String Guage / Truss Rod Adjustment

Andy_D · #1 08-07-2011, 07:17 AM

HI All,

I just picked up a Peavey Axcelerater 5 that while in pretty decent condition had probobly never ever seen a setup by it's prior owner(s). I did the usual that I do when I get a bass like this and took her all apart for a thorough cleaning and inspection. I strung it up with a set of Dunlop Medium Nickels 45-135 and now my problem is that I can't bring the neck relief down. The truss rod was almost slack when I received it. I have slowly tightened all I dare to at this point not wanting to force anything.

My question for the experts is... Do you think I should be able to dial this in with these strings or should I maybe switch to smaller strings? The neck on this is somewhat smaller than on my Cirrus. Or, if present string are OK do you think I should try the clamp and heat lamp trick? Obviously the previous owner(s) never attempted a setup as the action was sky high and the truss rod was almost loose when I received it. I'm afraid that after many years of not being properly adjusted that the neck may have taken a set and hence is resisting my attempts at proper adjustment. Again, I'm being conservative here in that I don't want to force or over tighten anything. I have managed to reduce relief somewhat, though it is not where I'd like it to be.

Oh, and yes I've read all of the guides posted here.

Down & Outman · #2 08-07-2011, 10:48 AM

I loosen the strings to adjust the truss rod. Clamp the body down to a workbench, or have a buddy hold the body down. You should be able to gently pull the neck back and tighten the truss rod to straighten it up. You can also use a straightedge (I use an old level) with some clamps (use some rags to protect the neck) to further straighten it up if needed. Take your time.
I did that to my P Bass I got used and it works good to convince a neck to straighten out. Better than risking breaking the truss rod.

Andy_D · #3 08-07-2011, 11:11 AM

Thanks,

That's kind of what I was thinking. Clamping it down and as you say "convince" or "persuade" the neck into straightening out. Some have advocated the gentle use of a heat lamp to help the wood bend back. I think that 17 years or so of being allowed to be warped too much has allowed the wood to take a set and now the truss rod alone is perhaps not able to overcome it.

Andy_D · #4 08-12-2011, 05:17 PM

Just a follow up for anyone who may have followed this. I ended up stripping or cross threading the original adjusting nut. I ordered a new nut and spent almost 30 minutes trying to get it on strait At first I could go no more than 1-1/2 turns before threads would lock up tight. I marked the nut with a sharpie and finally got it to spin freely through 4 turns before coming tight. This time I finally knew I was on the thread correctly. I got 1-1/2 turns after this until it was as far as it would go. I tried it out with stings and no change from before. Soo... I took the neck off once again,clamped it in a back bow on my workbench, carfully and slowly applied some gentle heat from a heat gun, Loosened the nut a couple of turns and shot some spray lubricant onto the threads. After continuing to heat and tighten the clamps incrementally I was finally able to get 1 more turn out of the truss rod. After putting it all back together the neck was too straight so I backed of the nut about 1/8" turn and now it is PERFECT. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it holds and does not require any further tightening. Good to know that I have 1/8 turn left if I need it. If I do have to tighten again the neck will come off and be clamped first.

Whew, I'm glad this had a happy ending.