Advice for backpacker acoustic....is a truss rod neccesary to?

[cavemanic]

I have to pick between two guitars

 

one a mini maton the other an alvarez msd1 I think it is

 

the main thing in the past thats been a problem with these style guitars is cutting thru ...I tried a martin backpacker (not the one that looks like a broom ) and another guitar and the alvarez had more mids and highs ..projected quite well its about $450 and comes with a case

 

in the past its has been a bit of a problem playing bars and stuff with these guitars , althought the washburn rover was pretty good for its size it definitely had more top end than another one I played

 

the maton has a pickup and is larger its about $800 ...feels more like a regular acoustic and is harder to play (but most acoustics are compared to backpackers) it has a pickup to...the only thing is I can't see any truss rod on it so wondering if this will be an issue? would this be a problem changing climates (which will happen alot backpacking)

 

also the maton does have as much top end as the alvarez.....it is alot more full sounding but I am worried it might be harder to be heard

 

 

I didnt check the alvarez either for a truss rod to ...its quite light and feels a little more flimsy that the maton ...little smaller as well

 

 

any advice guys?

[Freeman Keller]

There are three kinds of truss rods.

 

Non-adjustable (a hunk of steel inbedded in the neck). All Martins where this way until 1985 or so. Both my 74 D-18 and my 80 D12-28 have non-adjustable rods so there is no way to adjust the relief. The good thing is they are so rock solid (both are right at 0.010) so there is no need.

 

Adjuster at the headstock (under the little cover plate) Good design but as many Gibson owners will tell you it does make the headstock weaker.

 

Adjuster inside the sound box (usually you will see a hole thru the brace just above the soundhole). All modern Martins, most slot heads, many others. Good design, this is how I make mine.

 

Classicals usually have no truss rod, their relief is planed into the neck and cannot be changed. Usually no need.

 

If you are truely backpacking with it temperature and humidity will be your enemy and I can't really comment (I take my Taylor camping and skiing but it is always for short periods, up to a week, and I keep a humidifier in the case). Very frankly I've rarely had to make any adjustments once I get them set up. Last comment, I know nothing about either of the ones you are considering.

[cavemanic]

I have looked inside and doesn't seem to be an adjustible truss rod (no cover on headstock)

 

I take it certain strings could help with getting more brightness to?

[Freeman Keller]

 

I have looked inside and doesn't seem to be an adjustible truss rod (no cover on headstock) I take it certain strings could help with getting more brightness to?

 

 

I can't believe anyone would build an $800 steel string guitar today and not put a truss rod in it. And again, I have no experience with these guitars but some string compositions are certainly brighter than others. You might want to listen to the String Test at the Annex (the pink thingie in my sig, then go to the Tech tab).