Where is the truss rod adjustment on the Avalon A201?

[nexialist]

Is it a special tool?

I did not get one with the used A201 I recently bought.

The relief is a little too much (.010") and I'd like to tighten it.

What is the factrory relief setting?

Thanks,

Dan

[dave]

The truss rod is accessed via the sound hole at the top of the neck block behind the main brace, some manufacturers simply drill a hole though this brace for access but since this brace is for structural integrity we feel drilling a hole through it undermines its entire purpose. Therefore in order to adjust the truss rod you will require a 5mm ball end hexdriver resembling a screwdriver with a small ball on the end, this can then be inserted at an angle thus avoiding the brace. These are available from any good hardware or auto shop. We actually set the relief at 0.11". We measure this by fingering the bottom E at the 1st fret and then the same E string at the 14th fret using the small finger of the right hand, a gap appearing around the 7th fret between the bottom of the string and the top of the fret will be the relief. Please note we do not set necks dead flat or this would create buzzing. We set guitars up with Daddario .12 to .53 strings. Please also note that this truss rod is a bi-flex design, model TFC375 made by Gotoh. Turn right ( clockwise ) to move the neck back decreasing the relief or in the case of the neck being too straight turn it left ( anti clockwise ) to bring the neck forward thus increasing the relief.

[nexialist]

Thanks Dave,,

I'm glad I didn't try sticking my straight allen drivers in there.

I like my relief at about .007 but we'll see what sounds best and is comfortable.

Ever the tweaker, I will also get rid of that tusq saddle (that what it is?) and put in some real bone. That should smooth out the highs.

Very nicely made guitar though...You guys over there make some fine guitars.

Thanks,

Dan

[JRenn19]

Hey Dan

Unless I'm mistaken, I think you might need to rethink installing a bone saddle if you want to smooth out the trebles. From what I understand, bone saddles are denser than most TUSQ saddles, therefore string energy is transfered to the top more effectively. This would result in longer sustain and a brighter tone. Your basses should sound a little bolder and rounder, however, which might be worth the install. I am only a semi-professional player, though, and may be wrong. Check with a professional before doing anything. Hopefully JB will respond to this with an accurate and trustworthy response to what I just said. Hope I helped. God bless you and all who read this. [/quote]

[JRenn19]

Wow I'm almost a year late, aren't I? Still JB, can you tell me if I'm right or wrong about that? I want to make sure I'm using good logic...

[JB]

well ... "smoothing out the highs" or "rounding of the highs" is what a bone nut should do when fitted in place of a Tusq nut.

The Tusq material is extremely hard, if you drop it on a hard surface it sounds like glass, but very hard wearing and lasts a loooong time

I prefer bone