Truss rod in tenor guitar

[Lonnie B]

My first build has to be a Tenor. It's for my cousin out in California. I've done some research on Tenors. Have basically everything to get started. My question to the forum. Will it be necessary for a truss rod? I'll just let you guys chime in please.

[ken cierp]

Better safe than sorry -- yes of course install a truss rod.

[Lonnie B]

Thanks Ken. Yeah I thought so. I was looking at Tenor guitar strings online and they're very small gauge. About like a set of banjo strings. But the practice will be good for me.

[ken cierp]

Even tenor banjos have truss rods

http://elderly.com/vintage/items/80U-2625.htm

[Lonnie B]

I didn't know that for sure. Back in the sixties an old man gave me an old Gibson Tenor banjo to play for awhile. I don't remember whether it had a truss rod or not. It was a fine old banjo. Hated to have to give it back to him. He couldn't play it but it had sentimental value. So I had it about a year or more. But started to move away so I returned it to him. Thanked him for allowing me to keep it for so long. He told me he was glad it got played and I'll put it back in the closet. A beautiful old instrument. I tuned it DGBD played like a five string.

[Lonnie B]

Ok here is the $64,000 question. I've heard too's and fro's concerning truss rods. Where would be a good choice for me to purchase a truss rod. Does Ken sell them? Do they come in different sizes? Etc,etc,. I have no knowledge of a truss rod other then righty tighty,lefty loosey. Ain't that pitiful?

[ken cierp]

A 12 1/4" or 14 1/4" depending on the length of the neck and where its attached to the body -- SM Hot Rod is very easy to install, (comes with instructions) I think all you need is a standard 1/4" router bit.