Stripped Truss Rod on Custom Bass

[Tslicebass]

Hey Builders.
The truss rod on my custom CB bass is stripped and cannot be adjusted anymore. I am debating about wether or not to attempt to get it replaced. I have talked to a local luthier in town and he seems to think that in the process of removing the fingerboard to get the truss out that the fingerboard may get warped and be useless for reattaching.
So my question is...
Does this seem like a repair that is worth attempting. I am worried about the fact that it is a singlecut as well and that there is so much neck glue and body glue near the fingerboard. I can live with having a new fingerboard... but have any of you had any experience with removing a fingerboard to change a truss rod and actually been able to reattach the fingerboard without any issues?
For what it is worth, the luthier has offered to cover all costs and has been extremely helpful thru this process.
here is a pic of the bass for reference

[jbybj]

Getting the fingerboard off without damaging the bass is not very difficult to do. (Assuming that the builder used a traditional wood glue, Titebond, or some such equivalent.) But I would be shocked if you are able to reuse the fingerboard. I would count on a new board as part of this repair.

[Musiclogic]

Why don't you contact Cliff Bordwell about this. Cliff is usually quite decent to talk to and deal with. Seems to me he would be the logical 1st contact.

[Rocky McD]

Is the Luthier ,that is offering to repair the instrument at no cost, the original builder? If so, I would let him do the work. A new fretboard will probably be the best repair. Who broke the rod and how did it happen?
Rocky

[narud]

did you strip the nut or something? i seem to recall someone else with some bordwell truss rod issues.

[testing1two]

It can be done without ruining the fingerboard but the list of techs/luthiers who can do it is much shorter than those who are willing to try at your expense. That said I would still reach out to Mr. Bordwell to perform the surgery or at the very least to recommend the correct replacement truss rod.

For those interested, StewMac just did an article on fretboard removal.

Trade Secrets! Newsletter at Stewart-MacDonald

[Tslicebass]

Hey all
I did contact Cliff before posting this or even talking to anybody else about it. Cliff's customer service is second to none and he has been working with me to rectify the situation from day one.
Cliff's older instruments did have this problem. There is another guy here on TB that had the same problem with two of his CB's. He ended up selling both for cheap. Cliff has since stopped using those truss rods and upgraded to new ones.
Like I said, I contacted Cliff first. He is uncomfortable doing the repairs himself so that leaves me only the option to take it to somebody else here local.
My main question is, because this is a singlecut, do I run the risk of messing up the body/neck glue up near the bass side strings of the neck when the luthier (whomever it is) takes off the fingerboard?
For what it is worth, Cliff has offered to cover all repair costs, send me a new truss rod and a new fingerboard, if need be.
I am the original owner and yes, the truss rod is stripped.

[hdracer]

Originally Posted by Tslicebass

Hey all
I did contact Cliff before posting this or even talking to anybody else about it. Cliff's customer service is second to none and he has been working with me to rectify the situation from day one.
Cliff's older instruments did have this problem. There is another guy here on TB that had the same problem with two of his CB's. He ended up selling both for cheap. Cliff has since stopped using those truss rods and upgraded to new ones.
Like I said, I contacted Cliff first. He is uncomfortable doing the repairs himself so that leaves me only the option to take it to somebody else here local.
My main question is, because this is a singlecut, do I run the risk of messing up the body/neck glue up near the bass side strings of the neck when the luthier (whomever it is) takes off the fingerboard?
For what it is worth, Cliff has offered to cover all repair costs, send me a new truss rod and a new fingerboard, if need be.
I am the original owner and yes, the truss rod is stripped.

HUH?
He built the thing.

[Tslicebass]

Originally Posted by hdracer

HUH?
He built the thing.

I know, I know. That is what I thought at first... especially considering the fretboard is probably gonna be trashed anyways. He is worried about removing the fretboard without messing with the neck glue.... hence my question in the above post

[Slowgypsy]

Although one would think the original builder would be the obvious choice, it's been my experience that the luthiers who build instruments, and the luthiers who repair them, have different skill sets. Having one person with both skill sets and tools is not a forgone conclusion.

If you've found a skilled luthier who expresses confidence in making the repair, and you have confidence in that person, I suggest you trust them to be the experts that they are and do the best that can be done.

[T-Bird]

Hi.

