My SX neck won't adjust

MMcC · #1 05-24-2009, 09:07 AM

I've been trying to set up an SX for the last couple days.

I'm wanting to add more relief (loosen) the truss rod. The allen wrench is turning very easily and I'm not seeing any change in the neck. Usually when I adjust a truss rod I have to put a little muscle into it.

Is it possible, I'm just turning the hex nut and not the truss rod? If so how do I fix that?

ErebusBass · #2 05-24-2009, 09:12 AM

How long have you had it?

If there is a legitimate problem send it back and get another one. The truss rod in my SX doesn't turn that easily.

MMcC · #3 05-24-2009, 09:21 AM

Just got it, but used. It's the geddy type replacement.

dmusic148 · #4 05-24-2009, 09:24 AM

Not likely that the rod is turning. To find out, simply unthread the nut until it comes off the rod. Tune the bass, check relief. Not enough? It might move a bit in a few days with the nut loose, but probably not. Might be time to send it back.

MMcC · #5 05-24-2009, 09:52 AM

Again, got it used. I can't just send it back. How do I take the nut off? Do I keep turning the allen wrench counter clockwise until it comes off? Isn't that how I'd be adjusting the neck anyway?

BroQ-SR905 · #6 05-24-2009, 07:46 PM

Mike,
Continue turning the allen wrench ccw until the nut comes out / off. If it just turns and never comes out, the nut is stripped. Probably won't tighten if this is the case. Sometimes you need to massage the neck to get it to start adjusting in the way you need it to. Done this many times with guitar setups but rarely on basses. Usually the string tension will pull the neck in the direction for more relief. Let us know what your results are and I will try to help further if need.
God Bless!

MMcC · #7 05-24-2009, 08:39 PM

Thanks. I'll try to remove it, but ...

Where does a removed nut get me? Does this just let me know if it's stripped or not?

xaxxat · #8 05-24-2009, 08:53 PM

Essex truss rods are dual action. I doubt if that nut will come off.

miguel2u · #9 05-27-2009, 12:08 PM

Check that you are using a good quality American 5/32 allen wrench. A cheezy wrench can spin around inside the socket. Shine a light onto the socket to see if it and the wrench are moving.

ErebusBass · #10 05-27-2009, 12:21 PM

This only makes me wonder why anyone would buy an SX used.

MatticusMania · #11 05-27-2009, 12:31 PM

Seriously. Im getting a Fretless SX Jazz this weekend and its only $120, I wouldnt even bother trying to find one used when theyre so cheap already.

groooooove · #12 05-27-2009, 01:19 PM

a used SX...

you might have simply gotten what you paid for. i wouldent worry unless it was unplayable..

MMcC · #13 05-28-2009, 09:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ErebusBass

This only makes me wonder why anyone would buy an SX used.

HAH! Well said. There's a last time for everything. I bought it because it was already on the right track for a project I'd been planning. It was modded and would have saved me a lot of trouble, but now not so much.

MMcC · #14 05-28-2009, 09:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by miguel2u

Check that you are using a good quality American 5/32 allen wrench. A cheezy wrench can spin around inside the socket. Shine a light onto the socket to see if it and the wrench are moving.

I'm using the T handle one that came with my Fender Am Std. Is that the right size?

miguel2u · #15 05-28-2009, 03:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MMcC

I'm using the T handle one that came with my Fender Am Std. Is that the right size?

No idea what size the Fender wrench is.

A quality 5/32 L shaped allen wrench is what I used. A metric 1.5mm is what works for the saddle screws.

I had much the same problem as you using the wrench that came with the SX. I got the allen wrench set out and tried wrenches until something worked. The SX truss rod turns smoothly and is rubust. I have access to X ray equipment and rayed up the truss rod . It is a dual rod affair.

I have put heavy guage rounds and flats on this bass and the truss rod easily took the fingerboard to almost flat. The truss rod can take it to beyond flat with no problems.

MMcC · #16 05-28-2009, 03:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by miguel2u

I have access to X ray equipment

Pretty sure those words have never been written on talkbass before.

miguel2u · #17 05-28-2009, 06:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MMcC

Pretty sure those words have never been written on talkbass before.

I did not believe a $120 bass could have a dual action truss rod so I rayed it. It really does.

GearHeadBassMan · #18 05-28-2009, 06:55 PM

wow, dual action truss?! I have one coming tomorrow so a dualie will save me some headache setting her up juuust the way I like it

TJBass · #19 05-29-2009, 08:24 AM

MMcC, just buy a new neck..... http://www.rondomusic.com/product1933.html

$45 + shipping....problem solved!

MMcC · #20 05-29-2009, 09:12 PM

That's a short scale. And I bought the bass for the Geddy look. You'll all be happy to know I finally got the truss rod to turn the way it's supposed to. I can't really say what I did differently, though.