The REAL Truss Rod Thread

Reynolds 101 · #1 07-19-2008, 06:18 PM

Ok I have just recently bought an SX Jazz and Im having trouble with fret buzz mainly on the G string, and a wierd buzz on the open E string. I've been reading articles online and on this forum and everysingle one says something different about how to adjust the truss rod.

I'm assuming my neck is too straight because I have the action raised pretty high and I still get a wierd buzz and some intonation problems.

So, with the truss rod access at the headstock, which way do I turn it if Im looking down the fretboard from the headstock for more foward bow?

And if you have another idea as to why I can't get rid of this annoyance, please let me know.

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()smoke() · #2 07-19-2008, 06:28 PM

it's difficult at best to diagnose the issues with your instrument over the internet, as the neck, frets, nut, bridge, strings and pickups can all contribute to a great setup or contribute to problems like you describe

to answer your truss rod question, its as simple as any other screw: righty tighty, lefty loosey--tightening a truss rod effectively shortens it, which takes the concave relief out of the fretboard side of the neck

...without knowing how you define 'forward bow', i can't tell whether you are looking for more relief or less (relief being the concave condition of the fretboard in relation to a straightedge)

...but with the idea of how the rod works, you should be able to deduce which way you need to go with it...

i'd recommend studying up on how the other factors affect your setup and understanding the effects of each before adjusting anything, but if you decide to go ahead and adjust the truss rod as a first step, don't turn more than 1/4 or 1/2 turn before checking the results

Reynolds 101 · #3 07-19-2008, 06:34 PM

Yeah I adjusted it earlier and it seemed to give it more of the curvature I was looking for, but Im still getting an abnoxious buzz. When I get some extra cash I'll buy my usual strings because I have the stockies on right now, maybe that will give me a better understanding of the issue.

()smoke() · #4 07-19-2008, 06:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reynolds 101

Yeah I adjusted it earlier and it seemed to give it more of the curvature I was looking for, but Im still getting an abnoxious buzz. When I get some extra cash I'll buy my usual strings because I have the stockies on right now, maybe that will give me a better understanding of the issue.

at the risk of oversimplifying things, with your bass, turning it clockwise from your described vantage point will reduce the curvature, counterclockwise will allow the neck to bend more--hope that helps

Reynolds 101 · #5 07-19-2008, 06:57 PM

Yep thats what I did. Seeing Im not getting the results Im looking for, Im just going to take it to a tech or anyone that actually knows what they're doing. How much would it usually run to make truss rod adjustments, action, intonation, etc.?

()smoke() · #6 07-19-2008, 07:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reynolds 101

Yep thats what I did. Seeing Im not getting the results Im looking for, Im just going to take it to a tech or anyone that actually knows what they're doing. How much would it usually run to make truss rod adjustments, action, intonation, etc.?

about $50 was the going rate the last i checked--if it turns out your bass needs a fret level or something else, that would be in addition to the basic setup, as will be new strings...price will vary a bit depending on shop/location, etc...good tech will allow you play the instrument once it's set up and then make any tweaks to accommodate your personal style and preference...

good luck

Reynolds 101 · #7 07-19-2008, 08:18 PM

Well actually the tide is a changin'. I let the neck sit for a while after making some truss rod adjustments, fixed the intonation as much as I could, lowered the action a tad, tuned up, and now it seems to be doing ok. The buzzing on the E string is just the string itself, so that will be fixed when I get new strings.

yes!