Burns Gear-O-Matic Truss Rod

If you have a string instrument of any kind that needs fixing, a mistake you made in building a new instrument that you need to "disappear," or a question about the ethics of altering an older instrument, ask here. Please note that it will be much easier for us to help you decide on the best repair method if you post some pictures of the problem.
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Barry Daniels
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Re: Burns Gear-O-Matic Truss Rod

Post by Barry Daniels »

Polished out the finish by hand using Meguiars 105 and it shined up surprisingly easy.
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The new bound fretboard blended well with the neck.
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Barry Daniels
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Location: The Woodlands, Texas

Re: Burns Gear-O-Matic Truss Rod

Post by Barry Daniels »

Tuning machines back into the bushed pegholes seemed more stable. Made a ebony truss rod cover held in place by hidden magnets. New bone nut.
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The tone of the instrument seems more alive with the new electronics. Hope the client is happy.

Thanks to those here for their interest and suggestions on this project.
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Mario Proulx
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Re: Burns Gear-O-Matic Truss Rod

Post by Mario Proulx »

Well done..!

I've been using Jescar wire(mostly SS but some EVO) for all my new builds since around 2004 or 2005. Great stuff..! For repairs, I'll still turn to various SM wire to match the original size, or for the wider tang.
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Barry Daniels
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Re: Burns Gear-O-Matic Truss Rod

Post by Barry Daniels »

Thanks Mario. Yep, the Jescar is nice stuff. I now remember that I had used it before, but never realized the difference in tang width. Doh!
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Ryan Mazzocco
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Re: Burns Gear-O-Matic Truss Rod

Post by Ryan Mazzocco »

It's crazy that I'm finding this now after all these years. I have an old Baldwin 12 string guitar in the shop right now and it has this truss rod. Fortunately it seems to be working just fine. Thanks Barry for posting these pics. I figured there had to be gearing and a worm drive involved, but it's nice to actually see it taken apart. Also, a little late but, Great job on the rest of the project as well!
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Barry Daniels
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Joined: Thu Jan 05, 2012 10:58 am
Location: The Woodlands, Texas

Re: Burns Gear-O-Matic Truss Rod

Post by Barry Daniels »

Thanks Ryan!

By the way, a couple of years ago I visited the Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix and they had a 7-string Gretsch just like the one I repaired, except in primo condition.
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