Adjusting the ‘Truss Rod’
A guitar can at some point start to resonate or buzz, in particular higher on the neck. Or the guitar gradually becomes more difficult to play because the distance between the strings and the fretboard or neck (called action) has increased. It is quite normal for this to happen. Wood is a natural product and has a tendency to shrink or expand a little during climate changes. This can lead to resonances on the neck of an acoustic guitar or just the opposite, your fingers have to press the strings deeper (this is called a high action).

Now every Homestead, like all other acoustic guitars, has a metal pin mounted in the neck. You can’t see this pin, called Truss Rod, but it can be easily adjusted from the sound hole with the supplied Allen key.
When turning counterclockwise, there is a little more concavity and any resonance or buzzing disappears. Turning clockwise lowers the action and makes the guitar easier to play. First turn it half a turn, tune your guitar again and check whether the neck is the way you want it. If you are still not satisfied, turn it another half turn. Continue until you are satisfied.
It seems quite complicated at first glance, but it is not at all. Adjusting the Truss Rod can be done within a minute. The strings can simply remain under tension and by turning the Truss Rod one or two half turns, the guitar will play and sound like before. I myself protect the D and G string with a piece of cloth against the Allen key. Not really necessary, but very handy.
Robin van de Poll, 4 july2022
