Hey all you Baldwin-Ode lovers out there! I have a question - which way do you turn the adjustment wrench on an Ode Style D with the Burns? adjuster? Is it the opposite of a normal truss rod? My advancing age makes me forget! Thanks!!!
6 Comments |
 | stanger says:
8/20/2014 6:50:04 PM
Clockwise to tighten, counter clockwise to loosen.
Always remember that the gears are made of pot metal. When tightening, I always put some down-pressure on the peghead to take some of the stress off the gears. if one breaks, you're screwed.
Another thing to remember is the Ode necks are very stiff to begin with, due to the vertical multi-laminations in them. I have seen only 2 necks that needed any truss rod adjustment, and in both necks, no more than 1/4 turn was needed. In both instances, even with the help of the gearing, it took some torque from my hand to straighten the truss rod- more than it does a Gibson.
A third thing to remember is the gearbox very often has accumulated grunge in it after so many years. I drop a few drops of 3-In-1 oil down the hole and allow it some time to penetrate before I try to adjust the neck.
Once broken, the truss rod is nonadjustable. Tommy George has removed a couple, and major heel surgery is required to do it. Care must be taken.
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cactus says:
8/21/2014 5:53:38 AM
Thank you for that information, I will take care with the adjustment. It all boils down to my desire for a bit more relief in the neck to reduce buzzing during aggressive playing. This neck is very stiff and straight, as you describe, due to it's laminated construction. I wonder if a bit of relief is something that can be achieved. Switching to a bridge that is a bit taller does help.
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| stanger says:
8/21/2014 10:52:45 AM
Hi, cactus…
Before tinkering with the truss rod, I suggest trying a heavier gauge string set. Sometimes only 1 gauge heavier takes away that buzzing you mentioned.
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cactus says:
8/21/2014 12:17:32 PM
Good suggestion! I am currently using Vega medium gauge and I am an advocate of using the heavier gauges on all my guitars and banjos simply because of tonality. I believe that the thicker the string, the more tone is available as well as the ability to develop an even greater dynamic range. I have not considered their added benefit to clarity. Heavy gauge banjo strings are not readily available in my area, I'll have to order them. I will post my results as soon as I have put them on! Once again I thank you for your interest. Your expertise on the subject of Baldwin and Odes is well known and truly is a great asset to this forum.
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| stanger says:
8/21/2014 12:51:52 PM
I like the Vegas a lot, too. I suggest trying a set of the Gibson Earl Scruggs mediums- they're pretty heavy. Another set heavier than the Vegas are the John Pearse mediums.
I'm using the Pearse extra long mediums on an Ode longneck. Their gauge makes the strings feel very solid.
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cactus says:
8/30/2014 6:45:39 PM
Hey folks! I have an update for Mr. Stanger. I have acquired a set of Gibson Steel/Monel banjo strings with stainless steel 3rd and Monel wound 4th, gauges are 12,14,16,25 and 11. I like these strings very much. The buzzing has been reduced a great deal. Thanks again for your suggestion. Happy Labor Day!
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