FRETS.COM Illustrated Glossary
A simple access plate
Truss Rod Cover
© Frank Ford, 9/6/98 Photos by FF
Gibson was the first company to use an adjustable truss rod in the necks of their
instruments, starting in 1922. Their first truss rod cover had a sort of bell shape,
just like this one:
Recently, Gibson has been enforcing their copyright of this shape, so it's not so
common on other brands.
Most makers use their own designs, and some are quite attractive:
Here, Taylor's truss rod cover is made of the same kind of wood as the peghead veneer
and it blends nicely.
The truss rod cover serves only a cosmetic function, and some makers, such as Fender,
omit the cover entirely.
Back to Glossary
Back to Index Page