Gutiar Truss Rod, Single Action or 2 Way Truss Rod, Which Is Better?

People often argue that if single action or 2 way truss rod is better. In our opinion, it is not so proper to define truss rod like that, although double action truss rod is more and more popular nowadays.

To answer this question, it is better for us to inspect how does truss rod work firstly. Then, we will go to compare weight, set up work, etc. to illustrate the difference between the two types of guitar truss rod.

At last, through our efforts, hope this can help you to make a right choice.

How Does a Guitar Truss Rod Work?

The guitar truss rod is one of the most important parts of acoustic or electric guitar. Because it enables us to adjust guitar neck to maintain its comfortability and durability.

Then, here comes a question: how does a guitar truss rod work?

Through turning the truss rod nut, the truss rod bends forward or backward inside the guitar neck. By this adjustment of bending, the truss rod can correct the shape of the neck to counteract the strings’ pull as they will cause the bow of the neck.

Single Action VS 2 Way Truss Rod

Traditionally, we use single action truss rod to adjust guitar neck. As its named, the single action truss rod means the guitar neck rod can only be adjusted along one direction. However, we can also find more and more 2 way truss rod inside the neck which can be adjusted along both forward and backward direction.

So, which one is better or which one you should use?

In our opinion, it is better to choose one that fits for your design.

Weight of Truss Rod

With the same length, single action truss rod is normally lighter than dual action truss rod.

Single action truss rod usually consists of a single piece of steel threaded on one end to receive an adjustment nut and washer. This makes a lighter weight.

Though dual action truss rod comes in several different forms, all sharing one thing: an additional rod or metal bar above the main truss rod. This requires more weight.

Setting Up Difference?

Both of two types of guitar truss rod require to route the slot in the neck to place the truss rod. And to mount both single way truss trod and double way truss rod,

However, mounting of single action truss rod heavily depends on the density of wood density. Not all types of wood material is suitable for using single action truss rod. Especially those are easily affected by moisture.

Dual action truss rod ls less affected by moisture. But compare with single action truss rod, it requires to remove more wood when mounting.

We recommend 001A Double Action Truss Rod, feel free to CONTACT US to get discounted quote.

Final Thoughts

When we start building acoustic guitar, we use single action truss rod since it is a tradition, or as a standard. But soon we have found the problems of single action truss rod. Then, we alter to double action truss rod.

But that doesn’t mean single action truss rod is out of the day. It is still found in many guitars’ necks today. It depends on the wood you are using, consideration of affection of moisture, and most importantly, your designation.