RICKENBACKER 4003 truss rod issue - HELP

[rickenguy]

does anyone have any suggestions? i am setting up a new rickenbacker 4003 according to the instructions on joey's bass notes page (http://www.joeysbassnotes.com/Rick%20maint.htm).
however, while the e-a truss has taken me quite close to a straight neck with only a small space between the ninth fret and the string (while depressing the first and last fret), the d-g seems to already have produced a backbow DESPITE the fact that the screw nut is almost completely loose. in other words, the only way i can see to reduce the backbow on the the d-g is to loosen the e-a truss away from a straight neck. what gives?

[Floyd Eye]

Sometimes you can straighten out the neck on a 4003 by using the method for a 4001. That is to say, loosen the nuts, manually ( and carefully) put the neck flat, then tighten the nuts.

[lowendblues]

When I get a new (or used) Rick, I take the strings off, clean the whole thing, completely loosed both truss rod nuts then re-tighten them equally. I install new strings, and go from there. This way, when you make adjustments, you know that each rod has equal torque.

Edit: I also put a dab of powdered graphite on the truss rod threads to make them turn smoothly.

[rickenguy]

thanks for your insight, i'll take them under advisement.

[Ric5]

Also if the neck doesn't do what you want try heavier strings for more tension or lighter strings for less tension.