4001 copy with single truss rod

mikerophone · #1 10-06-2011, 09:01 AM

i'm working on my El Degas 4001 copy, reading and watching videos about setting up rics. the Joey's Bass Notes video on youtube is pretty thorough, but since my copy only has one truss rod, i'm not sure if i would adjust it the same way (manually positioning the neck, and tightening the truss to keep it in place). it's otherwise a pretty faithful copy, so maybe? thoughts?

**HeavyDuty** · #2 10-06-2011, 11:25 AM

IMO it never hurts to manually flex the neck rather than relying on brute force when tightening the trussrod.

lowendblues · #3 10-07-2011, 04:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HeavyDuty

IMO it never hurts to manually flex the neck rather than relying on brute force when tightening the trussrod.

+1

96tbird · #4 10-07-2011, 08:13 AM

I too flex the neck when adjusting, however only in a forward direction which releases the rod tension whether tightening or loosening. You can actually feel that the pressure on the nut is reduced. Not so much that the seat is altered though. I put a little pressure on the wrench, then flex the neck gently till the nut begins turning. For good measure I flex the neck in both directions after adjusting to re-seat the nut. I have never seen any evidence of further "settling" of the adjustment afterwards. Ymmv.

I'll add that it is likely best practice to flex forward especially when tightening as It's easier on the threads and the wood the nut and washer plate/anchor seat on. I also suspect that tightening without releasing may mush the wood over time, or possibly sliding the seat plate/washer off center resulting in rod rattling on the sides of it's channel. This is merely conjecture through reasoning though. Imo.