User Manual

8
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.
Gretsch
®
guitars (excluding Lap Steels)
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, (action too high) and
a truss rod that is too tight will result in a
convex neck bow (low action and fret buzz).
Should the neck of your guitar require
adjustment,  rst remove the rod cover
located on the headstock above the nut.
(The guitar should remain tuned to pitch
during this procedure.) For
Professional
Series
instruments, insert an 8mm-5/16”
Gretsch truss rod adjustment wrench, (or
an equivalent nut driver.)
See illustration
4.
For
Historic and Synchromatic Series
instruments, use a 5mm-3/16” hex wrench.
If the neck has a concave bow, tighten the
truss rod nut by turning it clockwise.
If the neck is humped or has a convex bow,
loosen the truss rod nut by turning it counter
clockwise.
Adjust the rod only a partial turn at a time,
allow time for the wood to settle and sight
down the neck after each adjustment. Be
careful not to over-tighten the rod.
If you meet excessive resistance or if you
have any doubts in your ability to make
this adjustment correctly, take your guitar
to an Authorized FMIC Service Center.
Please note: Truss rod adjustments are
considered to be routine maintenance and
will not be covered under the Gretsch
warranty.
Illustration 4.
Showing adjustment with 5/16” nut driver on
Professional Series instrument.
Adjustment of Action
String height and tension typically
determine the ease with which the strings
can be depressed. This description of
playability is usually called the “action”, and
is determined by the distance between the
strings and the frets.
Remove truss
rod cover from
headstock. Using
appropriate tool,
turn rod nut
gently.
Truss rod cover.