Ok, I have my supplys on order for my tenor build. I was thinking of adding a truss rod to the neck. Any ideas on what I need? or where I can get one?
Truss rod for tenor build
- Thread starter gspears
- Start date
loondoo
Member
Hi, I'm working on my first tenor build myself, and was thinking the same thing! Stewart MacDonald sells some carbon fiber rods that could work with a ukulele I'm sure. Here's the link, Good luck and let us know how your build goes! http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Truss_rods/Carbon_fiber.html
OP
OP
I was thinking of adding an adjustable truss rod. Any info for that?
Moore Bettah Ukuleles
Well-known member
Why?.........
Pete Howlett
Well-known member
Look guys - read through threads and posts before asking questions like this. I don't know the exact figure but I think the tension on a uke neck is less than 40lb. If you have the Stewmac kit you've got a piece of quite hard mahogany haven't you? Tried bending it? Go -on - give it a go and see if you can deflect is at all... there's your answer!
I've just read a great article on truss rods on Roger Bucknall's website - fyldeguitars.com. Go read
I've just read a great article on truss rods on Roger Bucknall's website - fyldeguitars.com. Go read
Timbuck
Well-known member
Soak Diluted Viagra into the grain before you fit the fingerboard..That should do the job.
Kekani
Well-known member
I was going to say if you're planning on installing a truss rod on an `ukulele, make the neck out of something soft, or thin it out to the point that you can flex it so you can actually use the truss rod. But, if you do that, your structural integrity will be to question.
That being said, I've actually done research on truss rods, and will go with a dual action (from BestBassGear.com) in my current neck through build. Of course, I'll have dual CF rods as well. I would be concerned about installing a truss rod in an `ukulele because you'll have to make the neck thicker to accomodate the rod, especially if you're going to use it (you can blow out the back of the neck, or FB). Short of making your own, I think you can get the parts sourced at metal supply shops etc, and make your own.
Of course you know this response was just for conversation. . .
Aaron
That being said, I've actually done research on truss rods, and will go with a dual action (from BestBassGear.com) in my current neck through build. Of course, I'll have dual CF rods as well. I would be concerned about installing a truss rod in an `ukulele because you'll have to make the neck thicker to accomodate the rod, especially if you're going to use it (you can blow out the back of the neck, or FB). Short of making your own, I think you can get the parts sourced at metal supply shops etc, and make your own.
Of course you know this response was just for conversation. . .
Aaron
Moore Bettah Ukuleles
Well-known member
Choose your wood wisely, use it correctly, shape it properly, set the action, angle and relief precisely, install a reinforcement rod if you must (and I must) and you'll be just fine unless you're building tiples or otherwise breaking the rules. Anything else is a waste of my time in my never humble opinion.
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Pete Howlett
Well-known member
Oooh err...
thistle3585
Well-known member
You can get custom length dual action truss rods that are adjustable at the headstock from Cumberland Acoustic. Keep in mind if you want to add a truss rod then you have to have a thicker neck and headstock which in turn means you will need different tuners. At a minimum, the thickness of the neck below the nut has to be at least 5/8" and that's if you don't have a spacer between the fretboard and truss rod.
loondoo
Member
Look guys - read through threads and posts before asking questions like this. I don't know the exact figure but I think the tension on a uke neck is less than 40lb. If you have the Stewmac kit you've got a piece of quite hard mahogany haven't you? Tried bending it? Go -on - give it a go and see if you can deflect is at all... there's your answer!
I've just read a great article on truss rods on Roger Bucknall's website - fyldeguitars.com. Go read
Great to know that the tension on a tenor isn't that high, Pete. I was wondering as well whether I needed to reinforce the neck on my first tenor uke build, and glad to see that I probably don't, since I'm not really equipped to do much routing at the moment! Thanks! Terry
Tarhead
Well-known member
Thanks gspears for asking this question and thanks for the replies from the experienced members! As you probably will notice this is my first post here and preparing to build my first instrument. This is one of about 11 million questions I have before I place an order with StewMac.
My concern is not about string tension but with wood movement over time. For Pete, Chuck and others with longterm build experience: Do QS necks move enough to warrant a small strip or "T" of carbon fiber or other stiffener? It will add a very small amount of cost and time to my build. Would you inlay it in a "T" configuration to prevent lateral and forward/backward motion or a single strip vertically ? Tempest in a Teapot?
Thanks!
My concern is not about string tension but with wood movement over time. For Pete, Chuck and others with longterm build experience: Do QS necks move enough to warrant a small strip or "T" of carbon fiber or other stiffener? It will add a very small amount of cost and time to my build. Would you inlay it in a "T" configuration to prevent lateral and forward/backward motion or a single strip vertically ? Tempest in a Teapot?
Thanks!
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BR Ukuleles
Well-known member
I use a single bar of CF at 1/8" x 3/8". It's incredibly stiff and overkill for a uke, but they go in as insurance anyway.
Timbuck
Well-known member
If you split the neck blank down the centre line...Then reverse the two halves so the grain runs in opposite direction..Then insert a hardwood laminate stripe (rosewood or ebony) like wot i did on this "Banjo uke"..the neck is going nowhere and any other stiffening is futile.
luvzmocha
Well-known member
If you split the neck blank down the centre line...Then reverse the two halves so the grain runs in opposite direction..Then insert a hardwood laminate stripe (rosewood or ebony) like wot i did on this "Banjo uke"..the neck is going nowhere and any other stiffening is futile.
That is beautiful work. Is there a sample of the sound?
Thanks,
thistle3585
Well-known member
You're over thinking it. Just build the thing.
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