G&L ASAT Truss Rod Problem

deepbluesuk · #1 12-04-2008, 04:53 PM

Ive just got a s/h ASAT. There is a little too much neck relief for me, so I give the truss rod a 1/4 turn. Still too much relief, so try again - thats it, no more adjustment left!

Is all lost? Have I bought a dog? can anything be done with the set up?

Help!!

TimWilson · #2 12-04-2008, 05:01 PM

Wow, that's VERY atypical of those basses (and G&L basses in general). I've had a bunch of 'em (see the avatar?)

Definitely a GOOD thing you didn't keep torquing the rod past the limit. I'd call G&L and tell 'em about it. Their customer service—even for non-original owners—is very good. I'll be surprised if they don't offer to at least meet you halfway on it.

JLS · #3 12-04-2008, 06:45 PM

Did you bend the neck back, when you adjusted the trussrod?

That said, I don't like extremely tight trussrods, that makes an instrument sound less than optimum, to my ears.

Lesfunk · #4 12-04-2008, 06:49 PM

If you haven't tried it yet, Loosen the truss rod. Then loosen the strings so there's no tension at all. Next Tighten the Trussrod. See if you can get enough adjustment for the neck to back bow. If you can, re tighten the strings and see how it looks when tuned to pitch.

That would be the First thing I'd try.

snappytom · #5 12-04-2008, 06:57 PM

Do a search on the "Washer Trick". I had the same problem with an SB-2 I acquired used and it did the job.

It does seem to be common .... I had an ASAT once with the same symptoms.

deepbluesuk · #6 12-05-2008, 11:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by snappytom

Do a search on the "Washer Trick". I had the same problem with an SB-2 I acquired used and it did the job.

It does seem to be common .... I had an ASAT once with the same symptoms.

I think I will have to, nothing else working. What size/typewashers did you use?

snappytom · #7 12-05-2008, 05:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deepbluesuk

I think I will have to, nothing else working. What size/typewashers did you use?

Don't recall ... take the truss rod nut off and bring it to a hardware store to find washers that are the same size.

The tough part is getting them on the truss rod. Get a stiff wire about 6" long, hold it on the top of the truss rod (with the nut off) and then drop the washers down the wire and onto the rod. Worked well for me.

randbguy · #8 12-05-2008, 06:31 PM

Yes my friend, you need to get washers that have a hole just large enough to clear the rod itself, I'll call that inside diamater, and a small enough outside diamitre to fit down the hole (channel) the truss rod protrudes from. I got mine at a hobbie store. DuBro makes them just the right size and you can buy a small quantity that way. They are hardened steel too. I used two or three, and that gave me the adjustment range I needed to get the neck almost straight which is how I prefer to have it. Much better slap response and nice easy action for the finger style playing. All the manufactureres need to do is cut 1/8" more thread on the truss rod.

It happens more than we know about I think.

randbguy · #9 12-05-2008, 06:46 PM

I just had a look in my workshop as something about this bothered me. The washers I bought were just a smidge smaller (inside diameter), they were the only ones that had the right outside diameter. I brought the nut with me so that's how I knew the outside diameter was right. I had to drill out the center holes (inside diameter) to fit over the rod. I used my drill press vice to hold them in allignment and keep them from spinning while they were drilled out to 5/32" dead centre. Go slowly and it will work this way. Maybe you will find some just the right size. Good luck!

deepbluesuk · #10 12-06-2008, 05:10 PM

Sorted. I got some steel washers with a centre hole that would fit over the rod and filed the edges down small enough. Not quite round, but hey, they fit and 2 did the job!!