Special tool for Huss & Daltons?

[Transylvania]

I just received a Huss and Dalton (used) that needs a truss rod adjustment. The problem is, the slot is too short to get a normal Allen wrench into the hole. This is a 000 model (truss rod adjustment above the nut). Any thoughts would be appreciated. Great little guitar, but G string buzzes like an angry bee and action is REALLY low across the board.

Thanks in advance,

Frank

[Kerbie]

Congratulations on your H&D 000… tell us about it.

I don't know the answer to your question, other than to say that you can certainly contact them and I'm pretty sure you'll get a response. They sometimes post here, but they are very receptive to personal contacts on the web or the phone.

[Transylvania]

Originally Posted by kerbie

Congratulations on your H&D 000… tell us about it.

Hoping I can get it adjusted so that it will be a keeper. Right now? A bit frustrated.

[PTC Bernie]

Originally Posted by Transylvania

I just received a Huss and Dalton (used) that needs a truss rod adjustment. The problem is, the slot is too short to get a normal Allen wrench into the hole.

Frank

Hi Frank! I'm having trouble envisioning what you're describing. Alen wrenches are typilcally "L" shaped, with one leg being shorter then the other. Are you saying that neither leg is long enough to reach the head of the Allen screw/nut?

If that's the issue you should be able to find the proper sized Allen Driver ( think a screw driver handle on a long allen wrench ) cheaply at Harbor Freight or some similar shop.

There seems to be a bit of confusion on the web whether 1/8" or 9/64" is e correct size.

Hope that helps.

[Transylvania]

Thanks Bernie. Yes, I am trying to get the short side of the "L", but the shot is not tapered, but an oval. As far as the actual size, won't really know until I can find something short enough to work it into the hole.

[Halcyon/Tinker]

Grind the short leg down even further...

[Bearclaw Spruce]

I don't quite get what you mean by the slot being too short - do you mind posting a picture? FWIW Huss & Dalton's standard series truss rods use 7/32" Allen wrenches:

http://www.stewmac.com/Luthier_Tools..._Hex_Keys.html

[PTC Bernie]

Originally Posted by Transylvania

Thanks Bernie. Yes, I am trying to get the short side of the "L", but the shot is not tapered, but an oval. As far as the actual size, won't really know until I can find something short enough to work it into the hole.

Ah, ok, I think I understand what you're up against.

You might try what they call "Ball End" Allen wrenches. The end is cut in such a way that you can angle then into the head of the screw and still turn it. You don't have to go straight in.

"Grind it shorter" may sound good, but hardened metals are a pain to grind.

[Toby Walker]

I use an Alen wrench that's L shaped with no problem at all on my 2 H&Ds.

[Guitar1083]

Originally Posted by Transylvania

I just received a Huss and Dalton (used) that needs a truss rod adjustment. The problem is, the slot is too short to get a normal Allen wrench into the hole. This is a 000 model (truss rod adjustment above the nut). Any thoughts would be appreciated. Great little guitar, but G string buzzes like an angry bee and action is REALLY low across the board.

Thanks in advance,

Frank

call them and ask them if they can send you a tool.
I'm sure they will

[vic@leftiesonly]

There's a brace in the way ... loosen the strings, lay down a soft cloth on a table and put the guitar on its side with the soundhole facing you. You will be able to reach your hand inside easily, and should be able to touch the neck block where the hole for the wrench is. Now that you know where it is, put the tool in there.

They have a helpful diagram on their website.

http://www.hussanddalton.com/care.html

[Johnny Alien]

The OP mentioned the truss rod nut is at the headstock.

[PTC Bernie]

I love the line on their Care page. "Warning! Do not cut your guitar in half to gain access to the truss rod!"

Gotta love a company with. Sense of humour

[Transylvania]

Thanks for everyone's input. Huss & Dalton is sending me what I need. Heard from them in less than 1 hour. Good customer service!

[Kerbie]

That's great to hear. Not surprising… they really are very enjoyable folks to work with.

I've played that guitar you've got and loved it, so I hope it works out well for you. I have that one's little brother… an all-Mahogany 00, so I know how wonderful they are to play.