Truss rods experience

[renniw]

Hi all,

I'D like to have your experience with several truss rod makers (Stew-mac, luthier mercantile, guitars parts central among others).

Wich one you like the best and why?

[Rodent]

when I'm using one that will be adjusted with a hex wrench I prefer the LMI trussrod for its shallower depth, standard router bit width, and lighter weight

when I need to utilize a spoke wheel adjustment option I utilize the StewMac HotRod since I cannot find another supplier offering this same option

all the best,

R

[wilser]

I also prefer LMI. I tried some of Cliff Bordwell's rods and they were also very good, same design as LMI essentially, but a couple of small different elements in construction. I've had bad luck with stew mac rods the two times I used it and a lot of other builders also don't like them. I am trying some other ones to see what I'll keep using in the future as LMI is definitely not an economical option for large quantities.

[renniw]

Thanks for your response.

I had the stew-mac hot rod twice in my instruments, one success, one failure.

I'll give credit to Stew-mac for replacing the rod right away...

I was going to try something else and I'll go with the LMII rod...

[erikbojerik]

To my eye, the Allied Lutherie rods are the same as the LMI rods.

http://www.alliedlutherie.com/truss_rods.htm

...is what I use.

[Foamy]

I used the Stewmac rod. I chose it because it fit in a flat slot. I adjusts 2 ways as well.

[PaleMelanesian]

I've only used Stewmac. 5 times, no failures over 8 years.

My calculations show the square bar on the LMII rod is about the same cross-sectional area as the round Stewmac rod. I don't think it saves much weight. It is shallower, though, which is a clear benefit.