I'm not a pro, but I have never been able to save the FB.

Originally Posted by Slowgypsy

Although one would think the original builder would be the obvious choice, it's been my experience that the luthiers who build instruments, and the luthiers who repair them, have different skill sets. Having one person with both skill sets and tools is not a forgone conclusion.

^This, IMHO.

Their time is better served with what they comfortably do as well.

As it is the finish on the bass You're worried about, and you can and will get a new FB from the original builder, taking the FB off with no intention of reusing it is way easier than if it was an on-off FB that had to be saved.

I would probably defret at least the length of the FB that was on the body area and route that portion off on a milling machine.

Sinve the builder is known, and he will most likely tell You exactly what glue he used, the heat can be applied accurately.

Regards
Sam

[202dy]

Removing a fingerboard without major damage is not that hard to do if you have the tools and knowledge. As a matter of fact, removal without damage is expected. Anything less is simply ridiculous.

Minor damage may occur. That includes fret(s) lifting, slight humps or bumps. Frets are easy to glue down. Little humps can be planed out easily. Minor chipping can be repaired with normal touch up methods.

Builder vs. repairman:
Mechanics can build cars. Assembly line workers usually take their cars to mechanics for repairs. Their experience is building new cars, not fixing old ones.

Remodelers can build homes. Homebuilders usually have to learn how to tear things apart and put them back together. Their experience is with new homes, not with old ones.

The same is true with musical instrument builders and repairmen. These are very different disciplines. They are very different mindsets. Many repairman try building and abandon it because they find it boring.

Cliff Bordwell is to be commended for being upfront and honest. He should not be looked down upon for admitting that repair is not his forte. Most factories regard warranty work as a necessary evil to the building business. It is an expense, not a profit center. Small builders like CB usually do not have the wherewithal to support repair.

[darkstorm]

This maybe absolutely silly idea. But Id ask Cliff about replacing the neck section of the bass for you instead. That looks like neckthru body bass. Might cliff be able to cut off your wings and attach them new made neck? using your pups, tuners, bridge etc as the ones for the new neck. Might be less expensive then the repair approach your going after.

[Zooberwerx]

Yes, I have the same problem with my Rami 5. I've pretty much resigned myself to the fact that the bass will need an upgraded truss rod system and new fingerboard. FTR, I contacted Mike Lull Guitar Systems and they've agreed to take on the project. If anyone can offer up any luthiers / shops on the east coast, please list your suggestion(s).

I did cut a slot across the truss rod nut which will accommodate a flathead screwdriver. Overall, I found the truss system to be under-engineered for this particular neck.

Riis

[bonga_rascal]

I don't want to hijack this thread but I wanna ask a simple question. The truss rod on my bass has lost that hexagonal groove by which I can adjust it using a standard allen wrench. What can I do now ?

[Fajah]

Originally Posted by Tslicebass

... but have any of you had any experience with removing a fingerboard to change a truss rod and actually been able to reattach the fingerboard without any issues?

I've successfully removed a fingerboard on a 45 year old guitar I own to replace a truss rod. I repaired and re-installed the existing fretboard without any issues. You may need to install new frets in the process which was part of my plan. Here's a link:

https://picasaweb.google.com/1054340...eat=directlink

[Zooberwerx]

Originally Posted by bonga_rascal

I don't want to hijack this thread but I wanna ask a simple question. The truss rod on my bass has lost that hexagonal groove by which I can adjust it using a standard allen wrench. What can I do now ?

See post #14. I was able to use my Dremel with a grinding burr to cut a straight slot across the hex nut. Fairly tricky as the hex nut is within a recess and the neck cannot be removed. This is one of the problems with double-acting truss rods: the nut cannot be removed / replaced.

Riis

[workdaddy]

STEWMAC.COM : Gripper Truss Rod Wrenches

[XylemBassGuitar]

Originally Posted by 202dy

Small builders like CB usually do not have the wherewithal to support repair.

I certainly agree that building and repairing are somewhat different fields. Builders may not be as adept at repairs as someone who does them exclusively. However, the above statement may be a slight over-generalization.

[gearhead1972]

What part of the truss rod is stripped? Is the threads on the end of the rod stripped? Or just the nut, I am assuming the rod it's self is. I know it is a lot of money, but this Stew Mac Truss rod repair kit may help