truss rod question

[flywheel]

Everytime I think I have the whole truss rod thing figured out...I'm left wondering. My '91 Ray has really low action and usually plays awesome but lately I've noticed a lil bit of fret buzz from around fret 10 on up in the higher registers on the fretboard. I really didn't want to mess with the bridge saddles since they action is so good on the bass. So...I though I'd put a lil relief in the neck which technically SHOULD raise the strings a bit and stop the fret buzz.

So I loosened the truss rod just a bit and it already seemed really loose. As a matter of fact I thought it was TOO loose and then I even moved the capstan wheel with the touch of my finger! So now I'm a bit worried that there is a backbow in the neck. I could probably just raise up the bridge saddles and all would play as normal but I hate to do that since this is probably just a temporary weather issue with the neck. What should I do?

 

[strummer]

Everytime I think I have the whole truss rod thing figured out...I'm left wondering. My '91 Ray has really low action and usually plays awesome but lately I've noticed a lil bit of fret buzz from around fret 10 on up in the higher registers on the fretboard. I really didn't want to mess with the bridge saddles since they action is so good on the bass. So...I though I'd put a lil relief in the neck which technically SHOULD raise the strings a bit and stop the fret buzz.

So I loosened the truss rod just a bit and it already seemed really loose. As a matter of fact I thought it was TOO loose and then I even moved the capstan wheel with the touch of my finger! So now I'm a bit worried that there is a backbow in the neck. I could probably just raise up the bridge saddles and all would play as normal but I hate to do that since this is probably just a temporary weather issue with the neck. What should I do?

If you have buzzes high up on the neck you need to lessen the relief, and as a result of this you will probably also have to raise the saddles somewhat.

 

[Figjam]

Yup, less relief. Tighten truss rod. I think your saddles will be fine though, since your bass was playable before and they havent moved.

 

[flywheel]

Thanks guys! I'm still a bit confused by this but it should be an easy fix if tightening the truss rod is the answer!!! I'll try it when I get home

 

[jongitarz]

They are wise ones....Try what they say. It should take care of the buzz

 

[flywheel]

how long should I wait once I tighten the truss rod? I put a quarter turn on it since it was loose and it seemed to make the fret buzz worse and now there is some buzz on the lower frets; across the board on all strings. I waited 20 min and put another quarter turn on it since the buzz was still present and again it seems worse across the board. I thought maybe I should raise the saddles up a bit and just realized that one of the adjustment screws is missing out of the E string saddle. This does not affect the string buzz that is present because that saddle sits very low in the first place.

I've had this bass since 1998 and haven't EVER had to touch the truss rod or the saddles...usually plays perfectly. Haven't changed strings in probably a year. I'm confused what to do now. I'm surprised this bass is giving me issues. One time I went to a gig and the humidity must have been strange because my '96's neck had moved and the strings were laying on the fretboard but the '91 was just fine. I figure this neck is more resistant to the weather since it has a laquer on it like the older Rays do. I just don't know what's up with it now?

 

[maddog]

Might be time to do a complete setup.

 

[tkarter]

Jon, if the buzz is slight not a quarter turn. Move it just a bit tighter. Play it some and see if it fixed it. Too tight without moving the saddles you will get some on the lower frets.

Sounds to me like you aren't far off at all from having what you want.

tk (probably should be quiet after Jon G has spoke on the matter)

 

[flywheel]

Might be time to do a complete setup.

yes it seems this one may need to go into the shop. At least I have the other 2 Rays for gigs if it's in for a bit I need a guitar setup class...I don't like putting my basses in the shop for setup. Usually if it's just a slight tweak I'm able to handle it no prob. Haven't had a bass in the shop in ages!

 

[maddog]

From Mr. Trussbroken:

My rule of thumb for adjustment is (in play position):

*straight neck (no relief at 6th while depressing 1st and 12th).
*adjust strings for no buzz from around 4th to last frets.
*begin adding relief (small increments) to eliminate any buzz from 1st to 4th frets.

and also a nice website:

http://www.garywillis.com/pages/bass/bassmanual/setupmanual.html

Hope it is of some help

 

[flywheel]

Jon, if the buzz is slight not a quarter turn. Move it just a bit tighter. Play it some and see if it fixed it. Too tight without moving the saddles you will get some on the lower frets.

Sounds to me like you aren't far off at all from having what you want.

tk (probably should be quiet after Jon G has spoke on the matter)

Thanks for the advice Tom! I went back and found a good middle ground. I also raised the saddles up JUST SLIGHTLY since the action is so good on this bass already. I'm happy with the way things sound now.

Thank you everyone else for the useful info. The whole truss rod thing can be very tricky. Setting up guitars is a true artform.

 

[flywheel]

oh...it looks like I need to order one of those bridge saddle adjustment screws now too. Can those be ordered thru EB Jon?

 

[tkarter]

Rock on bro. Glad you have it figured out.

Send me a gig schedule some time I would like to come hear ya.

We are playing Apple Valley the 25th.

tk

 

[flywheel]

that would be great although I only have one show coming up on the near horizon. What is Apple Valley?

 

[tkarter]

North of Perry lake. I reckon that isn't all that close to you.

tk

 

[bovinehost]

oh...it looks like I need to order one of those bridge saddle adjustment screws now too. Can those be ordered thru EB Jon?

Glad it got worked out without professionals being called in. (I mean off-the-forum experts.)

Call Customer Service and they can get you a screw.

Prolly about 40 bucks, but worth every penny.*


Jack



*It's a joke.

 

[flywheel]

Glad it got worked out without professionals being called in. (I mean off-the-forum experts.)

Call Customer Service and they can get you a screw.

Prolly about 40 bucks, but worth every penny.*


Jack



*It's a joke.

Thanx Jack...you're a funny guy but don't you think if I paid $40 for a saddle screw...well I guess I'd be getting screwed to get a screw, huh???

 

[tkarter]

The screw costs a nickel. The shipping 39.95. That is this week and if fuel prices go up add a little more for shipping.

tk

 

[SteveB]

You have to remember that Jack spent a long time in the military, therefore $40 for a screw seems perfectly reasonable to him.

 

[bovinehost]

I've paid more, I've paid less.

Ahem.

Jack