Action Too High on 2008 Fender Jazz!

[sarlscharisma]

Just bought a 2008 american Fender Jazz, but the action is too high for me. The truss rod can't be turned any further clockwise and a couple of the bridge adjustment screws seem 'rounded'

Anyone thinnk I have a serious issue with the bass or is it fixable. If so, any ideas what I need to do.

[christw]

You can shim the neck or put on lighter strings for a quick fix. Have a tech look at it and see what they have to say?

[sarlscharisma]

Bit disappointing really, I thought these 2008 basses were top-notch.

[Mr.Bassie720]

If the truss rod is maxed. take it to a GOOD repair/setup shop. Where do you live? Anywhere close to Baltimore MD. I would recomend Phil Jacoby. One of, if not, the best in the country. Philtone Guitar Company - Guitar Repair and Lutherie in Baltimore, Maryland

[BurningSkies]

A trussrod isn't intended to 'lower the action'. It can be used to add relief or straighten the neck.

Lower action from the bridge. If the bridge will go no lower, then you need to shim the neck...which is pretty typical for a great quantity of bolt on instruments.

Why is your action too high? Are you getting fret buzz at the top of the neck or down near the nut?

[smperry]

^ agreed with CRAZY BALDHEAD

[billiam5billion]

Business/baseball cards are your friend.

[sarlscharisma]

If I lower the action via the bridge the fret buzz at the top of the neck.

I am just a bit worried about why the truss rod is maxxed!

[Chrisk-K]

Turn the bridge saddle screws counterclockwise.

[sarlscharisma]

A couple of the bridge adjustment screws are rounded on D and G string so I can't turn them. Though not sure I have the right hex tool. I noticed the 2008 uses a small hex key, so I just got one that appeared to fit from my toolbox

[SJan3]

Originally Posted by sarlscharisma

If I lower the action via the bridge the fret buzz at the top of the neck.

I am just a bit worried about why the truss rod is maxxed!

If you bought it used, that's probably why someone got rid of it.
Try backing out the truss rod all the way. Let the neck sit over night and try again in a day. Sometimes people over adjust and cause the issue you're having. If that does not work, you probably have a bad neck. I've owned 4 post '08 American Fenders and none required shimming.
When you try to re-adjust, go in 1/4 turns ONLY.

[Marton]

Originally Posted by sarlscharisma

If I lower the action via the bridge the fret buzz at the top of the neck.

I am just a bit worried about why the truss rod is maxxed!

Generally that means there is too much back bow. Loosen the truss rod, adjust the saddles, everything should be fine.

[parsons]

Originally Posted by Marton

Generally that means there is too much back bow. Loosen the truss rod, adjust the saddles, everything should be fine.

^this.

While you're at it, replace the bridge with a Gotoh or Babicz and then have the bass setup by a real tech.

[sarlscharisma]

Bought it off ebay. I get the feeling the previous owner has been messing about with the action and made a mess of it.

Anyone any ideas about getting a 'rounded' adjustment screw out of the saddle. I think it is jammed in. Somehow I'll need to try and free it up with something. Then I can loosen the truss rod and start again.

[Mr.Bassie720]

take saddle off and get it from opposite side with a pair of small pliers?

[parsons]

even if you get it out, the screw will need replacing which Im sure you can get somewhere online but if it were me, I'd just spend 35 bucks on a Gotoh 201. Stock Fender bridges are junk IMO.

[jbednarski]

Send it back. ebay has a great customer satisfaction program. Get in touch with them and explain what's going on. Someone just sold you their problem.

[parsons]

if you're dead set on getting it out, fill a container with something like Liquid Wrench and let it soak for a day or more. itll come out pretty easy then.

[sarlscharisma]

will Liquid Wrench affect the finish on the bridge screws or saddles?

[robertusf]

based on the OP's questions, i would suggest taking it to a tech