I have a 63 CG that is in mint condition. It was purchased new by my grandfather and passed down to me. A friend has told me that I need to check the truss rod to make sure it doesn't need an adjustment. I have had some issues just recently with intonation, but I have also heard that humidity affects these guitars worse than most others. Can anyone offer their advice on what I should do. 
Truss Rod Maintenance...Please Help.
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Jul 2, 2009 3:47 p.m. Rob_Bruns:
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Jul 2, 2009 3:52 p.m. Curt:
Intonation issues are more likely caused by bridge placement. Have you ever adjusted your bridge?
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Jul 2, 2009 3:54 p.m. The Norm:
While this is about acoustic guitars a guitar is a guitar and Frank explians truss rods and how to set proper relief in great detail here truss rod adjustment
Intonation has more to do with bridge placement and freshness of strings than it does rod adjsutment. I've had my Gent for over forty years and I don't think I've ever had to tweak the truss rod. Working at Gelb's years ago I got quite good at it and it is definitely a learned skill
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Jul 2, 2009 4:08 p.m. superaxe63:
Yup intonation is all about particular string length and solved at the bridge. To check your neck relief clamp a capo at the 1st fret and hold down your low E high up the neck. Sight through the neck, if the string touches the frets in the middle of the neck, the neck has back bow and the rod probably needs loosening. If there is a large gap the rod needs to be tightened to create tension versus string pull. It all comes down to prefrence really and string gauge. Only tighten the rod in 1/4 turns or less at a time then let it settle. If it feels tight, it is and stop. I have seen rods burst through the fret board! It also should be done along with action and bridge placement. Here in the Uk we dont have the same humidity problems that you get in the US. I have heard that some players do seasonal adjustments. with a 63 guitar that you have never adjusted i would probably take to a tech. Hope that helps.
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Jul 2, 2009 4:32 p.m. Rob_Bruns:
Curt, I have adjusted the bridge a couple of times, and check it quite frequently. The only time I ever seem to have this issue is when it I take it out of my house. Any ideas?
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Jul 2, 2009 4:35 p.m. Rob_Bruns:
My concern is that while my Grandfather let the guitar set after his health started fading, that the thermal expansion took place and might have relieved tension of the truss rod itself. Do you think this is even possible?
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Jul 2, 2009 4:37 p.m. Curt:
Stay inside?
Just kidding... The top does move with changes but if you do a quick E to E check both open and 12th fret you should be close.
How good is the action where the neck meets the body? And when you sight down the neck how does it look?
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Jul 2, 2009 4:38 p.m. Rob_Bruns:
SuperAxe: I checked this exactly the way you explained and got about a millimeter gap. Personally, I think that is fine. Any less and I could get fret buzz, any more and it would be a bare to play. Is this correct. Would it still be wise for me to have the tension checked? I just dont want to do irrepairable damage to the guiatrs neck.
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Jul 2, 2009 4:41 p.m. Rob_Bruns:
The strings are a little higher at the bottom of the neck than I like, but not terribly bad. You are right about staying inside. Even though this guitar is one of greatest Icons ever made, I still believe a guitar is made to be played. I hope we all agree on that?
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Jul 2, 2009 6:53 p.m. troy6120:
Rob_Bruns said: I still believe a guitar is made to be played. I hope we all agree on that?
Play that sucker! Get the action how you like it, and play that sucker for all it's worth.
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Jul 2, 2009 7:03 p.m. Curt:
No, no no, guitars are built to be left in their cases under your bed or in you closet but you MUST over tighten the strings first.
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Jul 2, 2009 8:44 p.m. Rob_Bruns:
After all is said and done, do you guys think I need to have the truss rod checked?
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Jul 2, 2009 9:00 p.m. Curt:
The truss rod isn't going to have an affect on it playing differently out side and in. Seasonally yes, I usually have to tweak the truss rod in the winter and summer because of swings in humidity. It wouldn't hurt for someone to have a look though.
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Jul 3, 2009 4:19 a.m. Ratrod:
I would suggest you have it set up by a pro.
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Jul 3, 2009 5:20 a.m. superaxe63:
Does the guitar have a zero fret? You can lower the nut if you find it hard to grab chords in the ist position. I think Ratrod is right with a 63 Gent its gotta be worth spending a bit on it with a pro.
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Jul 3, 2009 6:32 a.m. twangmeisternyc:
If you know what kind of strings you like best...buy a set, and take it to someone you know who can give it a proper onceover and set-up.
A 45 year old guitar mint CG that hasn't had anybody elses educated eyes on it is worthy of $80 for a good cleaning, fret and fret board conditioning, contact cleaner in the pots, set-up, etc. Also, giving the truss rod nut a turn each way to break it free, would be a good thing.
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Jul 3, 2009 9:24 p.m. Rob_Bruns:
Thanks guys. I was going to cautiously attempt it myself, but I will heed your opinions. I would never want to do anything that would potentially cause damage to my pride and joy. I knew if I consulted real Gretsch owners, I would get good advise! Thanks again to all of you!!!
