Bongo trussrod

[DiMarzio123]

Hi

I just wanted to know which way my Bongo neck should bend if I tighten the trussrod
Should I get more arc or bow?
Bow = convex
Arc = concave
for me

Tanx

 

[koogie2k]

If you have it on a strap and standing like me...

Lefty = loose or lower. Pull up towards you.

righty = tighty or raises. Push down.

Best way I can describe it.

 

[Hellboy]

Hi

I just wanted to know which way my Bongo neck should bend if I tighten the trussrod
Should I get more arc or bow?
Bow = convex
Arc = concave
for me

Tanx

If you tighten the trussrod you´ll get a more straight neck with less bow. The trussrod will push the neck backwards.

 

[bovinehost]

I just wanted to know which way my Bongo neck should bend if I tighten the trussrod

With the bass in your lap in playing position, turning the wheel towards the ground (clockwise) will tighten the truss rod, straightening the neck.

If you turn it towards you (counterclockwise), it will loosen the truss, adding more relief.

 

[MrMusashi]

check out the image in my signature.. cant remember who posted it originally, but big kudos to him

MrM

 

[five7]

check out the image in my signature.. Cant remember who posted it originally, but big kudos to him

mrm

+1

 

[oli@bass]

Since noone really answered the original question (does anybody actually read these days.... ?!) I'll have a try...

Tightening the truss rod straightens the neck, making it less concave. With low or no string tension you can even get to the point where tightening the truss rod bends the neck to a convex shape. But you should never have a convex neck! Always have a little concave curve to it. It's called "relief" and allows the string to vibrate more freely.

 

[DiMarzio123]

Wow - 6 replies already
I loosened the trussrod completely and the neck seems pretty straight.
I want a bit more relief - hence my question
Looks like I'm already maxed out (max space between neck and strings in the middle of the neck with trussrod completely loosened)
I have set it at about 1/4 turn tightened from completely released
I have also added a small shim under the neck mount(closest to headstock) to tilt the neck up slightly
Still get a tiny bit of buzz as I release the strings - may just be me.
Any other suggestions?

Tanx

 

[MrMusashi]

yes. i presume your location is correct (france). in that case you should use this "chain of command"

1. contact your dealer. they should be able to help you with this problem. in conjunction with the distributor they will do their best to keep ernie balls customer service on the excellent level it is!

2. if that fails try talking to the distributor directly. they can be found on the music-man.com homepage.

hth!

MrM

 

[DiMarzio123]

Location France = correct
Trust local French dealer = not sure

tanx anyway

 

[five7]

Here we go again giving advice.

 

[high mileage]

Any other suggestions?

Be patient.

I rarely adjust more than 1/4 turn of the truss rod at a time. Let it sit a few days and you may be in for a surprise.

 

[the unrepentant]

 

[Duarte]

check out the image in my signature.. cant remember who posted it originally, but big kudos to him

Looks like a Trans White, so I would guess it was our very own Gav.

 

[Hellboy]

Since noone really answered the original question (does anybody actually read these days.... ?!) I'll have a try...

Tightening the truss rod straightens the neck, making it less concave. With low or no string tension you can even get to the point where tightening the truss rod bends the neck to a convex shape. But you should never have a convex neck! Always have a little concave curve to it. It's called "relief" and allows the string to vibrate more freely.

If you tighten the trussrod you´ll get a more straight neck with less bow. The trussrod will push the neck backwards.

I quote: Does anybody actually read these days.....

//J

 

[Hellboy]

be patient.

I rarely adjust more than 1/4 turn of the truss rod at a time. Let it sit a few days and you may be in for a surprise.

+ 1

//j

 

[oli@bass]

I quote: Does anybody actually read these days.....

//J

Jan... he asked specifically about the direction of the bow...

Here we go again giving advice.

... when the original question didn't even ask for any...

 

[ZiggyDude]

I want to second the advice of high mile that you should only do a bit a day and let it settle out. This is especially true during the times of the year the climat is changing - which would be now. I have some basses that I give a tweak to twice a year. And usually in the opposite direction.

A good example is a Carvin LB75P that I got used at GC. It was way bowed and the guy really made a bunch of turns trying to get it flatter. I wound up noticing that the bass went flat or worse in a week and I spent over a month just visiting it every few days and giving it a tweak. It finally settled out - but not for a long time. That is especially dangerous with the two way truss rods.

Currently I have been trying to find Nirvana with the Bongo 5HH and the above Carvin. Every night I tweak the neck and saddles (if needed) just a twit. Then jam to YouTube videos at random (just ran across some Uriah Heep - good lordie what bass lines!). Stay on one bass for a while till I get used to it - then switch and see what jumps out at me. Then steel from the better feel and do to the other (gradually). The next day I put on a set of really strong glasses to check the setup - adjust if needed. This very gradual and patiant approach is paying off. I won't touch the intonation and pickups until the neck and saddles are right.

Just my two cents.

- Ziggy -