Truss Rod Seemingly Unresponsive To Adjustment?

Kusabi · #1 09-14-2010, 04:07 PM

I adjusted the truss rod on my Sterling Ray34 approximately 5 hours ago to straighten the neck out. On my three other basses (A MIM Fender P, A Squier CV Jazz, and a cheap Precision knock-off) I'm used to seeing at least some noticeable difference in the neck within about an hour. Thus far I've turned the rod about a 1/4 turn and I haven't noticed any difference. Should this be cause for concern or do these basses take a little longer to settle in? I'm a little worried as the last bass I bought had a broken truss rod and I'd prefer to not have to relive that traumatic event

Thanks

Kusabi · #2 09-14-2010, 08:43 PM

Going on 9 hours now.... if it makes any difference this is the first time I've tweaked the truss rod on this bass.

christpncher · #3 09-15-2010, 08:26 AM

i think they get stuck sometimes. it helps to give it a gentle prodding by hand. also loosen the string tension. if that dont work, give it another turn.

i overtightened a rod on an old ibanez and its was beginning to back bow. i loosened the rod back to its original position and even further but it stayed that way for weeks. i eventually just loosed the **** out of it and gave it a little forcing and then it finally bowed the other way. then tightened it a little at a time leaving it sit for a day between until got it right.

conqr · #4 09-17-2010, 11:44 AM

Far as I know it does not take hours for a truss adjustment to be visible, it's immediate. What takes hours is for the wood to get used to the adjustment.

darkstorm · #5 09-18-2010, 06:25 PM

Basic small truss rod adjustment effects should be allmost instant. In a few cases may take an hour or so. Otherwise somethings wrong imo. Ussually a stuck condition can be remedied by gentle prod like christpncher said.

Kusabi · #6 09-25-2010, 11:06 PM

Situation update: over the past week i've given an addition 1/2 turn of the truss rod. Even after this the neck refuses to budge. Are there any possible solutions or should I just take it to my local shop?

202dy · #7 09-26-2010, 11:16 AM

Quarter turn
Half turn
Myth turns owners yellow
Give that nut a goodly spin
Be a happy fellow

Turn the nut to dial in the relief. When it is correct, stop.

The neck may or may not "settle". That is, the stresses in the wood will reverse (or in a rarer case, accentuate) the adjustment. Most necks will stay put. If it changes, turn the nut again.