Help with truss rod-Squier Jazz

[csm672]

I tried this in the luthiers forum but got no reply, so thought I would post here. I traded for a Jazz today. The kid had the truss rod backed completely off untill the neck was bowl shaped at the fretboard. I don't know how long it has been this way. (I asked him why he did that and he said there was fret buzz on the upper frets in the middle strings and it was the only way he could get rid of it. I asked him if he moved the saddles to try and correct it and he said "You should NEVER touch the saddles... That's a sure way to screw your guitar up for good!) So, I dropped the tuning a step and cranked on the truss rod untill the neck was flat under the string tension. I was planning on letting it acclimate for a few days and then tuning it up and making the final adjustments then. Does this sound right? Should I back it off and just try to creep up on it a little at a time? It doesn't feel like I'm going to break the rod, it still turns pretty easy. Just want to make sure I don't screw anything up by doing it this way. Thanks, Casey

[rumblethump]

If there is still adjustment room on the truss rod, go ahead and tune it up to standard tuning. If you can't tighten it enough after retuning you can either help the neck in to more backbow or add a washer or two under the truss rod nut to fix your problem. What you have done so far is fine.

[csm672]

Thanks Rumblethump. I will set it straight and tune it to pitch tonight and then let it set for a week. I've never had to crank a truss rod that far before and was just a little apprehensive about the whole thing. Thanks, Casey