Neck Won't Respond

Scalestein · #1 05-02-2007, 02:18 PM

I went to give my SX fretless a set-up the other day since it had atrocious action. The neck has far too much relief and so I loosened the nut a smidge, held the bass so the neck was straight/back-bowed and then tightened the nut. This helped, but only a very small amount and the neck is still quite bad. I tried tightening the nut more, but it is pretty tight and I don't want to push it. I was thinking of taking the nut off and somehow setting the bass so that the neck was held straight/back bowed for a day or two and then trying again. Do you think this would work? any ideas on how to set that up?

SGT. Pepper · #2 05-02-2007, 02:32 PM

Make sure you loosen all the strings before tightening the rod.
Also, what kind of strings are you using? A $150.00 bass I wouldn't put heavy strings on.

Scalestein · #3 05-02-2007, 02:35 PM

I've got the strings off at this point

62bass · #4 05-02-2007, 03:48 PM

You may have run out of thread on your truss rod. You can regain some more adjustment, if this is the case, by adding a couple of small washers under the nut. Naturally you'll have to remove the nut to get the washers on. When replacing the nut be careful when starting it so you don't cross thread it. It should turn on easily until it snugs up to the nut. This method will give you more adjustment room and is a technique I've used on many basses with good results.

Scalestein · #5 05-03-2007, 07:36 AM

ok I'll give that a whirl, how many washers do you recommend? I was thinking two or three

62bass · #6 05-03-2007, 03:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scalestein

ok I'll give that a whirl, how many washers do you recommend? I was thinking two or three

I've never had to use more than 3 but it could depend on the thickness of the washer. Bring the truss rod nut with you to the hardware store when you buy the washers and buy washers just slightly smaller than the nut, with a big enough hole for the truss rod.