Truss rod (not the nut) stripped!

NicJimBass · #1 10-14-2009, 07:46 PM

I went to adjust the truss rod on my Ibby ATK when after a slight turn, I head a 'pop'. I took the neck off and discovered that the truss rod nut came right off because the truss rod threading was stripped on one side. The thread on the nut is fine. Anyone have any idea how to fix this, or how much it'd cost to have repaired? I'm hoping to simply have the rod re-threaded, as I've seen a tool that does just that in a StewMac catalog. This isn't an expensive bass, so I'm not looking to drop alot of dough on it. Thanks!

kalle74 · #2 10-15-2009, 04:21 AM

Whoops!

You didn´t CRANK it, right?

Replacing the trussrod will be expensive. Usually it requires removing the fretboard, changing the rod, replacing the board and a fretting the board...

I hope your bass is under warranty.

millsbass5 · #3 10-15-2009, 05:01 AM

Oooh!!Eeek!!Ouch!!And,as stated above:WHOOPS!!
Wow,man.I really feel for you.You need to take it to a good,no,scratch that,a really good repair man.
Man,Ibanez must be makin' some trusses outta some really,really low grade steel.

IF.IF,you are mechanically inclined,check out the end of the truss that's messed up,and see if the tool from Stew Mac would do the job.If you aren't a mechanically inclined person,take it to your local machine shop (along w/the tool from Stew Mac) and see what one of the old-timers (someone w/exp.) can do with it.

Or,you could take it to your local Guitar Center.lol.
Sorry for your misfortune.Good luck.

NicJimBass · #4 10-15-2009, 08:33 AM

No, didn't crank it at all. In fact, earlier in the day, I either tightened it or loosened it a bit, let it settle for a couple hours, and then tried adjusting it again when it popped. I contacted Dan Erlewine, as his shop is about an hour from where I live. He has the StewMac tool, and can probably fix it, I'm just broke as a joke right now, so not sure when I'll go down.

Oh, and last night, I found there were 2 small washers between the truss nut and the end of the truss rod housing, meaning there should be SOME thread I can bite onto, just need a longer nut!

Benjamin Strange · #5 10-15-2009, 10:57 AM

As far as I know, the only way to fix a truss rod while it's still in the bass is to use that Stewmac tool. I personally have no experience with it, but I hear it works well.

I have taken fretboards off to replace rods before, and that is NOT fun. It would also cost you more than the bass is worth to go that route.

NicJimBass · #6 10-17-2009, 06:42 PM

Update: I was able to cannibalize a truss rod nut from a Parker guitar I have (PM-20). The nut was longer than the body would allow, but straightened the neck. I was able to grab onto some thread on the truss rod after removing 2 small washers from around the truss rod. Anyway, I cut and filed the nut to size, tightened her up, and viola! it's back in business!