Has Anyone Made a Truss Rod Cover?

[jasper383]

I have a bass that has no truss rod cover. I would like to make one.

The original was probably the standard black plastic type, about 2" by 1.5". Has anyone made a truss rod cover? What materials did you use? How did you cut it?

Thanks.

[John Wentzien]

I made one out of a big triangle guitar pick once. You can cut it with scissors and shape it with an emery board. Looked great!

[202dy]

Truss rod covers are usually made of pickguard material. It is typical that they use B-W-B or W-B-W. Factory made covers often have the model name engraved on them ala Gibson Les Paul Model.

Pickguard material is quickly cut on a bandsaw. Hand saws can also be employed. A coping saw blade's aggressive teeth are very quick and have virtually no drag. Fine shaping can be accomplished with files. Boring the screw holes is the real trick. If there is only one hole it is pretty easy but locating multiple holes can be challenging. A Unibit is one of the best tools but standard twist drills will also work.

[deaf pea]

FWIW, I removed the truss rod cover on ALL of my basses, to make it easier to adjust the neck as necessary . . .

YMMV, but I PREFER a bass WITHOUT a truss rod cover.

[Bass Thunder]

I just made a truss rod cover using 2 pieces of maple veneer - the real thin stuff - 1/64 inch I believe. The veneer is so thin that it can be cut with sharp scissors. Make sure to cross the grain in different directions so it doesn't curl up. I used crazy glue between. It turned out great.

The veneer came from woodcraft.com

I may try some more with contrasting woods like ebony/maple/purpleheart whatever. They have a good selection of veneer.

[202dy]

Originally Posted by deaf pea

FWIW, I removed the truss rod cover on ALL of my basses, to make it easier to adjust the neck as necessary . . .

YMMV, but I PREFER a bass WITHOUT a truss rod cover.

+1. Extra screw = extra time.

Of course, there are those who might say that the cobbler's children go barefoot.