Truss Rod Adjustment at Heel

[EADG mx]

G****r content, sorry.

How would I go about adjusting a truss rod such as this one?

It is a MusicMan Albert Lee

[MadMan118]

With an angled hex wrench (shaped like in L), unless Ernie Ball is using some strange rod nut,like Gibson.

[Turnaround]

Looks like a spoke-wheel truss rod nut. If so find something like an hex key that will fit into the small holes around the perimeter of the spoke wheel and use it to rotate the wheel. Rotate it clockwise (while viewing from the body towards the nut) to flatten the neck, counterclockwise to add more relief.

[danny_wylde]

http://www.music-man.com/faq/guitars/

[Bassorama57]

Nah, there's no magic tool required. Anything sturdy that will fit in there without snapping off (like the tip of my Swiss Army knife pick did once) - don't remove the strings, just push them aside and do 1/4 turns at a time (eg, do a 1/4 turn, check it the next morning after settling).

[EADG mx]

Originally Posted by Turnaround

Looks like a spoke-wheel truss rod nut. If so find something like an hex key that will fit into the small holes around the perimeter of the spoke wheel and use it to rotate the wheel. Rotate it clockwise (while viewing from the body towards the nut) to flatten the neck, counterclockwise to add more relief.

I do have a variety of hex keys

I am trying to adjust this for a friend and am encountering some resistance. I have worked with several truss rods before but have never seen one like this.

I found that with the hex key in about halfway, the wheel is able to turn easily but does not seem to make a difference. When inserted fully, I am met with resistance and I am not able to turn it. The guitar has not been setup since it left the store back in June.

Can anyone point me in the right direction?

Of course I will leave it as is if I can't figure it out, but I am still curious as to where I'm going wrong.

Originally Posted by danny_wylde

http://www.music-man.com/faq/guitars/

I had looked at that, but thanks.

[Turnaround]

If you insert the hex key (or whatever) too far, it just wedges between the spoke wheel and the body and won't turn. You were on the right track in the first place since you were able to turn the wheel. If turning the wheel is making no difference at all then (assuming you are tightening it) there is another problem, like stripped threads on the wheel or a broken truss rod.

[Jake of Bass]

They have the same on stingrays (maybe most MM basses do, I'm not sure) and it's pretty easy, but like the other guys said, you do need something pretty sturdy.

You probably already knew this, but for tightening the truss rod you need to turn it clockwise, looking towards the headstock.

[Turnaround]

Originally Posted by Jake of Bass

"Think for yourself, question authority" - Timothy Leary
Markbass Club Member #23

I didn't know Timothy Leary even played bass, let alone owned Markbass gear!

[Jake of Bass]

I didn't know that either!

[EADG mx]

Originally Posted by Turnaround

If you insert the hex key (or whatever) too far, it just wedges between the spoke wheel and the body and won't turn. You were on the right track in the first place since you were able to turn the wheel. If turning the wheel is making no difference at all then (assuming you are tightening it) there is another problem, like stripped threads on the wheel or a broken truss rod.

Ok.

So for adjustments, how far is it necessary to rotate the wheel? Should one use standardized 1/8th or 1/4 turns?

Originally Posted by Jake of Bass

You probably already knew this, but for tightening the truss rod you need to turn it clockwise, looking towards the headstock.

So to clarify, if I am holding the guitar upright with the strings facing away from me, which way would I turn it?

[Jake of Bass]

Yeah, use standardised 1/8 - 1/4 turns. I've found I don't need to turn it much at all, but when I adjust it's only a minor adjustment anyway.

If the bass is vertical and upright with the body facing away from you, you would be turning the spoke wheel to your left.

I always modify the truss by placing it face up on my lap with the headstock on my left (similar to normal playing position), insert a hex key (I've found a 1/8 one works best) and turn the wheel away from me, to tighten the neck.

[danny_wylde]

Here is a video from Drew at MM showing the truss adjustment .

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FNHV-IHhhBU

[EADG mx]

^ Problem solved, thanks guys.