1st neck build truss rod questions

[plopswagon]

I am going for my first neck build. This will eventually be a Fender Jazz Bass styled bass but for right now I am going to stick it on my 78 p-bass for an up coming out of town show (in July). It will be one piece maple with a rosewood fretboard.

I've read this board for hours and haven't found anything concerning my questions.

I am going to make my own good old fashion single action truss rod with the adjuster on the heel. what length should it be? If I do 23" including the adjuster that will have the anchor at just about the middle of the first fret is that too long? Warmoth makes their's 21" long.

Also as far as the curve goes. I have Melvin's H's book in which he says about a 1/4 lower than the end points is this a pretty good rule of thumb?

I will post pictures as soon as I actually start the project.

[zenman]

I'd seriously consider using a two-way rod. Much easier installation. There are plenty of other things to worry about on your first neck build without sweating the details of installing a single action rod. That said, the two-way rods that I've used are around 23', so that puts the end in the rod in the same location as your one way rod, so that should work fine.

[plopswagon]

I wanted to do a old school fender adjuster on the heel end but no one makes a double action rod like that...

[zenman]

Not sure what you mean by "old school Fender adjuster"? If you mean a slotted end that fits a regular screwdriver, then yes they are available. Otherwise I'm not sure what you are referring to?

[tZer]

I just purchased a 24" dual action truss rod (with the spoked wheel nut) - but they also have them with the Fender style, slotted nut - from Stew Mac. It appears that it can be installed either way - adjust at the heel / adjust at the headstock.

I am an absolute beginner builder and have not made a single neck or installed a truss rod yet - so I could be misinterpreting what you are after.

[plopswagon]

yes I mean the the slotted Fender styled adjuster

no one makes a "hot rod" or double action styled truss rod with this type of adjuster in a length sufficient for a bass

so back to my original questions.

thanks

[zenman]

PM sent

[plopswagon]

thanks zenman

I was directed to Doeringers where there is a 23.5" dual action rod which I promptly purchased.

I still have the single rod I bought from stewmac but I have many other projects planned and I am relieved not to have to do the this on my first neck build.

I will save it for when I get around to making the neck for this guitar:

[tZer]

Originally Posted by plopswagon

yes I mean the the slotted Fender styled adjuster

no one makes a "hot rod" or double action styled truss rod with this type of adjuster in a length sufficient for a bass

so back to my original questions.

thanks

Gotcha - I didn't realize that was guitar only...

[zenman]

Happy to help. Let us know how your project turns out.

Dennis