truss rod problem

slobake · #1 10-11-2011, 11:27 PM

I am having problems getting my neck straight on 03-04 MIM Precision. I didn't want to strip the bolt by over-tightening so I backed the nut all the way up and pushed against the neck in the direction of a back-bow. Now I can't get the truss rod nut started again. It is turning it just doesn't grip the truss rod.
I took the nut all the way out and examined the threads on the nut and the truss rod inside the neck. They all look okay. I even lubed the inside of the nut with a speck of Vaseline. I still won't start.
My guess is that the angle inside of the neck is off. Maybe it happened when I loosened the nut and tried to put a back bow on the neck.
Anyone else ever experience this?

walterw · #2 10-11-2011, 11:39 PM

sounds like you're doing this right.

it's a pain to try and "re-start" the nut with an L-shaped allen wrench, since you have to pull it out every quarter-turn.

if you can wrangle a long t-handled 3/16" wrench, you should be able to jam the nut back in there and spin it vigorously while putting some pressure on it until it engages the threads again, at which point you can proceed to tighten it carefully again.

slobake · #3 10-12-2011, 02:03 PM

Thanks Walter,
Got the wrench and a some small washers to put under the nut. Right now still at work(a very bad habit). Looking forward to giving it a try tonight.

JLS · #4 10-12-2011, 02:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by walterw

sounds like you're doing this right.

it's a pain to try and "re-start" the nut with an L-shaped allen wrench, since you have to pull it out every quarter-turn.

if you can wrangle a long t-handled 3/16" wrench, you should be able to jam the nut back in there and spin it vigorously while putting some pressure on it until it engages the threads again, at which point you can proceed to tighten it carefully again.

Ball end allen wrench is a lifesaver, for this.

slobake · #5 10-12-2011, 09:32 PM

Success! Thanks WalterW and JLS. It actually took a combination of the T-wrench and the ball end to get it done. Didn't have to tighten the truss too much and the neck is nice and straight. In fact it may be too straight, had to re-adjust the string hieght to get rid of some buzz.When I held down the E string at the 1st and 20th fret my credit card is actually a little tight at the eight fret. There is clearance but it is close. I like the way it plays though. I will have to wait and see if the neck bows again in the next few days.
I love this site, you guys and the Dan Erlewine book saved my bacon.

walterw · #6 10-12-2011, 09:48 PM

success!

if the neck can get "too tight" or "too loose", with truss rod adjustment room either way, than you're good.

slobake · #7 10-12-2011, 10:14 PM

BTW tomorrow I get to call SF Guitarworks and cancel my set-up appointment. Good people, replaced a pot for me while I waited. But now I like me set-up just fine. They would probably do it better but there is something about doing it myself. Plus I save some hard earned cash.

JLS · #8 10-12-2011, 11:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slobake

BTW tomorrow I get to call SF Guitarworks and cancel my set-up appointment. Good people, replaced a pot for me while I waited. But now I like me set-up just fine. They would probably do it better but there is something about doing it myself. Plus I save some hard earned cash.

GOOD FER YOU!!!

Turnaround · #9 10-13-2011, 11:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slobake

Success! Thanks WalterW and JLS. I love this site, you guys and the Dan Erlewine book saved my bacon.

Listen up TBers - you've got a couple of guys here that are really experienced and know what they are talking about. Ignore them at your peril.