Hey all,

It looks like the truss rod plug on my American Strat is starting to pop out.

I had it adjusted by my local gold level service shop, and I recall the owner saying that he had trouble getting the action low last time I had it set up, and he ended up having to dress my frets.

So, I sort of think maybe he was a little overzealous in his adjustments or whatever.

Is this a possibility?

Also, would something like a blown plug be an easy fix, or are we talking new neck?

Anyway, I appreciate any guidance or answers you guys could give me.

Welcome!

It's really worth noting that just because one takes their guitar to a gold, silver or whatever level service facility, it should NOT be taken as a given that the individual working on the guitar is on par with the level awarded them by whichever manufacturer. Yes, many are, but again, many are not. With so many of these places, it's the luck of the draw and there are many reasons why such deficiencies can, do and will continue to exist.

One example of many: A seasoned tech is the pivotal point which gets the store awarded a gold level certification. This person leaves for whatever reason and is not replaced by someone of equal knowledge/experience.

The manufacturer has no way of knowing this.

The store still has the certification but some 19 year old, part time teacher who once managed to successfully wire a pickup in his guitar now claims the title. On the sly, he buys books in an attempt to figure out what he's doing. He practices on the general public's instruments for better or for worse (usually, the latter). Now, as long as the clientele doesn't complain, the store owner is happy because he'll be paying this amateur little or nothing at all instead of having to shell out decent money to the aforesaid genuine professional.

But I digress.

Usually, a truss rod plug gets roughed up or knocked loose due to the wrong tool being used and/or the tool user's lack of skilled touch. It's an easy fix though: Put a little Elmer's WHITE glue (or equivalent), NOT WOOD glue on the plug and reseat it. Wipe off the excess and it's residue with a damp paper towel, then switching over to a dry paper towel to totally remove any remaining moisture. This will solve the problem and no, you don't need a new neck.

Indeed, there are times when frets have to be leveled and/or compound radiused in order to get action lower. It's been my experience however that with American Series Strats, unless the frets are REALLY worn unevenly, there's no need for fret work.

My disclaimer: I know nothing about whom you took your guitar to. That facility may very well be a fantastic facility along with all fantastic personnel. Unfortunately, there are more hacks out there than there are genuine, seasoned professionals. Obviously, sight unseen, it's tough to evaluate your guitar's recent service 'experiences' either before and after.

Yes, I'm a bit cynical but that's what 40 years of experience has reinforced upon me.

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I see that you are over in Central Jersey, as am I.

I don't want to bash the shop I went to, but I am starting to feel like it is largely a training ground for young techs. So, you can't really be sure who is doing the work and their level of experience.

I have nothing against the young turks learning their craft, but I feel like this might have been the issue this time around.

Do you have a suggestion for an awesome tech in Central NJ?

I rest my case.

Actually, I did know someone but he's retiring and moving away.

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