Built wrong?

rushedtoradio · #1 09-13-2007, 01:38 PM

I have a Cresent beginners bass, the strings are way too high, i cant adjust the bridge any lower. and the truss rod seems to be stripped so i cant really adjust it. how do i go about fixing the strings from being so high?

kevinmoore73 · #2 09-13-2007, 01:41 PM

Fix the truss rod.

Asa Samuel · #3 09-13-2007, 01:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kevinmoore73

Fix the truss rod.

yep, sounds about right.

garth elson · #4 09-13-2007, 01:45 PM

fix the truss, or file the bridge.

DeliriumTremens · #5 09-13-2007, 02:05 PM

buy a new bass

gold_member_321 · #6 09-13-2007, 02:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DeliriumTremens

buy a new bass

+1, no point in having the bass if you cant adjust it to how you want it, return it.

**embellisher** · #7 09-14-2007, 01:22 AM

You can try shimming the neck. That will give you a temporary fix until you can get a repairman to check the truss rod.

Moved to Setup. There should be plenty of folks here who can help you with shimming a neck.

202dy · #8 09-14-2007, 05:44 AM

A few questions:

Is this a bolt on neck?
Why do you think the truss rod is stripped?

As far as the action being too high, check the sticky at the top of the forum. Take some measurements for string height and relief. Post them here and someone will help you.

Vincent P · #9 09-14-2007, 05:53 AM

Sometimes you just have to cut your losses, the original cost of the bass and what it will cost to make it play like one. Most music stores will take an old bass towards the purchase of a new or semi new one. I would go this route.

rushedtoradio · #10 09-17-2007, 08:05 PM

the neck is bolt on yea. ill have to measure the strings. the truss rod seems stripped cause the allen wrench wont turn the truss rod. im gonna try and get another size allen to be sure but i dont want to force the truss rod in fear of snappin or splintering the neck. I have an Ibanez SR-300 that I use primarily but i dont like abandon my old stuff, so i wanna get this one in working order so that i can sell it.

202dy · #11 09-17-2007, 09:03 PM

Snapping or splintering the neck is not a hazard from adjusting the truss rod. Breaking off the top of the rod is. Basic rule: If it squeaks, stop. Loosen the nut. Another method will have to be chosen.

Pilgrim · #12 09-19-2007, 12:49 PM

Try loosening the truss rod nut first. You might even be able to remove it and add a dab of vaseline to the threads with a Q-tip, then re-install it.

Shimming the base of the neck pocket will tilt the head of the neck downwards, away from the bass. This brings the strings closer to the neck. It works if you have a consistent amount of string height down the neck, but if the height is low at on the top few frets, they may buzz. You can use layers of masking tape in the neck pocket to achieve this, fine-tuning the thickness by individual layers of tape if needed.