Martin Truss Rods T-Bar, Square Bar, Adjustable Truss Rod comparison

Warranty Repair Center for:
C.F. Martin, Taylor, Fender

Martin Guitar Truss Rods

3 Different Styles of Truss Rods: T-Bar, Square Bar and Adjustable Truss Rod shown

1934 - T Bar Truss Rod Introduced
1967 - Square Bar Truss Rod Introduced
1984 - First batch of Adjustable Truss Rods become standard

Upon finding no truss rod nut or other means of adjustment, many Martin owners have assumed their instrument had no truss rod at all. However, as seen above, varying styles of truss rods have been used by C. F. Martin. While the T and Square bar rods offer no mechanical adjustment the necks are still stiffened by an inlayed rod.

Prior to common steel string usage and during steel shortages during war time many manufactures have used a inlayed wood strip to strengthen the neck.

With the nut removed, the neck reinforcement strip can be clearly seen on this vintage Gibson.