Truss Rod/neck problems

[Kennyhoe]

Hi everybody,
After reading posts on setting up your bass, especially Rod Trussbroken's, I am a bit iffy about my neck/truss rod. When I try to move it now, there's quite a bit of resistance.

I think this might have to do with the truss rod adjustments I have made before. Being the stupid teenager that I am, i started fooling around with the truss rod before I read about the effects of turning it too much or too often. I turned it back and forth a few times before, and I'm not sure if this has done any harm to the neck.

So I guess my question is how do you know if your neck has been damaged, and what can I do to loosen up the truss rod adjuster.

Thanks in advance.

Ken

 

[Aussie Mark]

A little WD40 sprayed in the truss rod cavity will help loosen up a frozen truss rod. Just a little, don't drown it. Wipe off any overspray from the neck and body immediately. Let it sit for 30 minutes after spraying, to enable it to go to work.

 

[Rod Trussbroken]

Ken...

>>>>I turned it back and forth a few times before, and I'm not sure if this has done any harm to the neck.

Subject to what Jon says, I think the truss on the EBs is pretty tough and doubt if it's been damaged by just doing that.

>>>>When I try to move it now, there's quite a bit of resistance.

That's the point at perhaps where damage can be done! It could be an indication that the truss adjustment is at its full limit and further attempts to straighten the neck could cause permanent damage.

When setting up a Bass for the first time, I loosen the strings and back off the truss nut completely before adjusting the truss rod. Doing that, you can tell if the resistance is excessive or not.

At this point, it may be wise to take it to a luthier before doing any further adjustments and to give you peace of mind.

 

[jongitarz]

Hi Y'all... In past experience with folks who are trying to adjust the truss rod, when they say its hard to move(clockwise) I have found that they usually have gone too far. i.e. back bow. Our truss rods have TONS of adjustment in them. A straight edge may be needed in this case...Look at the FAQ again, try it, and if you still have trouble, call me(not now, I work Mon-Thursday) 1 866 823-2255 ext237

Jon

 

[Kennyhoe]

Thanks for all the replies.

Well, I took a look at the FAQ, and when I checked the relief, it seemed to be correct- about a business card's thickness when the 1st and 12th frets were depressed. However, I look at my neck, and it seems like there's a bit too much bow, but that might be a misjudgement on my behalf. I tried loosening the strings, but that didn't make a difference. The wheel will barely budge. I still have yet to try that WD-40 idea.

In terms of playability, the bass is great at the moment. I am just concerned as I have heard many horror stories about truss rods and the possible effects on the neck. I don't want this to be a problem in the future. I will give you a call on Monday Jon.

Thanks again,
Ken

 

[jongitarz]

Ken,

I look forward to talking with you..We will get your bass dialed in!

Jon

 

[Rod Trussbroken]

>>>>if you still have trouble, call me

Another fine example of EB service folks

 

[bovinehost]

One suggestion, subject to Jon's expert opinion. Take the strings off. Facing the bass, turn the truss rod to the LEFT, loosening it in other words.

Turn it until it turns easily. That should take all of the truss rod's effect off your neck. Then, you're starting from zero.

 

[Kennyhoe]

Ok, so my problem has been solved!!

Turns out that my truss rod was just overtightened.

A big thank you goes out to everybody who helped, especially Jon, who helped me over the phone.

Yup.

 

[jongitarz]

Any time Ken....just remember, if it ain't broke, don't fix it.

Jon