Truss rod slipping?

Tommygunn · #1 11-12-2009, 07:04 PM

I figured this was the best place to put this.

Well On my mike dirnt pbass I ajust the truss rod every morning to where the neck is totally straight with the strings are in tune. Then when I get home the neck is like this (l < but not as drastic. I have heard my truss rod must be slipping. What can I do? Imma keepin watchin it and see but Imma callin my local luthier/mom & pop music store to see if they see it too or if I'm just going crazy...

Thx much in advanced!

Rocky McD · #2 11-12-2009, 11:26 PM

Truss rods don't slip. The threads in the nut could be stripped or the threads in the anchor are stripping out. How often do you turn the nut and how far? Are you tightening the nut while the neck is under string tension?

Tommygunn · #3 11-13-2009, 04:25 PM

Yes I tighten in while the strings are in full tension. It isn't much just like a half a rotation (rotation being from one side of the neck to the other). You can't really notice it except the action is a little higher. But I'm about to lend this to a good friend and I don't want to give him a bad bass,

What can I do to fix it? Am I going to replace the neck?

**251** · #4 11-13-2009, 09:59 PM

Did I read this right? You adjust your truss rod daily, by as much as 1/2 turn?

I adjust my truss rod(s) 2 or 3 times a year because I live in New England where the temperature & humidity change every 4 months. 1/4 turn is the most I have ever needed.

I too, adjust the rod with the strings in pitch. Just how old are the strings on this bass?

John Wentzien · #5 11-13-2009, 10:03 PM

Hey Tommy-
If the bass is relatively new. It might take a few adjustments for it to find its "home"
Make sure you let it set overnight each time you make an adjustment..
Don't over-do-it!

John Wentzien · #6 11-13-2009, 10:05 PM

Pull back on the headstock a little bit if you are tightening the truss rod.
That will take some of the pressure off.

Rocky McD · #7 11-14-2009, 12:34 AM

Do not tighten the truss rod when under string tension, that is a good way to strip the threads or break a rod. Either loosen the strings completely or put enough pressure on the neck by hand to relieve the tension. Never tighten a truss rod nut more than 1/4 turn at a time

Tommygunn · #8 11-14-2009, 10:39 AM

It's mint but I'm (at least) the 3rd owner.

Ok I'll try all of this

sloasdaylight · #9 11-14-2009, 11:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rocky McD

Do not tighten the truss rod when under string tension, that is a good way to strip the threads or break a rod. Either loosen the strings completely or put enough pressure on the neck by hand to relieve the tension. Never tighten a truss rod nut more than 1/4 turn at a time

I tighten all my truss rods under tension, with the exception of my fretless's because it's got one of those screw truss rods that meets @ the body. I've never had any issue with any of my rods or my neck.

**251** · #10 11-14-2009, 01:26 PM

+1. You only get to stretch the strings once. After that they never sound as good. I too adjust the truss rods tuned to pitch.

Rocky McD · #11 11-14-2009, 03:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sloasdaylight

I tighten all my truss rods under tension, with the exception of my fretless's because it's got one of those screw truss rods that meets @ the body. I've never had any issue with any of my rods or my neck.

You are fortunate, hundreds of truss rods are broken every year. It can be a very expensive repair.

Tommygunn · #12 11-21-2009, 08:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Wentzien

Pull back on the headstock a little bit if you are tightening the truss rod.
That will take some of the pressure off.

I did this and there was a loud pop (like the little noises it maked when you tighten the truss rod but louder) and I've been enjoying a nice, steady, straight, low action neck for the last two days