rather high action. I found that the truss rod socket is far wider than the normal allen key size. Is this usual for these guitars ? I'm hesitant to try to adjust it until I know more about this type.

Subject: RE: Tech: Truss rod on a Takamine Guitar (G-Series
From: GUEST,Ray
Date: 14 Apr 23 - 11:35 AM

Adjusting the truss rod will not reduce the “rather high action”, it will simply reduce or increase the amount of neck relief (bow). If the action is too high and the nut is correctly set, you need to reduce the bridge/saddle height first. If it’s already as low as it can go, the neck may need to be re-set which is a job for a luthier and will potentially cost more than the guitar is worth.

To answer your question, if the truss rod pocket is wide, it may well have a nut rather than an allen key socket - take the cover off and have a look. I’ve never owned a Takamine so I wouldn’t know.

Subject: RE: Tech: Truss rod on a Takamine Guitar (G-Series
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 14 Apr 23 - 11:50 AM

As Ray says, contrary to what a lot of people mistakenly believe, the truss-rod is not used to set 12th-fret action, it is used to set the amount of relief (forward bow in the neck). If the neck relief is within range (usually 0.005” - 0.010”(although some players like less, and some like more relief) you should leave the rod well alone.

The triumvirate of set-up adjustments is (in order)…

1) check relief, adjust if necessary.
2) check heights of nut-slots (capo between 2nd and 3rd fret, string clearance over the 1st fret should be 0.002” - 0.003”). Adjust if necessary - unless you have experience in nut-work, this is best left to a good tech/luthier.
3) check action at 12th fret (gap between top of fret and bottom surface of strings) - adjust saddle height as necessary. Remember that you need to remove double the amount from the saddle as you wish to adjust 12th fret action by (it’s basic geometry).

Hope this helps.

Subject: RE: Tech: Truss rod on a Takamine Guitar (G-Series
From: Stanron
Date: 14 Apr 23 - 11:50 AM

I got a G series maybe ten years ago. The action was too high. I took the strings off, removed the saddle and found several spacers underneath. I removed most of these and the action came down to an acceptable level. Maybe you will find the same.

Subject: RE: Tech: Truss rod on a Takamine Guitar (G-Series
From: GUEST,Ray
Date: 14 Apr 23 - 01:46 PM

I’d agree with Stanron. Most - even high level - instruments leave the factory with their action too high; on the basis that it’s usually easier to shave a bit off than to put some back.

I bought a Collings mandola some years ago. Not only was the nut too high there wasn’t enough adjustment in the bridge to get it low enough to my liking. Instrument set-ups are always a matter of personal preference.

Subject: RE: Tech: Truss rod on a Takamine Guitar (G-Series
From: GUEST,Beachcomber
Date: 17 Apr 23 - 07:27 AM

Thank you all who commented but, particularly Stanron. Your solution by removing "spacers" under the saddles exactly did the job for me. Many thanks.
However, although I won't be interfering with it, the Truss rod end for adjustment (which is situated in the Soundhole rather than in the headstock) is still a puzzle, being much greater, in diameter, than any other guitar that I've seen ???

Now, how do I reduce the "BOW" in a (Nylon strung) Spanish Guitar that has no Trussrod and the saddle of which is already as low as is practical and utility ?

Subject: RE: Tech: Truss rod on a Takamine Guitar (G-Series
From: Stanron
Date: 17 Apr 23 - 11:31 AM

Is the 'bow' in the neck area alone or is it in the join between the neck and the body? If it's in the neck alone there is possibly a simple solution. If it's in the join between the neck and the body then the guitar needs what is called a 'neck reset' and that is a big job, usually only worth doing on a top class guitar.

A bow in the neck alone can be fixed fairly easily if the fretboard was originally glued on with hot hide glue. It needs clamps, a strong straight edge and heat lamps. Both of these jobs are best done by a luthier and probably won't come cheap.

Subject: RE: Tech: Truss rod on a Takamine Guitar (G-Series
From: GUEST,Ray
Date: 17 Apr 23 - 02:13 PM

Truss rod adjustment through the soundhole? Not that unusual - I have three guitars loke that; all built by Santa Cruz. Have a look Here but you’ll likely need a different sized socket!