Bionic Dave Posted June 14, 2009 Report Share Posted June 14, 2009 Hey Guys and Gals I'm in the process of building my second Guitar. Its going to be a PRS 7 String style. My question is do I need to put 2 carbon fiber neck rods in the neck along with the Truss rod for more support? or is it over kill? I will be using a Light top heavy bottom set of strings. And if I do need them do the have to be Carbon fiber and do you know where I can get them besides Stu MAc? Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DC Ross Posted June 14, 2009 Report Share Posted June 14, 2009 What wood are you using for a neck? Quartersawn or flatsawn? Check kite supply places for the CF rods. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SwedishLuthier Posted June 14, 2009 Report Share Posted June 14, 2009 If you have good wood you don't *need* graphite/carbon fiber reinforcement. And don't assume quartersawn is better than flatsawn for necks. Check out Frank Fords (I think is was Frank, can't find it on his site right now...) testing of strength for quartersawn vs flatsawn wood. Flatsawn was something like 50% stronger Anyway, despite what I wrote above I almost always use reinforcement in my necks. Better safe than sorry. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
westhemann Posted June 14, 2009 Report Share Posted June 14, 2009 You know, I rarely use carbon fiber rods anymore...I don't even know anymore if I can tell the difference. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Woodenspoke Posted June 14, 2009 Report Share Posted June 14, 2009 testing of strength for quartersawn vs flatsawn wood. Flatsawn was something like 50% stronger I would not believe everything you read. Wood is wood,I have never seen an article in a reputable magazine which picks a specific cut to be any stronger than another (from the same tree). Its shrinkage and movement thats the key to why quartersawn is better. As far adding rods forget it is not necessary on a 7 string guitar. If it was a bass sure than consider it, as it is a longer neck and the forces acting upon it are much greater. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
erikbojerik Posted June 14, 2009 Report Share Posted June 14, 2009 Its shrinkage and movement thats the key to why quartersawn is better. What Spoke said - and to follow up, the main advantage of CF bars is neck stability over time. CF does not move like wood does in response to heat and humidity, so in 20 years your neck will likely be in better shape if it has CF bars. They are no more difficult to install than a truss rod. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bionic Dave Posted June 14, 2009 Author Report Share Posted June 14, 2009 I'm using a 1.25" x 4" x 35' piece of curly maple for the neck with a rosewood fretboard. Thanks for the input I think I will put CF rods in after all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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