Fender Jazz Neck Starting to Slightly Bow?

[RicPlaya]

I did a search and I guess this seems common. I noticed the neck on my 07 MIA jazz was bowed more then usual since the last time I played it. I checked the truss rod and it is maxed out so I cannot straighten the neck out anymore then what it is at now. It's playable, but I may need to lower the saddles and action to get it as low as I like. Is there anything I can do to prevent this from happening any further? Is this normal with these skinny necks?

Thanks

Ric

[RicPlaya]

Bump

[Relic]

well, I don't know that there's any way to guarantee that it wont stop warping. What I can recommend - if the truss rod is truly maxed out, you can remove the truss nut, find a washer or two that will fit over the rod itself, but be small enough to fit completely within the truss cavity, put the nut back on and adjust. That will usually give you a lot more leeway on adjusting.
I would also maybe think about a lighter gauge of strings if you're using something really heavy, etc. I would also keep it in the case when not in use. Sometimes even the weather will wreak havoc with a neck.

[lonote]

Somehow, using up all the adjustment range on a bass that's only 2 years old doesn't seem right. I'd have a competent tech check it out before doing anything further. It's still under warranty, isn't it?

[Figjam]

Are you sure its maxed out and not just stuck? Try loosening it first, then tightening it.

[RicPlaya]

Thanks everyone

Yeah fairly sure it's maxed, I dont want to force it too much.

[JLS]

when you're tightening the trussrod.

This being an 07, aren't you covered by warranty?

[Philbiker]

Originally Posted by lonote

Somehow, using up all the adjustment range on a bass that's only 2 years old doesn't seem right. I'd have a competent tech check it out before doing anything further. It's still under warranty, isn't it?

+100!!

[ehque]

Originally Posted by JLS

when you're tightening the trussrod.

This being an 07, aren't you covered by warranty?

If the truss rod is maxed it doesn't matter if you backclamp. It's out of adjustment range anyway.

Originally Posted by Relic

well, I don't know that there's any way to guarantee that it wont stop warping. What I can recommend - if the truss rod is truly maxed out, you can remove the truss nut, find a washer or two that will fit over the rod itself, but be small enough to fit completely within the truss cavity, put the nut back on and adjust. That will usually give you a lot more leeway on adjusting.
I would also maybe think about a lighter gauge of strings if you're using something really heavy, etc. I would also keep it in the case when not in use. Sometimes even the weather will wreak havoc with a neck.

There's your answer.

[JLS]

Originally Posted by ehque

If the truss rod is maxed it doesn't matter if you backclamp. It's out of adjustment range anyway.
.

Back clamping a neck that has run out of trussrod adjustment, is un-maxing out the trussrod. This, combined with a washer or two, can often get a neck back into playability.

[202dy]

Originally Posted by ehque

If the truss rod is maxed it doesn't matter if you backclamp. It's out of adjustment range anyway.

Respectfully disagree.

1. Clamp the neck into a back bow.
2. Sock down the truss rod nut.*
3. Remove from the clamping rig.
4. Lather, rinse, repeat.

Sometimes it takes a few tries. But it will hold ninety odd percent of the time. If you can find some washers and want to use them, go for it. It will usually work the first time.


*This is a technique for the seriously handy only. You must know the limits of metal threads and brass nuts. You must know how it feels to go too far. If socking down the nut brings visions of a guy sitting on a lug nut with an air hammer at the tire shop, take your guitar to a pro.

[ehque]

Originally Posted by JLS

Back clamping a neck that has run out of trussrod adjustment, is un-maxing out the trussrod. This, combined with a washer or two, can often get a neck back into playability.

My point exactly. You'll need to do something else, like washering the truss rod or "socking" down the nut to keep the adjustment by clamping. Clamping alone isn't permanent.

[RicPlaya]

Thanks for the replys. Is there any videos demonstrating the clamping and washer techniques? Sounds like I may need to find a good tech, last time I did that though I almost killed the guy..the "best guy around" almost ruined one fo my bases.