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specifically the double-action rod like the one StewMac sells.

It's stated that the active rod must be installed below the passive rod.

I can't seem to understand any reasoning other than it would operate "backwards"
if installed with the active rod on top or closest to fretboard.

Am I missing something? Is it force coming into contact at the wrong place?

Nope. It'll adjust backwards, but it will work fine. The big 'downside' is that all rods operate in the same standard manner on factory guitars: turn right (clockwise) to tighten and increase tension, turn left (ccw) to loosen and/or induce up bow for a dual action rod. An unwitting future owner could potentially cause damage cranking and cranking the rod and not getting the results he/she wanted.

I assume you're talking about the "Hot Rods" from StewMac.

I've made 5 guitars so far using these rods. They've all worked out great.

Looking down at the fretboard, the rods are mounted in the slot with the adjusting nut down. Applying clockwise pressure creates a backbowing action on the neck. I don't see any reason at all that it couldn't be mounted upsidedown....though I fail to see why you'd want to.

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I read Emerson on the can. A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds...true...but a consistent reading of Emerson has its uses nevertheless.

StuMusic

Thanks Mattila.

Yes Zlurgh I was. I also have used them in five builds. (one bass)

The question wasn't because I want to install one upside down- it was
to get confirmation that they could be and to know the results. ( at Stu they state, "must be")
BUT...installing one upside-down would raise the adjusting nut rather
than it being so low.

I've installed two truss rods upside-down like so. They work just fine, in reverse direction.

The reason I did it was to make the rod more accessable from the nut side, meaning it pokes out a little higher. I don't understand why they don't make them that way to begin with, it makes more sense to me.

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http://www.tinyhouseandland.com

Apart from it operating in backwards direction there is one potential drawback that I can see to installing it upside down. That is that if you install it to operate at the headstock rather than the heal and you have a steep enough headstock angle then the adjusting nut would protrude out past the surface of the headstock.

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~shad peters

http://www.flickr.com/photos/petersinstruments/
http://petersinstruments.blogspot.com/
http://petersinstruments.com/

I realize I'm ignorant about truss-rods.
I've had a very simple view of them.

I guess one reason is that they offer one size/length for electrics
so I figured if I located the adjusting nut (for the head end of neck) where
I wanted it everything would be fine. ( and I've had no problems- maybe luck?)

I also thought it wasn't such a critical thing as the double-action rod can easily
change length- the distance of the blocks that is. I've had both rods turn while
"playing" with them. One has to be careful about that too or the block will move to far
and the adjustment will be lost. The adjusting nut will bind on the block.

If it is has I understand you Peter then the rod has an exact location and
a small variance could cause issues. ?
If one installed the double-action "hot rod" upside down and located the adjusting nut
correctly it wouldn't work right- other than working backwards?