Fender Tim Armstrong Hellcat-12 Fender Acoustic Guitar Owner s Manual - Page 27

Set-up Truss Rod Adjustment String tension exerts a tremendous bending force on the guitar neck. Environmental conditions like temperature and humidity may also cause bowing of the neck. Fender acoustic guitars have an adjustable truss rod, running the length of the neck that counteracts this force, strengthens the neck and insures straightness. A truss rod that is too loose will result in a concave neck bow and high playing action, (see illustration 11), and a truss rod that is too tight will result in a convex neck bow and low action with excessive fret buzz, (see illustration 12) Note: Nylon string Classical and Flamenco guitars may or may not have a truss rod depending on the specific model, as nylon strings typically do not develop sufficient tension to cause potentially damaging flexion in the neck. illustration 11 illustration 12 26