Fender Jazz Geddy Lee - no truss rod adjustment?

[MadFloyd]

Pardon my ignorance, but this is my third Fender. My precision allows truss rod adjustment from where it meets the body, my fretless jazz has it by the headstock.

Apparently my Geddy Lee has neither. Possibilities that come to mind:

1) it simply can't be done (which I doubt)
2) I have to remove the plate on the back (where the neck is bolted onto the body)
3) I have to remove the pickguard.

Can someone educate me?

Thanks in advance!

[ThrashMaster]

option 3 - or just take the neck off...itll be much faster

[mdogs]

Take off the pickguard...

[Jim R]

another way is to route out the body and part of the pick guard for easier access. If the neck on your geddy moves as much as mine it is definitely worth doing it. pretty easy to do and doesn't take much time.

[MadFloyd]

Thanks, everyone.

[Zooberwerx]

Originally Posted by Jim R

another way is to route out the body and part of the pick guard for easier access. If the neck on your geddy moves as much as mine it is definitely worth doing it. pretty easy to do and doesn't take much time.

Is there an existing access under the pickguard? I mean with enough elbow room to insert a hex key or screwdriver. If not, you can make one yourself with a Dremel tool. Work slowly and stop frequently to check your progress. It doesn't have to be perfect as it will be covered by the pickguard which, IMO, is easier to remove than the neck for future adjustments.

Riis

[MadFloyd]

So I finally took off the pickguard and instead of the regular type allen-key job, there's a philips screw. Not only that, but I can't see how I can get a screwdriver into it because the opening isn't big enough.

So the only option is a Dremel tool (I have no idea what that is, but obviously I can research it).

I've never taken a neck off, but even if I did, how could I check an adjustment without putting the neck back on. Sounds like rinse & repeat would take forever.

Is this typical when you buy a Japanese model or is this something that Geddy Lee requested?

[BigOldHarry]

Originally Posted by MadFloyd

So I finally took off the pickguard and instead of the regular type allen-key job, there's a philips screw. Not only that, but I can't see how I can get a screwdriver into it because the opening isn't big enough.

So the only option is a Dremel tool (I have no idea what that is, but obviously I can research it).

I've never taken a neck off, but even if I did, how could I check an adjustment without putting the neck back on. Sounds like rinse & repeat would take forever.

Is this typical when you buy a Japanese model or is this something that Geddy Lee requested?

But how can this be? This is a "VINTAGE" design! It must be GREAT!

Okay, enough cruelty. This is the way many old Fenders were. Newer/better instruments have channels routed to fit your bent screwdriver /allen key but back then, it was pretty normal to see just some nasty wood gouging.

What's wrong with the neck that it needs truss tweaking?

[MadFloyd]

I was trying to lower the action - it seemed kind of high. When I did I got buzzing on the upper frets. So I wanted to try adjusting the truss rod.

[BigOldHarry]

Yeah, I'd go to the truss for that too. Maybe take it to a shop and let them deal.

[randyg]

Simple to do. Loosen the strings , back out on the 4 neck attachment screws just enough so you can lift the neck out of the pocket enough to turn the truss rod nut with a proper fitting flat blade screwdriver , retighten the neck screws and tune it up. Takes about 5 minutes

[MadFloyd]

Thanks, I'll try that.

[chump stain]

Or you could just force the screwdriver in there like I do. It gouges up the paint some, but who cares? It's under the pickgaurd. I hope I don't go into a "no pickguard" phase in the future. Oh well, beat up paint is in style right?

[MadFloyd]

I did the force thing. It worked. Didn't get rid of my buzz though; I had to raise the saddles back up. But at least I tried.

Thanks to all.