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Just my luck...

Eekum

Eekum

Mar 4, 2013
403
550
#1
So after installing new pickups, new strings, doing a complete setup and genuinely loving this new bass... of course something had to go wrong...

I was doing a slight adjustment on the truss rod when the allen wrench slipped and this happened...
C5278DDA-0B80-42FF-A7B4-E81530BE831E.jpeg B961EAB7-27D2-489D-B665-451606B89097.jpeg
Is this fixable, if so, how? Should I worry about more happening? This is a 1989 squier II and I love the neck. Seems to still play fine but just looks awful.
 
#2
Yes it's repairable.

You mentioned that you put new strings on.... the A string has a big gouge in it too so it looks like you were using A LOT of force to turn the wrench. Is the truss nut stiff? What happens when you loosen it? Is it stiff in both directions?
 
#3
Eekum said:
So after installing new pickups, new strings, doing a complete setup and genuinely loving this new bass... of course something had to go wrong...

I was doing a slight adjustment on the truss rod when the allen wrench slipped and this happened...
View attachment 3007341 View attachment 3007342
Is this fixable, if so, how? Should I worry about more happening? This is a 1989 squier II and I love the neck. Seems to still play fine but just looks awful.
Click to expand...
Glue it if you still have the piece. You just slipped, not too big of a deal. Crappy though.
 
#4
DanBass81 said:
Yes it's repairable.

You mentioned that you put new strings on.... the A string has a big gouge in it too so it looks like you were using A LOT of force to turn the wrench. Is the truss nut stiff? What happens when you loosen it? Is it stiff in both directions?
Click to expand...
It is pretty stiff in both directions. The A string thing happened when the wrench slipped. It put a dent in it. I know that it was dumb putting that much force on the truss but I honestly thought it was just a bit “stiff” from sitting all these years. The previous owner said he never did much with it.
 
#8
Eekum said:
For sure. Pretty bummed out. I don’t feel like it will affect the playing or anything but it’s just an eye sore for me. Debating on where I can take it to get it fixed.
Click to expand...
Find the piece man. Can't put back something you dont have. You probably can't find cause you're looking too hard. Happens to me all the time. Try again later. It's probably right in front of your face.
 
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#10
Sometimes I'll search using a flashlight even if there is decent light in the room, because it focuses my attention. Other times I'll turn the lights down and use the flashlight the same way. Or, lay the flashlight down on the floor and see what gets picked up in the beam. Also check your clothing; the divot could have popped into a picket or pant cuff, etc.
 
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#12
Have you tried putting a sock over a shopvac and securing it with a rubber band? Not sure how heavy the piece of wood is, or how powerful your vacuum is, but it might be able to move the piece. If not, it should help with moving other similar sized debris out of the way.

If you still can’t find it, maybe try using a meter stick to knock anything below things like workbenches, tool chests, freezers, and what not our from underneath them. Nearly impossible to see what’s under those.

If you still can’t find it, I’d recommend getting a fresh pair of eyes to look around with you.
 
#16
Killed_by_Death said:
Some don't, but I always relax the strings when I'm tightening the truss rod.
I'm quite sure in this case it would have saved you some troubles.

It also gives you more turning room if you pull the A & D strings out of the nut & move them over.
Click to expand...
Me too. That or gently press the neck in the direction I am wanting it to move while adjusting the truss. I like to help it rather than cause all the strain to be on the truss nut. Works really well.

OP, glad you found the piece. Looks like a fine repair.
 
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#19
Killed_by_Death said:
Some don't, but I always relax the strings when I'm tightening the truss rod.
I'm quite sure in this case it would have saved you some troubles.

It also gives you more turning room if you pull the A & D strings out of the nut & move them over.
Click to expand...
+1

I wish I still had my Squier II. I over modded it and sold it. :(
 
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#20
I always love a good save, good for you. All of my truss rods get a drop or two (JUST a drop or two) of BreakFree, one of the 'wonder lubes' available for firearms. Harmless to finishes and electronics, it's just a little insurance for those kinds of things, I use it for bridge allen screws, etc. Just run a drop of it (or something similar) on a toothpick, and touch the nut, you're good.
 
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