[quote name='stingrayPete1977' timestamp='1373097207' post='2133627']
This thread left me wondering how many others check at the last fret as all the top setter uppers (thats a technical term you know) use the 12th fret, I found this link which goes into great detail about checking at the 1st and last fret of the neck, it even has a photo with the explanation of where to check at the first and last fret below it yet clearly shows the guy using my method of no capo and the 12th fret
[url="http://www.fretnotguitarrepair.com/repair/acoustic-guitar/truss-rod.php"]http://www.fretnotgu...r/truss-rod.php[/url]
I think its best to get the neck right from the 12th up to the nut then try a straight edge against the whole neck, if the releif then becomes too much overall it needs a shim at the neck joint before doing anything else, testing and adjusting at the last fret wont help as the truss rod wont alter that end of the neck and in some cases will actually hump up or ruin the neck if you go too far, thankfully mine have always gone back down after releasing the tension but I have seen plenty of humps around the 10th fret or so, no adjusting saddle screws will get you over a hump!
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I've always used the last fret but will now try this method as it does seem to make sense
Before making a final decision I may head off and ask MDP for his advice