Hi everyone,

The neck of my guitar is a tad too concave so I need to tighten my truss rod clockwise (correct?). One problem, when I turn the alley key clockwise, I notice my truss rod gets looser, where as counterclockwise feels a bit tighter.

I just want to make sure I'm doing things right so i don't bust anything.

Suggestions?

Hi Jerry

What model of guitar is this. If it is an American Standard or American Deluxe the answer is probably a simple one. If its anything else dont touch the trussrod again, take it to a repairer.

The trussrod in those guitars is a little different. Its a BiFlex trussrod, as you can probably guess from the name, it flex's both ways. Theres a zero point where the rod is inactive. This is probably what your feeling as the rod getting looser. The neck has been adjusted to increase bow/relief in the past by turning the thing well into the counterclockwise area. It should fix up alright if you go clockwise past the zero point.
If your not that experienced at trussrods its entirely worth taking the guitar to someone who does setups/repair. After all you wouldnt want to ruin a perfectly good guitar by following the advice of some random bloke on the internet.

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No no and no

I have an American Standard. I'll try going by the zero point without forcing anything and it should be fine. Thanks!

If you can take the allen key round clockwise to a point where it feels inactive, your there mate. Remember be gentle, dont force anything. When you get to that point go have a cup of tea or coffee or something. Get back to the guitar after 15 minutes, then try to continue turning the allen key clockwise. 1/8th of a turn at a time until you get it to where it needs to be.
Remember be gentle, and just incase you missed it, BE GENTLE.

Its hard to pinpoint something exactly without putting a hand on the guitar. I could still be wrong and dont want you to suffer because of my advice.

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No no and no

Alright thanks.

I think I'll just turn it bit by bit everyday. I'm in no rush I have other guitars I can jam with.

EDIT: Ya it's fine. I set it up. Getting proper action without fretbuzz now