NECK
Ibanez steel string models are equipped with adjustable truss
rods. The purpose of a truss rod is to adjust the neck to
counteract string tension. There are many reasons for truss rod
adjustments. One of the most frequent reasons is changing string
gauges or tuning pitch which can affect string tension. String
tension changes may affect the string height and cause fret buzz
or notes that don't ring true. To adjust the truss rod, locate the
truss rod nut and adjust it by inserting the correct wrench into the
nut and tightening (clockwise) or loosening (counter clockwise)
the rod. Truss rod tension can be measured by installing a capo at the first fret the
holding the strings down at the fret position where the neck joins the body. Insert a
thickness gauge between the string and the fret at the 8th fret. There should between
0.3 mm to 0.5mm clearance. That clearance is referred to as "neck relief." Too much
neck relief can cause the neck to have higher action in the middle of the neck causing
poor intonation and uncomfortable playability. No neck relief can cause fret buzz.
*Appropriate care must be taken when adjusting the neck and we recommend only qualified technicians
perform this procedure.
LOOSEN
TIGHTEN
ACTION
Ibanez guitar and bass string action is set at the factory. However there are many
reasons that an instrument's string height can change. Instruments can be affected by
changes in temperature and moisture. High string action can make the guitar difficult to
play. If the string action is too low, fret buzz or unclear notes can occur. To remedy this,
follow the instructions for the particular type of bridge installed. In the case of string
action, make sure the guitar is in tune and the truss rod is adjusted properly. Ibanez
action is set at the guitar 14th fret bass 12th fret. The action may also need to be
readjusted after the neck has been adjusted or strings have been changed to a different
gauge. Follow the instructions in the relevant bridge manual to make adjustments.
*If strings other than those described above are used, gradually increase the action clearance from the treble
side through to the bass side.
INTONATION
Intonation adjustment is the operation of adjusting the
location of the string at the saddle to compensate for different
string gauges or different tunings. Follow the instructions of
the particular bridge intonation below. Intonation is properly
set when the 12th fret note and the 12th fret harmonic are
exactly the same note . This is the center point of the scale
and the most accurate way of setting a standard scale length.
With the harmonic note as the standard, if the fretted note is
flat move the bridge saddle forward toward the headstock (a) to decrease the string length. If the fretted note is
sharp, move it back away from the headstock (b) to increase the string length intonation adjustments.
*Please note that strings can be broken when the saddle is moved, so always loosen the strings before making adjustments.
16
LOOSEN
.009-string's guitars except Gio Ibanez
all Gio Ibanez & .010-, .014- string's guitars
Bass guitars (AFB, AGB, ARTB)
LOOSEN
TIGHTEN
LOOSEN
0.3~0.5mm
8th fret
TREBLE SIDE
1.5mm
1.7mm
2.0mm
TIGHTEN
TIGHTEN
BASS SIDE
2.0mm
2.3mm
2.5mm