Truss rod wheel stuck on new Sterling Sabre

[Jackrmesser]

Hey everyone! Purchased a new MM Sterling Sabre in Cobra on the weekend as an upgrade from my ML3 Chapman Bea signature; and my Lord it’s good

My issue at the moment is that the truss rod wheel moves the tiniest amount either way, but will not move much at all, I noticed the neck bending away from me and causing some significant buzzing on 1st, 2nd and 3rd fret, so thought I would try tightening a bit to compensate

I’ve tried:
• checking for debris
• applying some force to turn it
• applying some force to the headstock whilst turning it

And absolutely nothing happens, I’m not particularly sure what else to do & the thought of applying WD40 so close to the neck pick-up does cause me some concern.

The guitar shop is about 80 miles away, a good 4 hours journey so I ideally didn’t want to go down this route; but as it’s so expensive I’m not sure what else to do.

Does anyone have any suggestions? I don’t really want to break the thing or be without it for so long

 

[tbonesullivan]

Do NOT put WD 40 in there. That will soak into the wood and do bad things. I would first remove all tension from the strings, and then try turning the truss rod to loosen it. Don't try to tighten it.

 

[Jackrmesser]

Do NOT put WD 40 in there. That will soak into the wood and do bad things. I would first remove all tension from the strings, and then try turning the truss rod to loosen it. Don't try to tighten it.

Well I am quite glad I didn't do that! I've tried removing the strings and trying to loosen the rod first, but it only moves mm's each direction.

Although I have seen a video on TikTok from Ernie Ball about truss rod adjustments & it does look like it requires some force to get it going - compared to my other guitars (allen key) truss rod adjustments seem fairly easy - does it just require some force?

 

[beej]

I would contact Sterling by Musicman (who make the guitar, not Ernie Ball) and get their advice. [email protected]

You can also call the shop and talk to them about it.

 

[tbonesullivan]

Well I am quite glad I didn't do that! I've tried removing the strings and trying to loosen the rod first, but it only moves mm's each direction.

Although I have seen a video on TikTok from Ernie Ball about truss rod adjustments & it does look like it requires some force to get it going - compared to my other guitars (allen key) truss rod adjustments seem fairly easy - does it just require some force?

Well, my experience is mainly with EBMM instruments, but I did have one that was IMPOSSIBLE to move. It would "stick" all the time. So I did get it loosened, and put just a bit of graphite between the neck, the washer, and the truss rod nut. After that it moved much smoother.

 

[morsecode]

Because the guitar is new and likely has a valid warranty, contact the vendor/Sterling by Musicman as Beej suggested before you do anything that could invalidate the warranty.

 

[Sweat]

Take it back for a refund and get another

 

[Iperfungus]

Blocked trussrods are a common issue...
On a new instrument, I would ask for another with no issues or a full refund under warranty.