Is my truss rod broken?

Gabu · #1 08-17-2003, 09:00 PM

Hi guys,

I was feeling like the action on my Steinberger Spirit bass was too high, so I looked down the neck. It looked a bit bowed.

I started to turn the truss rod, and it felt really loose. I played with it a bit, and it seems like I can spin it as much as I like any either direction without any effect on the neck, and without it ever tightening.

Is there anything I can do or check? Since this bass is a bit unusual, I am concerned about taking it down to a place like Sam Ash to have them look at it. Last time I did that it came back (all done according to them) buzzing on every fret.

I hate to spend too much on such a cheap bass... But then again, it makes a great backup.

**HeavyDuty** · #2 08-17-2003, 10:08 PM

Gabe, are you sure the hex head of the truss rod nut isn't stripped out?

Gabu · #3 08-17-2003, 11:12 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by HeavyDuty
Gabe, are you sure the hex head of the truss rod nut isn't stripped out?

I am not sure. I have never torqued it very hard. Nor have I tuned up my bass, or used super heavy gauge strings. On the other hand, it has gotten hot and cold living in my garage.

There is a face plate on the end of the neck. Just two screws. I suppose I should just take it off and look.

I just get a bit paranoid and/or chicken about opening up my instruments in areas I am unfamiliar with.

More to follow...

merlin · #4 08-18-2003, 04:59 AM

You may have just undone it. Depends which way you turned it?

Merls

Gabu · #5 08-19-2003, 12:46 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by merlin
You may have just undone it. Depends which way you turned it?

Merls

Hey Merlin, you were right. I held my bass upsidedown, and tried to push in, then started turning it, and it eventually caught. Now my bass is longer longer bowed. It plays well, now I just need to check the intonation.

Thanks one and all!

**HeavyDuty** · #6 08-19-2003, 08:22 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Gabu
Now my bass is longer longer bowed.

Gabu, you been buying those miracle "2 inch growth" pills off email spam again?

Glad it worked out!

Gabu · #7 08-19-2003, 09:08 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by HeavyDuty
Gabu, you been buying those miracle "2 inch growth" pills off email spam again?

Glad it worked out!

Well, I didn't get a full 2" but I did turn my 34" scale into a 35" scale for only 36 monthly payments of $199.99.

Thanks again. I was really relieved.