Should I be afraid of the truss rod?

sceloporus · #1 05-02-2008, 12:28 PM

I've read all the guides to truss rod adjustment but I am still hesitant to adjust it. What is the chance I could break it?
Is it a fool proof adjustment? I just don't want to ruin my neck.

GabeN · #2 05-02-2008, 12:32 PM

It's pretty fool proof if you've got an ounce of common sense. Just know how it works and don't over-adjust it without letting the neck settle and you'll be fine. The only thing I'd worry about is adjusting a fender truss rod and accidentally stripping one of the neck screws.

sceloporus · #3 05-02-2008, 12:52 PM

Well just did it, not bad at all, for some reason a had the feeling that the second I turned the neck would snap or light on fire or something. How long should I wait before tuning up again?

GlennW · #4 05-02-2008, 01:35 PM

Don't wait.

Mushroo · #5 05-02-2008, 01:41 PM

Congrats on taking the truss rod plunge... I think it's something every bass player should know how to do. As long as you use common sense and make gradual adjustments, you should be fine. And if you are ever in doubt what to do, just post here on talkbass and we will help you out!

jrfrond · #6 05-02-2008, 03:23 PM

Should I be afraid of the truss rod?

Only if it has teeth!

Seriously, you need only if the nut is completely loose, or so tight you have to force it. Some truss rods work better than others and will adjust with a quarter-turn. Others need more. If you turn it and nothing is happening, even after letting it set, bring it to a pro.

sceloporus · #7 05-02-2008, 04:18 PM

It worked perfectly, it's like I'm playing a new bass.
Thanks for the help!

bassike · #8 05-02-2008, 04:24 PM

check out the Gary Willis web site
he explains how to do it.
plus he explains how to adjust the bridge
he also has a book with all kind of tips, not just for the set up, he talks about othe thing.

Rattman · #9 05-02-2008, 05:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sceloporus

It worked perfectly, it's like I'm playing a new bass.
Thanks for the help!

Ya did good man. Just a little lubrication on the nut prior to your next adjustment thou.. I find this eases the stress on the threads.. also "how long" do you let the neck 'settle'? before another adjustment? Overnight is probably cautious/safe enough. Not to forget: SMALL adjustments are better.. no more than probably 1/4 turn at the most.

Dr. Cheese · #10 05-02-2008, 05:46 PM

I can indentify with the OP. For years, I was afraid of breaking my bass because I have never been real handy with tools. I can thank TB for giving me the confidence to finally learn to adjust my trussrod and intonate my bass.

bassike · #11 05-02-2008, 09:19 PM

yeah the trussrod is not a problem but we have to be carefull just turning it a little bit at the time.
another thing i was afraid of is adjusting the bridge but one day i just said to myself
just do it, it is just loosening and tightening screws
it is not like I'm shaving wood
so worst case i'll take it to the luthier right
if you are way to afraid just get the bass that you don't use to experiment

Solarmist · #12 05-03-2008, 02:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GabeN

It's pretty fool proof if you've got an ounce of common sense. Just know how it works and don't over-adjust it without letting the neck settle and you'll be fine.

+1,000 - EXACTLY. I may be overly cautious, but I only do 1/8 turn MAX, and watch it for 2 weeks to see how it settles in.

MikeVQ · #13 05-03-2008, 10:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jrfrond

Should I be afraid of the truss rod?

Only if it has teeth!

Seriously, you need only if the nut is completely loose, or so tight you have to force it. Some truss rods work better than others and will adjust with a quarter-turn. Others need more. If you turn it and nothing is happening, even after letting it set, bring it to a pro.

My Ibanez SG is a nightmare to adjust. Just getting the alan key in there can be a chore.

MikeVQ · #14 05-03-2008, 10:31 AM

Dang, after reading some of the replies here I can see that I'm in the minority as far as truss rod adjustments go. 1/8th of a turn? Letting it set for 2 weeks?

Matt Till · #15 05-03-2008, 10:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeVQ

Dang, after reading some of the replies here I can see that I'm in the minority as far as truss rod adjustments go. 1/8th of a turn? Letting it set for 2 weeks?

I'm pretty sure that would be considered overkill. Taking it slow is a must, but... that's a bit much.

Solarmist · #16 05-04-2008, 05:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeVQ

Dang, after reading some of the replies here I can see that I'm in the minority as far as truss rod adjustments go. 1/8th of a turn? Letting it set for 2 weeks?

Let me rephrase - Thats how I do it, and it is overkill, but my SR neck is small, and an 1/8 turn goes a long way. The standard is not to turn it more than 1/4 turn at a time, and let it settle for a day or two or three. Sorry for the confusion.

MikeVQ · #17 05-04-2008, 06:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Solarmist

Let me rephrase - Thats how I do it, and it is overkill, but my SR neck is small, and an 1/8 turn goes a long way. The standard is not to turn it more than 1/4 turn at a time, and let it settle for a day or two or three. Sorry for the confusion.

Sorry dude, I wasn't trying to rip on your or anything like that. I should actually learn to exercise more patience when dealing with adjustments on the bass rather than ballistically dry heaving it.

bassist 4 life · #18 05-05-2008, 08:14 AM

i get impatient while waiting for the truss rod to settle in >.>, i hate it. I wait 7-12 hours before adjusting it again.

anyways, if you're carefull about it, it probably wont break, just adjust it slowly, dont just go "GWAH!" and like turn the nut like really fast.

alexlotta · #19 05-07-2008, 10:01 AM

On bass of mine ,everytime it's an Anguish,its Really Hard ANd
i'm always afraid to break the truss or to lose the hang (happned to one guitar and i madea ****** scratch).

I did NEVER lubricate ,soi think this is the problem..gonna do tomorrow:
"CRC" and stuff like that are right (stuff to lubricate metals,right?).

On the williss site:
Great the tip for Tightening the truss!! .
I did already realized for myself some time ago ,but just after many many years of struggling, and also i was not still sure if the method was correct.
_____

Being a "fretless page" ,the "willis page" misses stuff like
Checking correct angle of bass neck ,or how much "straightness" should have the neck before to check if the frets are in correct in height (i still don't know for sure ).

dbcandle · #20 05-07-2008, 12:18 PM

A couple of tips I picked-up:

Sometimes the nut on the truss-rod is hard to turn because the threads are dirty. While I've not done it, removing the nut, clearning the threads, lubricating the threads and replacing the nut is considered a "good thing".
It is possible to compress the wood where the ends of the truss-rod touch the wood of the neck. Careful not to over-tighten (even beyond concern for breaking the truss-rod or nut).