Truss Rod Access

[Blue Nate]

Hey, just wondering how expensive/practical it would be to have a truss rod access point carved in to the body of P/J Bass body?

I have a 62 RI Fender neck lying around, the truss rod of which is accessible only from the bottom. Unfortunately I don't have any basses with a channel in the body/pickguard to adjust without removing the neck.

I assume that removing the neck every time I need to adjust the truss rod would not be advisable, so how much is a luthier likely to charge me, could I do it myself, and could I do it with any P/J type body?

Thanks.

[Zooberwerx]

Originally Posted by Blue Nate

Hey, just wondering how expensive/practical it would be to have a truss rod access point carved in to the body of P/J Bass body?

I have a 62 RI Fender neck lying around, the truss rod of which is accessible only from the bottom. Unfortunately I don't have any basses with a channel in the body/pickguard to adjust without removing the neck.

I assume that removing the neck every time I need to adjust the truss rod would not be advisable, so how much is a luthier likely to charge me, could I do it myself, and could I do it with any P/J type body?

Thanks.

There was a discussion on this matter a few months ago. IIRC, the RI owners said it was not a big deal to remove or lossen the mounting screws so the neck could be tilted backwards for easier access to the trussrod nut. I suggested routing a small access channel in the body but was admonished as this may de-value the instrument at resale time. So be it.

If this is not an issue for you, you could probably do the job yourself with a Dremel tool and sanding drum or router attachment. I believe the modification will be hidden by the pickguard, correct?

Riis

[Blue Nate]

Yeah, I'd probably just strap it to one of my SX or Squier bodies, so devaluing is not an issue. I don't have a plan to work off though - it would basically be a semi circle about a centimetre deep in the middle of the neck saddle right?

The pickguard isn't really an issue for me. I might hide the channel, I might not. Pickguards are cheap and easy to replace either way.

[testing1two]

Fender has been doing this on their American Deluxe basses for years. You could go and check one out at your local music megastore and get an idea of the shape of the notch.

http://www.mveducation.com/assets/products/41084_l.jpg

[Zooberwerx]

Originally Posted by Blue Nate

Yeah, I'd probably just strap it to one of my SX or Squier bodies, so devaluing is not an issue. I don't have a plan to work off though - it would basically be a semi circle about a centimetre deep in the middle of the neck saddle right?

The pickguard isn't really an issue for me. I might hide the channel, I might not. Pickguards are cheap and easy to replace either way.

You can cut the pickguard while you're at it or leave it intact. PG's do have about a dozen screws and are more prone to stripping out than any other I've seen.

Cut a semi-circle then elongate it to accommodate the screwdriver or hex key. You'll need to align / orient the initial cut with the neck in the pocket; just mark it with a Sharpie or the like.

Riis

[Patrick Nelson]

It is quite easy to take a neck off, adjust the truss rod, and put it back on. If you put a capo on before you take the neck off, it keeps the strings from coming off of the tuners. For me, it takes about 3-5 minutes overall. It usually takes only two or three adjustments to give the neck the desired relief.

[Blue Nate]

Thanks Patrick. Would this not be likely to strip the screw holes on the body eventually? Also wondering if tightening and loosening the strings that many times would shorten their lifespan. Assume you would only need to adjust once or twice a year though.

[Blue Nate]

Originally Posted by Zooberwerx

You can cut the pickguard while you're at it or leave it intact. PG's do have about a dozen screws and are more prone to stripping out than any other I've seen.

Cut a semi-circle then elongate it to accommodate the screwdriver or hex key. You'll need to align / orient the initial cut with the neck in the pocket; just mark it with a Sharpie or the like.

Riis

Thanks, doesn't sound too hard. Any hidden dangers to keep in mind?

[Zooberwerx]

Originally Posted by Blue Nate

Thanks, doesn't sound too hard. Any hidden dangers to keep in mind?

Choose the correct tools, proceed slowly, check your progress periodically, and don't forget to wear eye protection. Also, remember the old adage "measure twice...cut once".

Riis

[LeonardoGarza]

How can I reach the truss rod adjust philipps head, cus its very far and a regular screwdriver cant reach it? I try using a screwdriver on ¨L¨ as the allen tool but either, i already remove the pickguard

[LeonardoGarza]

im having this problem on a geddy lee replica, which has the same neck system as the vinatage one? thanks