Installing Carbon Fiber Rods in the Neck of Guitar #56

In this episode of DIY Guitar Making, I install 2 carbon fiber rods on both sides of the truss rod. This gives lateral support to the neck and reinforces it against twisting. I show how I rout out the slots and how I install the carbon fiber inserts.
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[@davidjennings9253]

Hi Eric - I have to say I have never fitted carbon reinforcements in any of my guitars and have never needed to, but If your only reason for fitting them is to resist twisting then the rods should be glued in. Over time when the wood is likely to shrink maybe only in thousenths the carbon rods could move in the wood and not have any effect on the twisting action. As a retired aerospace engineer I have been involved in many fabrications using carbon fibre as reinforcements and unless the stiffeners are properly prepared and adhered to the main structure with the same resin or epoxy then they have little or no effect. I have guitars which I made over forty years ago and the necks have never moved or needed adjustment so my belief is that careful selection of wood and grain direction has more benefit than anything you add. After all you have to remove wood to fit them which in itself briefly takes away some stiffness. I designed my own truss rods in stainless steel back in 1979 which work really well and are similar to the modern two piece types, but require less wood to be removed which I believe is a really significant factor. Great video!

[@Chrisknot94]

Yes, carbon fiber dust is bad for your lungs, however the big, heavy particles collecting on your bench are harmless compared to the super fine, light, invisible dust produced while sawing which spreads throuh the room. Work in a well ventilated area and keep the vacuum on while (!) sawing, with the hose near the cut. A fine particle mask and goggles are also a good idea.

[@merkotan4679]

Hi, really nice idea to go through the neck joint with the rods. I'll definitely try it in my next build. I think that it makes sense to reverse the sequence of operations: first to make slots for the rods and to glue them in, after to make a truss rod slot. Like that you avoid this small distance situation )

[@DavidGonzalez-ts9xf]

You should use epoxy to glue the rods. Otherwise it is not doing all they are suposr to do

[@the_fixer_guy]

very jealous of the view and amount of natural light in your shop!

[@BradRemillard]

It wasn’t shown but did you glue in the strips? If not why not? Also why not do this on all necks? Thanks again. I took your on line course and learned so much. I highly recommend it to anyone thinking about building their first or second guitar. I know I couldn’t have done it without it.

[@anthonyzlahtic6357]

Lots of questions asked...no responses? Here are some answers: - Glue carbon fiber rods in using epoxy - If your neck thickness allows, set the fiber rod in 0.02" deeper and cover with a hardwood strip and sand the strip flat to the surface of the neck

[@mattbeels]

Perfect answer!

[@jimmykunz1]

Nice shop

[@frejeri]

Thanks for sharing your method. I appreciate all your videos

[@jamisonsmith7035]

How strong are the carbon fiber rods, wouldn't they impede the purpose of adjusting the truss rod.

[@leoarjuncrasto]

Hello Eric! Is it possible to reinforce an already built neck? I want to reinforce the neck on my Stratocaster to prevent it from moving unnecessarily during climate change.

[@Landeros2286]

Hello Erick, I have doubts if the carbon fiber dust does not cause itching in your arms and legs? I just used it to remember a neck and it stung my arms and legs.

[@coolcreamykiwi]

Table saw with box joint blade is much quicker and safer imho

[@coldbastard6859]

Eric, I have question: let's say I want to install similar rods in my Orville LP Custom, will this modification prove problematic on a guitar with finish on it? I know I'll have to remove the fretboard to get access to the neck wood but will the guitar have unintended side effects after I glue everything back together?

[@TheBinaryWolf]

I have a 1971 Gerundino flamenco with some neck warping. Do you take on repair work?

[@chillpillology]

Very cool. But how do you know it works? Has it been tested or is it the school of thought like “well it cant hurt”?

[@walterrider9600]

thank you Eric . question please what size was the carbon fiber rods 1/8 x ? and the length ?

[@rasbydorton1]

What router table do you use?

[@hymnplayer]

I really enjoy your videos! Did you glue in the carbon fiber rods? If so what glue did you use? What type or brand of truss rod do you use and how do you glue it in?