I'm considering a Mark Knopfler Artist Series Strat, but I know this model does not have a truss rod. Im wondering if this is a big issue with setting up the action on these guitars. All my others have a truss rod, which does need an adjustment from time to time. Any info would be great.

_________________
"My mind is a raging torrent, flooded with rivulets of thought cascading into a waterfall of creative alternatives." Blazing Saddles...

Who told you the Mark Knopfler doesn't have a truss rod??!?

I think you've been misinformed.

I didnt see one listed in the specs and photos dont show one in the headstock or bottom of the neck. I was told one that many of the Vintage style guitars didnt have one. Please fill me in if you are familiar with this model.

_________________
"My mind is a raging torrent, flooded with rivulets of thought cascading into a waterfall of creative alternatives." Blazing Saddles...

All vintage style guitars have a truss rod. EVen actual vintage guitars have one: your source was wrong.

Look at the photo of the Mark Knopfler model on this website. Look at the place where the fingerboard meets the body. See that little half-moon carved out of the pickguard? That's for access to the truss rod adjustment nut.

It's on the bottom of the body end of the neck, and you can't see it without removing the neck (which most folks do to adjust the rod).

Leo thought, at first, that he could save a manufacturing step (he despised extra steps) by making his necks from hard maple and not installing a truss rod. The first run of Broadcaster came back for warranty claims in huge waves, and he realized that even the hardest maple wasn't going to stand up to the pull of steel strings. So, since then, EVERY Fender has a truss rod.

Its definately got a trussrod. 100% certain of it. Not all heel adjusters are visible. The guitar doesnt have a skunkstripe round the back of the neck, simply because the trussrod wasnt put in that way. The trussrod was put in from the front of the neck before the rosewood board was stuck on.

_________________
No no and no

To amplify SlapChop's point: the Knopfler Sig features a Reissue '60s style neck.

During the '60s Fender moved away from installing trussrods the way they'd done them in the past, carving the slot through the back of the neck and then filling it with a skunk stripe. And also drilling holes at either end of that channel, the one at the headstock filled with a walnut plug, the one at the heel presenting the adjustment nut.

In the '60s they started installing the rod from a channel made from the front which was then capped with a seperate fingerboard, whether rosewood or maple. The plug at the nut was no longer necessary, which is why you don't see it on the Knopfler or other '60s RIs. Rod adjustment was still at the heel (as SlapChop indicated).

However, for a combination of reasons they went back to the skunk stripe method which is used to this day, and also in the '70s moved to rod adjustment at the nut.

In short: the Knopfler Sig has a trussrod. Purchase without worry.

Cheers - C

EDIT: written simultaneously with Niki's post above, and so inadvertently repeating in a wordier way his points...

Thanks for the help. I just ordered one from Musicians Friend on the Fender Friday deal of 999.99.

_________________
"My mind is a raging torrent, flooded with rivulets of thought cascading into a waterfall of creative alternatives." Blazing Saddles...

Thanks to everyone who replied so quickly. I just havent familiarized myself with the vintage style models to this point. Your knowledge and input helped me to make my purchase decision. This was a great deal on this model at M.F. today at $999.99, but they did tell me they are now on backorder as they quickly sold out. Thats okay though, I think it will be worth waiting for. Thanks again...

_________________
"My mind is a raging torrent, flooded with rivulets of thought cascading into a waterfall of creative alternatives." Blazing Saddles...

Hi Randy: congrats - that's a knockdown price on what should be a very neat guitar.

Please be sure to show us when it arrives!

- C

You jumped on the deal early this morning Randy! Congratulations on your MK. Pics when she arrives!

I'll post pics as soon as it arrives. Hopefully the backorder wont be long.

_________________
"My mind is a raging torrent, flooded with rivulets of thought cascading into a waterfall of creative alternatives." Blazing Saddles...

Well done that man. Randy the knop has always been the guitar I wanted, but without the headstock signature (very fickle of me, I know). Congratulations mate. Everyone knows that red ones are faster.

Ceri, theres always room for your elloquent writings that convey excellent thought.

_________________
No no and no