truss rod-help please

[ctp10]

I've want to staighten the neck on my J-Bass,just a bit,but the truss rod is so damn tight.I've been thinking about looseningit off and a bit of lube.Any ideas.

[maxgroover]

Have you tried straightening the neck with your hand before adjusting the truss rod?

Here's an illustration from Gary Willis' website on how to assist with straightening the neck before tightening the truss rod:



And here's Gary's description:

Before you turn the wrench, you need to "help" straighten the neck a little.

This is easiest if you're sitting down.
Stand the bass on the floor.
Put your foot in front of it.
Put your knee behind it.
And carefully push on the front of the headstock.

[Petebass]

Good advice from Matt. And the Garry Willis setup tutorial is excellent!

[terry]

Is this for real?

[PilbaraBass]

yes, it's for real...
the idea is to "help" the neck and then move the trussrod to hold it, as opposed to moving the neck with the trussrod.

I use this method on my guitar, but I find that none of my basses need the extra help.

[Aussie Mark]

What might also help is detuning all the strings slightly before you attempt to tighten the truss rod. It will be easier to turn when it is not under tension.

[rusty]

i can see lots of broken necks comin my way with that method..... Beware..

As mark says, slack off the strings & then try to loosen the truss rod.. My one & only piece of advice,,,

If the rod is stiff or not turning, take to a repairer.. I would love a dollar for all the stuffed truss rods i have seen because people dont understand how to adjust them. This is not everybody, but many..

Rusty

[Rude_Mechanical]

A good rule for truss rod adjustments is to always back off a quarter turn first, in case you've already maxed out. Return the truss rod to where you started and go a 1/8 turn past that in one smooth motion. For my basses, I know where the rod's at and feel like I can trust the neck to do MINOR adjustments under tension. Customers axes get the full benefit of the doubt

c-

[ctp10]

Thanks for all the advice folks.I do back the strings off and truss rod,a tad.I'm a bit hesitant on the pressure method,might give it a small go. Otherwise it's off to the pro's.

[PilbaraBass]

you only need to "help" the neck...don't go snappin' it in two...

Mark's right about detuning, too...that's step 1
Chris is right about backing it out 1/4 turn first, that's step 2

I must admit, though...I know my basses and usually don't do any of these

[robert43]

Hi I have seen trust rods hex head round out due to 1 not detunning the strings & 2 not backing off the truss rod.
Even Fender tell you to do number 1 1st.
I have seen the help method the only time I would recommend it is if the strings are way out of tune & truss rod way out to see how much you can get out of the neck but I wouldnt do it

[PilbaraBass]

2 things to help prevent rounding out the hex head...
1) make sure that your tool is the proper size and inserted properly into the hole (no sex jokes here, please )
2) do not force anything. if it doesn't turn, go back to step 1.

[NotTheFish]

Doesn't a jazz bass neck usually have to come off the bass to adjust the truss rod with a screwdriver ?

[PilbaraBass]

Doesn't a jazz bass neck usually have to come off the bass to adjust the truss rod with a screwdriver ?

yes, on the really OLD fender basses...my P-bass (not old, but) has a neck like that...I loosen the strings and the neck screws, adjust it and do it all back up again... takes 10 mins longer than a headstock access trussrod.

Fortunately, I've only had to tweak mine twice in the last two years.