Should I be worried?

Sublab · #1 04-21-2011, 03:00 AM

Hi all,

Some time ago I adjusted the truss rod on my Warwick Rockbass to straighten the neck. Then I put the strings back on only to see that after a little while the neck was bent again. Not much, but just about the same amount as before my adjustment. Yesterday I adjusted it again, waited a while and then put the strings back on. Almost instantly the neck bent back into its angle as it was before the first and the second adjustment. It hasnt been bent more or bent less than it originally was. I gave the truss rod turn clockwise and just a few millimeters both times.

Any thoughts?

defiend · #2 04-21-2011, 03:33 AM

The strings tension will bend the neck a bit. I have a Rockbass and all I can say is don't be afraid to turn the truss rod. Until a few weeks ago my neck had some serious forward-bend, figured what the heck and started turning the truss rod pretty heavily. Now, the neck is straight (kinda). Depending on how your neck looks, i'd say a few millimeters wont cut it, certainly didn't for me.
This is my thoughts atleast, they might not be right but they worked for me. Not sure wether I should encourage you to do the same but it might work out.

Lazerrus · #3 04-21-2011, 08:19 AM

You need to adjust your truss rod under string tension and tuned to pitch. Adjusting it string free is not an accurate adjustment. Unless you have a bottom neck truss rod adjustment like early Fenders. This is how I was taught. Just be careful and only turn 1/4 turn at a time and check alignment after each turn. If your neck is severely bowed then it gets much more detailed.

BassBob1 · #4 04-21-2011, 08:32 AM

I was told never to adjust the truss rod under full tension. you shouldn't need to take the strings off, only loosen them. Do only about a 1/4 turn at a time and see if that works.

Sublab · #5 04-21-2011, 08:36 AM

Thanks guys, will do so this evening and post back!

Skitch it! · #6 04-21-2011, 08:53 AM

I've only ever released some of the tension on the A and D strings to move them out of the nut to get access to the truss adjustment, it's never been a problem as far as anything goes.

tdub0199 · #7 04-21-2011, 08:56 AM

Def. leave the strings on when adjusting the truss rod.....

JTE · #8 04-21-2011, 09:17 AM

Leave the strings on. But, the best way is to adjust the rod while the neck is pulled to where you want it to be. It's difficult to describe with text, but you put pressure on the headstock to straighten the neck and while it's held in this position you tighten the truss rod nut. I'm sure there are diagrams or even videos of the process available- I think Gary Willis' website shows how to do this.

This prevents the nut from having to move the wood and reduces the possibility of compressing the wood at the nut. If you're not familiar with the process and you've not done much truss rod work in this bass I suggest a quarter turn of the rod and let it settle for a day or so.

John

darkstorm · #9 04-21-2011, 06:30 PM

You shouldnt take the strings off to adjust truss rod. Just loosen the two strings in the middle that would otherwise get in the way of inserting and turning the truss rod tool. Normally the change will become noticeable pretty much immediately if your doing 1/4 to near 1/2 turn if its bad bow. But I wouldnt do more then that at a time.