What Tools should I have handy for a Truss Rod Adjustment/ Basic Setup ?

[civilaggie06]

Hi All,

I'm new to building and was wondering what tools you would recommend keeping handy besides the Hex Tools that come with the neck?

Are there any pitfalls to avoid during truss rod adjustments other than the over tightening/under tightening mentioned on http://www.warmoth.com/Guitar/Necks/SideAdjust.aspx ?

Also this is my first time doing my own setup are there any tips or resources/tools or other things I should keep in mind before jumping in?

 

[TBurst Std]

Hi All,

I'm new to building and was wondering what tools you would recommend keeping handy besides the Hex Tools that come with the neck?

Are there any pitfalls to avoid during truss rod adjustments other than the over tightening/under tightening mentioned on http://www.warmoth.com/Guitar/Necks/SideAdjust.aspx ?

Also this is my first time doing my own setup are there any tips or resources/tools or other things I should keep in mind before jumping in?

I’d say get Stewmacs ruler ( I’ll post a link when I can), a set of
Feeler gauges, a capo, and a micrometer.  Those will get you 90% of the way there. 

 

[mayfly]

I'd add a fret rocker, a set of micro screwdrivers, some allen keys (depending on your bridge), a quality guitar tuner, and whatever tool you need to adjust the truss rod 

oh - and a new set of strings.  Intonation does not set very well with worn-out strings.

 

[rolloman]

The article completely misses several things that a newcomer needs to know. First thing is you need a capo, and something to measure the string relief. Someone that has done it numerous times possibly I suppose get really close by eyeballing, but I would not recommend that for a newcomer to the procedure. The basic procedure involves tuning to pitch. Capo at the first fret. Press on the 6th string (low E, largest string) down at the last fret until it touches the fret. Measuring the relief (gap between the string and the top of the 8th fret with feeler gauge. ( I find it much easier to get an accurate measurement using a handheld piece of 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12 gauge guitar string.) over a wider flat feeler gauge. The amount of gap varies from you personal liking to what is recommended by the guitar manufacturer. Here is a link I use and learned how by following. https://support.fender.com/hc/en-us/articles/212774786