Capri truss rod question
Moderators: rickenbrother, ajish4
Capri truss rod question
Sorry if this has been asked & answered a hundred times; I found lots of info on adjusting the dual truss rods from the 1960s, but nothing helpful so far on this earlier system. I'm not sure if it's functionally any different.
I just acquired a beautiful 335 from 1958, and it has a tiny back bow that I'd like to correct. Loosening the nut like a conventional truss rod has had no effect. Is this like the later truss rods where the relief has to be set manually?
I just acquired a beautiful 335 from 1958, and it has a tiny back bow that I'd like to correct. Loosening the nut like a conventional truss rod has had no effect. Is this like the later truss rods where the relief has to be set manually?
- Ontario_RIC_fan
- Advanced Member
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- Joined: Sat Dec 20, 2008 8:39 pm
Re: Capri truss rod question
I don't own a Capri...
I think it certainly an old Style truss rod.
Do a search here on "adjusting old style Truss rods"
You loosen the rod. Then manually move the neck into position. Then you tighten the truss rod to hold it in place.
You DO NOT turn the truss rod to adjust the neck. Trying that may pop the fretboard or crack the neck.
I would love see more images of your Capri.
I think it certainly an old Style truss rod.
Do a search here on "adjusting old style Truss rods"
You loosen the rod. Then manually move the neck into position. Then you tighten the truss rod to hold it in place.
You DO NOT turn the truss rod to adjust the neck. Trying that may pop the fretboard or crack the neck.
I would love see more images of your Capri.
Brian Morton
A Rickenbacker Fan
in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
=========================
67 FG 625
74 JG 4000
76 JG 430
77 JG 620
77 JG 320
79 MG 450
79 JG 4001
80 FG 620/12
81 BG 480
91 JG 610
02 BG 620
78 TR7
83 TR25
A Rickenbacker Fan
in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
=========================
67 FG 625
74 JG 4000
76 JG 430
77 JG 620
77 JG 320
79 MG 450
79 JG 4001
80 FG 620/12
81 BG 480
91 JG 610
02 BG 620
78 TR7
83 TR25
Re: Capri truss rod question
Thanks - I managed to put a little relief back into the neck. I think what's left is due to a hump in the fretboard, but it's so tiny that it's not even worth dressing the frets over.
I can accommodate that:Ontario_RIC_fan wrote:I would love see more images of your Capri.
Re: Capri truss rod question
It looks like there are two nuts there, and then (probably) the spacer. Did you loosen both nuts?
PS - The photos just popped up. Very nice guitar!
PS - The photos just popped up. Very nice guitar!
Re: Capri truss rod question
Strange as it may sound, that larger-diameter nut is actually just a spacer that spins freely.
Re: Capri truss rod question
Does the spacer actually spin freely? I would think the force of the ends of the rods would be bearing against it.
Re: Capri truss rod question
Not so strange; a smart way to regain potentially usable threads on the rod.
(Man, can't get over how nice the guitar is....)
(Man, can't get over how nice the guitar is....)
Re: Capri truss rod question
It spins only when the nut is loosened, not when everything's tightened up.
- antipodean
- Senior Member
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- Joined: Wed Jan 09, 2008 1:27 am
Re: Capri truss rod question
Correcting a chronic back bow (however small) when you have no truss rod adjustment left can be done the hard way or the easy way. The hard way involves heat treatment and expense. The easy way is to move to higher tensions strings. I went the easy way on an old Fender Jaguar and it works fine, as long as you're happy with higher tension strings.
What gauge do you have on the Capri at the moment?
What gauge do you have on the Capri at the moment?
"I don't want to sound incredulous but I can't believe it" Rex Mossop
Re: Capri truss rod question
I have 11s on it now. I'm going to leave the neck as it is; it's perfectly playable now.
- antipodean
- Senior Member
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- Joined: Wed Jan 09, 2008 1:27 am
Re: Capri truss rod question
Good to hear. If it's perfectly playable, it's perfect!nmiller wrote:I have 11s on it now. I'm going to leave the neck as it is; it's perfectly playable now.
"I don't want to sound incredulous but I can't believe it" Rex Mossop
- chefothefuture
- Advanced Member
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- Joined: Sun Oct 30, 2005 6:00 am
Re: Capri truss rod question
maxwell wrote:It looks like there are two nuts there, and then (probably) the spacer. Did you loosen both nuts?
PS - The photos just popped up. Very nice guitar!
It is not a spacer. It is a thrust bearing. When the adjusting nut is tightened it needs a bearing surface, otherwise it would bind up or move off of the passive end of the truss rod.
Re: Capri truss rod question
Very nice early Capri. I have one from early 1959 that looks very similar, though the soundhole on yours appears to be a bit longer: