Epi Thunderbird with stripped Truss rod socket.

[Dwight]

I recently bought an Epi Thunderbird bass with stripped Truss rod socket. I would like to tighten the rod just a little more but the previous bozo stripped the hex socket and traded it in. The store was unaware as I was when I bought it.

I would like to repair it but thought I'd get some advice from the pros here first!

 

[Matt Liebenau]

It depends on how badly the nut is rounded out. It takes a hex key, right? Sometimes a different or longer hex key will reach in a little further and grab a good part of the nut. If needed, StewMac has their gripper wrenches or, last resort, a screw extractor or EZ out should get the nut out and let you put a new one one.

The other question is why was the rod tightened that much? Hopefully, it is still in good shape and will hold the neck at the proper relief under string tension.

 

[4sight]

The other question is why was the rod tightened that much? Hopefully, it is still in good shape and will hold the neck at the proper relief under string tension.

It's often the case that the nut is rounded out due to the use of a slightly wrong sized tool, rather than because it's been cranked to the limit.

 

[Matt Liebenau]

It's often the case that the nut is rounded out due to the use of a slightly wrong sized tool, rather than because it's been cranked to the limit.

That’s true. For instance using a fractional / SAE Allen in a metric nut. Just trying to point out to the OP that there could be other issues once he gets the truss rod nut fixed. Although his original description sounds like the neck is pretty straight as is so, hopefully, he’s ok.

 

[RSBBass]

All good advice above. I would add that if you detune the strings you will remove much of the tension on the rod making the nut removal easier. After it is off, clean the threads and use a tiny bit of a graphite lubricant and a new nut.

 

[Dwight]

Thanks for the advice so far. The neck is 98% straight and the only problem seems to be the hex socket has been rounded out. I'm fairly sure I can remove it but I'll need to find a replacement nut and haven't located any on line so far.

 

[JLS]

truss rod nut | eBay

 

[Stu62]

Thanks, may need this. Never thought Ebay.