Lightweight truss rods

[TFM94]

I am currently in the process of designing a lightweight headless 5-string bass. I have already discussed some plans for construction of a twisted neck here: Planning a twisted neck

Since the whole bass should be lightweight and the body will be significanlty chambered, I was thinking of using a lightweight truss rod as well. The typical steel or iron bass truss rods are pretty heavy.

Does anyone know a supplier of dual action titanium truss rods for bass? I can find several ones for guitar, but none longer than 46cm. There are significant temperature and humidity shifts in my area, so dual action would be a big advantage.

As an alternative I have also seen pretty lightweight Warwick aluminum DA truss rods. However, they seem to be for older warwick models (1991-1996), does anyone know why they stopped using them? Are they worth the money?

I know that these lightweight rods are significantly more expensive than the standard rods, but since this will be a pretty simple bass electronics-wise, it would be ok.

 

[Bruce Johnson]

I've done a lot of work developing specialty truss rods for Luthier clients, including some where light weight was the priority. I recommend a double-acting single-rod design, using 7075 aluminum for the rod and most of the parts. Lighter weight than titanium and less fuss to machine. 7075 aluminum is approximately the strength and machining properties of steel at 1/3 the weight. You can make it up yourself; it can be sawn and drilled and threaded like mild steel.

Make sure you use a good grease between the threaded parts. Aluminum-on-aluminum threads can seize up from galling and corrosion.

 

[TFM94]

Thank you Bruce for the suggestions. A high strength aluminum rod would be good as well. I'm not much of a metalworker, so I'm a bit reluctant to build my own rod, but I will keep it in my head. What size rod would you recommend?

As far as titanium goes, I have only found this double action rod from Tatsuta Titanium Parts in Japan. I don't speak Japanese, though, and I have no idea how much it would be to ship that thing to europe. Truss rod 2way 6-4titanium&Btitanium 6mmW 610mmL | tatsuta Titanium Parts powered by BASE

 

[vaesto]

s an alternative I have also seen pretty lightweight Warwick aluminum DA truss rods. However, they seem to be for older warwick models (1991-1996), does anyone know why they stopped using them? Are they worth the money?

As far as I remember they abandoned them due to high production cost but low reliability. Aluminum is not durable enough, even if its alloys could be as hard as steel.

I doubt there will be significant weight reduction in general. Even if you shave some grams it will not be much % of total bass weight. IMHO, it is not worth the money and effort, but I respect your opinion if think the opposite way.

P.S. For stability consider roasted maple and carbon fiber rods for neck construction.

 

[Arie X]

Thank you Bruce for the suggestions. A high strength aluminum rod would be good as well. I'm not much of a metalworker, so I'm a bit reluctant to build my own rod, but I will keep it in my head. What size rod would you recommend?

As far as titanium goes, I have only found this double action rod from Tatsuta Titanium Parts in Japan. I don't speak Japanese, though, and I have no idea how much it would be to ship that thing to europe. Truss rod 2way 6-4titanium&Btitanium 6mmW 610mmL | tatsuta Titanium Parts powered by BASE

There is an English translation link up at the far right of the page. Checking on shipping by region only seems to show Japan and several of its islands. I suggest contacting them if you are interested.

 

[TFM94]

P.S. For stability consider roasted maple and carbon fiber rods for neck construction.

No worries, it will be a maple neck with carbon rods.