Arched Neck

[umbrella]

I have an acoustic/electric Ibanez (AEB10) with a bowed neck. I've been told it's bowed the bad way. I figure both ways are bad, but apparently an upward arch is worse. Anyway, this is something I thought I can handle on my own. So I got my allan key and fit it into the truss rod. Now here's the problem:

The truss rod appears locked. I try to turn it both ways but it refuses to budge and I'm afraid to exert too much force into turning it.


What is the solution? I hope not "get a new neck".

[Widdershins]

You did the right thing by not trying to force it.

The solution (as it stands right now)?
Bring it to a reputable, experienced tech (preferably with insurance) and have them look over it.

Most likely it's just been over-tightened and should be easy to fix, but better to be safe than sorry.

[umbrella]

I guess that is the best solution, short of retiring it. I would miss it if I hang it up though. I love this thing but can't bring myself to spend too much to repair it when it wasn't worth $500 to begin with. Any estimates of what Guitar Center would charge by chance? I was trying to avoid taking it in because their labor fees are ludicrous.

[Widdershins]

Originally Posted by umbrella

I guess that is the best solution, short of retiring it. I would miss it if I hang it up though. I love this thing but can't bring myself to spend too much to repair it when it wasn't worth $500 to begin with. Any estimates of what Guitar Center would charge by chance? I was trying to avoid taking it in because their labor fees are ludicrous.

No idea what GC charges. It won't cost anything to check the Yellow Pages for your area and ask over the phone. I am assuming by your location (MD) there are certainly more repair places than where I am out in the middle of nowhere and I have at least 3 within an hour drive.
Even back when I lived in VT there were enough to 'shop around' and get the best price. Here and back home that would have been a free estimate and no more than $50 (unless the underlying issue was more serious).

In short, don't give up. Like I said, it's most likely that the nut is stuck and you are having trouble loosening it. They'll most likely just crank on it to get it unstuck, but if they break it you're not out an instrument... hence the insured part.