truss rod maxed out

[DaRK_CaRNiVaL]

Hi all.
I have a Fender 50's precision bass with the maple neck. Today I took it off to adjust it for less relief and it turns out it won't go any further. I have had to adjust it a few times in the last few weeks because it kept needing to be given more relief (came from overseas after all).

I have read threads where people said add some washers before the nut but this has the neck adjustment at the HEEL and thus you don't use an allen key but a phillips head screwdriver.

Any suggestions?

[DaRK_CaRNiVaL]

I have started by loosening it a bit and then after a while I will give it another go at tightening it, maybe it just got slightly jammed for no reason. But it might not work so I would like to know my other options if there are any

[RMay]

My books say washers can be added before the nut for both types of truss rods heel or headstock type. There are a few more options if the washers don't work.

[flewis]

All three basses I have put washers behind the Truss Rod Nut were located at the heel.

If you decide to use washers, mark the neck and TR nut with a pencil or maker to have a reference point when you re-installed and tighen your nut. Before you screw your TR nut back on, put a dab of vasaline on the end of the Truss Rod. This will reduce the friction when you adjust the Truss Rod.

Good luck!

[dmusic148]

Yes, the part you see with the crossed driver slots is actually a nut. You can remove it completely, add an appropriate size washer to the now exposed end of the rod, then replace the nut.

[DaRK_CaRNiVaL]

cool , thanks peoples.

Does anyone know what particular size washer I may need? I an not sure if they come in specific sizes or anything.

[rollcall]

if its a real fifties it will need a shim in the neck pocket to offset the neck angle if it is a reissue it will need it also. you can add the washer to mixed results good luck

[DaRK_CaRNiVaL]

It is an MIM 50's P so it is not quite a re-issue but close enough. I will keep that in mind, thanks

[rdpbass]

Is it the same way with the 2008's were there's an allen wrench at the heal ? My 08 P bass is the same way, I knew I should have bought a Mike LULL

[elBandito]

What problems do you have with your neck? My 08 p truss is considerably smoother than the 08 j for some reason. I didnt really have to do anything right out of the box.

Originally Posted by rdpbass

Is it the same way with the 2008's were there's an allen wrench at the heal ? My 08 P bass is the same way, I knew I should have bought a Mike LULL

[rdpbass]

I put some D Addario's on it ,they must have more tension than the OEM's. The neck had to much relief when I got done.So I gave the truss rod a 1/4 turn and let it set with out tension on the neck. Re tuned and there was still to much relief ,so I try to give it another 1/4 turn and it won't budge. Fells like has hit the end of the threads. Thats why I asked if in fact was a nut I'll stick a washer under it,if I can.

[elBandito]

That's how my mia j felt. Did you loosen the strings prior to turning the truss? My p initially came with more relief than I'd like, but when I turned the truss, it didnt resist as much as my j neck. I replaced the stock strings on my p with a d'adario nickle wounds 105s and they feel looser than the fender strings, so it would actually take some relief out on its own. What guage are you using.

[rdpbass]

I put 105's on. It's now at the fender repair shop to see what they can do . I just don't have any luck with fenders after the 80's.Every fender bass I've tried has a neck problem. Either a ski jump at the heal or slightly twisted, and this one But we'll see how well they stand behind their product.

[elBandito]

Ouch. hope it works out.
Whatdya know. It's been a couple of days since I restrung my bass. I noticed the neck was bowed more than usual, so I had to give the truss 1/8 turn to take the relief out. No biggie.