easy question for 62 ri owners...

removing the pick guard wont work, although it will give a little better access to the truss rod screw head "thingy" but it seems you just can't get enough bite...

i got tired of removing the neck screws from having to constantly adjust the neck,
and i was afraid they would eventually strip, so i routed the pickgaurd and a very small
piece of the body...

i'll post a pic of the bass if you want...let me know

 

I was able to do this by removing the pickguard and using a small flat screwdriver to turn the screw. Probably depends on how easily the screw turns.

Taking off the neck really is not as hard or scary as it sounds though. You probably spend as much time and effort trying to get around doing it.

 

I've never had the neck off my Vintage Series '62 Precison since I bought it new in 1983. I don't care that the pickguard is scarred up at the truss rod access, which happens when you adjust the rod down there. Mine sits high enough up that the rod is almost completly exposed so it's easy to get a driver in there.

jte

 

I've actually spent a fair amount time messing with the truss rod on my 83 62RI (actually it's a J not a P). I found I was able to do a lot without doing anything but loosening the strings and using a long flat screwdriver. Eventually I just popped the neck off which is much easier IMHO than taking the pickguard off. Good thing I did too cause I discovered a fret that was popping up higher than the others that I might not have otherwise notice. Took it to fav luthier and they ended up recommending a full fret level and dress. Bad news - cost $240. Good news - the bass plays better than it ever had before with low and smooth action!

 

I'm fighting this issue on my new 64'CS Jazz. I did take the pick guard off and adjusted it some that way but as mentioned here I didn't get a good bite with the screw driver I used and I did manage to nick the body doing it. It's a relic so no big deal and the pick guard covers it anyway. It looks like I'll have to take the neck off and I hate doing that. It is what it is, I just wished there was an easier way to do it.