Bullet Truss Rod - love it or hate it?

BeeTL · #1 07-21-2012, 09:41 PM

It's always been a personal favorite, even though it represents the post-Leo CBS era.

**cfsporn** · #2 07-21-2012, 09:45 PM

I like it. It looks cool and provides easy access to the truss rod adjustment. However, I am eager to see why people dislike it.

flewis · #3 07-21-2012, 10:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cfsporn

I like it. It looks cool and provides easy access to the truss rod adjustment.

+1

PlungerModerno · #4 07-22-2012, 05:43 AM

looks good, more importantly doesn't need a neck removal for relief tweaks. Also means you can get the correct hex and see if it doesn't match (and if there is lacquer in the way, which can make it a pain).

Considering the effort needed to get a stripped truss rod nut out... Bullet all the way. I don't have one so it's not a deal breaker for me. But it's not a bad idea.

rodl2005 · #5 07-22-2012, 05:50 AM

Works well on my '75 Tele bass. Like it myself.

**TinIndian** · #6 07-22-2012, 05:55 AM

Obviously it has better access, but I hate the way it looks. Always have. Destroys the look of the headstock. IMHO.

BeeTL · #7 07-22-2012, 07:00 AM

Part of the reason I like it is that I come from the "more chrome = better" school.

Also, I think it looks better than a hole or truss rod cover on tilt-back headstocks.

THORRR · #8 07-22-2012, 07:33 AM

I never liked the "look" - it has an unfinished appearance,
like a loose screw - like it needs tightening down so it can fit back in the hole.

That said, it's actually a pretty practical design that gives
good access for making adjustments.

Rocky McDougall · #9 07-22-2012, 07:35 AM

The truss rod nut, easily the most critical adjustment on your bass.
Why would you...

Bury it down in a deep hole where you can't see it.
Make it difficult to insert the proper wrench to adjust.
Allow to fill with grit, grime, dirt, sweat, beer, spit, and other crap.
Make it almost impossible to remove if it gets damaged.
Put it where you have to remove the neck to adjust the neck.
Need a special ball-end T handle tool to even turn it.
Cut a hole in a beautiful pickguard to access the nut.
Make it very difficult to reorder the proper replacement nut if needed.

Yes, the bullet truss rod nut is a great idea. Do you think anyone will use ?

Rocky

THORRR · #10 07-22-2012, 03:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rocky McDougall

The truss rod nut, easily the most critical adjustment on your bass.
Why would you...

Bury it down in a deep hole where you can't see it.
Make it difficult to insert the proper wrench to adjust.
Allow to fill with grit, grime, dirt, sweat, beer, spit, and other crap.
Make it almost impossible to remove if it gets damaged.
Put it where you have to remove the neck to adjust the neck.
Need a special ball-end T handle tool to even turn it.
Cut a hole in a beautiful pickguard to access the nut.
Make it very difficult to reorder the proper replacement nut if needed.

Yes, the bullet truss rod nut is a great idea. Do you think anyone will use ?

Rocky

Yoh - - - ROCKY -
I think you just about nailed it!
No . . . you absolutely NAILED it!

CORBS · #11 07-22-2012, 03:20 PM

I didn't even realize it until I read Rockys post but yeah, external truss rod nuts make a lot of sense. I never realized how much I hate the regular ones.

bobalu · #12 07-22-2012, 03:33 PM

One of the best innovations that Fender ever came out with. You just can't argue with functionality. It just works.

Sartori · #13 07-22-2012, 05:00 PM

It's a good design.

BeeTL · #14 07-22-2012, 07:35 PM

I'm hoping I can make it work with a tilt-back headstock.

Easy TR access, no cover or string tree.

PurpleDrank · #15 07-22-2012, 09:22 PM

I think it looks great on telecasters, but wonky on everything else. I definitely recognize the practicality, though, so I voted "love". Huge improvement over having to remove the neck to adjust the truss rod.

BeeTL · #16 11-16-2012, 08:35 PM

Well, I can do the bullet on a 0-degree headstock, but not a tilt-back.

I'm pretty psyched.

skychief · #17 11-16-2012, 09:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TinIndian

Obviously it has better access, but I hate the way it looks. Always have. Destroys the look of the headstock. IMHO.

Agree.

But the audience couldnt care less if the truss rod pokes out a half an inch from the headstock.

Trust me.

C.Linton · #18 11-16-2012, 09:57 PM

Anybody think one of those would fit on a Squier VM Jazz? (the natural finished one) That's the only detail left to completley give my VM J that proper 70's aesthetic. I see where BassPartsResource has two, one an actual Fender one, and some unnamed aftermarket brand.

**cfsporn** · #19 11-19-2012, 03:55 PM

Are there any non aesthetic reasons why people don't like them?

chef wong · #20 11-19-2012, 04:03 PM

I like Fender basses to have the truss rod adjustment thingie at the headstock. They tend to rattle on the other end...and I can hear it. Not cool.