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lowering action on TRB6

H

hoover9

Dec 5, 2010
14
1
#1
Hi,

I have an old Yamaha TRB6 (first model, circa '98) with dual truss rods. The action is unfortunately a little too high to my liking, especially as I started playing better basses over the years (F, Fender Marcus Miller). Still like the neck and figured I'd invest a little to keep it around (new pickups, etc).

I tried lowering the string height and adjusting the bridge, but getting some fret noise, so reached the extent of what I can do.

What's the next step, aside from shaving the frets? Never messed with the truss rods, not two sure on the adjustment with two of those and/or if I should replace the bridge.

Or anyone you can recommend in Chicago-land that can service that bass (never had a checkup in 13 years).
 
#4
Yea, don't take it to GC unless you know the tech personally. You could try and look up some info here on TB about adjusting dual truss rods and try to do it yourself. It's always nice to know how to set up your own gear because only you can set them up exactly how you like it. Just limit yourself to a 1/8th or quater turn of either rod at a time and you should be good.
 
#5
Dual truss rods shouldn't be a problem - just follow the ususal instructions on front/back bow, etc, corrections, and as stated, only do small adjustments at a time. Start by adjusting both rods by the same amount, and when you get the relief as you want it, (probably almost straight with a small amount of relief), check the relief on both sides of the neck. If you've got a hair too much on one, you can take it out with that rod, or vice versa, or any combination.
You can use the two rods to get just the right amount of relief on both sides, unlike on my six whit one rod where I have to compromise - a little too much on the c side and not quite enough on the b side. Just take it very easy, and don't forget to loosen the strings before an adjustment, and leave it a while afterwards to see where the neck is going. An 8th of a turn at a time!
 
#6
hoover9 said:
Hi,

I have an old Yamaha TRB6 (first model, circa '98) with dual truss rods. The action is unfortunately a little too high to my liking, especially as I started playing better basses over the years (F, Fender Marcus Miller). Still like the neck and figured I'd invest a little to keep it around (new pickups, etc).

I tried lowering the string height and adjusting the bridge, but getting some fret noise, so reached the extent of what I can do.

What's the next step, aside from shaving the frets? Never messed with the truss rods, not two sure on the adjustment with two of those and/or if I should replace the bridge.

Or anyone you can recommend in Chicago-land that can service that bass (never had a checkup in 13 years).
Click to expand...

Hey...you definitely want to checkout Carl Pedigo of Lakland basses. I take all of my stuff to him. Great guy and will treat you and your bass right. And no, I have no ties to Lakland or Carl.
 
#7
Tighten the truss 1/4 turn (clockwise) add tension to the rod, straighten the neck slightly and bring the strings closer to the finger board. You may need more tightening but do it in small increments.

You may need to have frets dressed but you will be able to determine that if the neck is straight and you have low action with buzzes... dress the frets.
 
#8
I adjust dual truss rods all the time on my Warrior. Just adjust both the same amount and never make more than a quarter turn adjustment at a time. Let the bass set at least a day to settle in before making further adjustments. If you are not comfortable with that, take it to a good tech.
 

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