Neck twist

[guroove]

I've searched, and understand that usually the repair for this is to plane the fretboard down. This isn't really an option on this bass. Additionally, it seems to have happened all of a sudden. The weather here has been very up and down, temperature wise; and I just changed the brand, type, and gauge of strings.

The specific problem is on the E side. The relief has gotten out of control to where the E string action is too high even if I lower the saddle as far as it goes. Slapping on that string sounds like a thud, and getting a snap out of the open E playing fingerstyle is impossible.

The strings I was using before were LaBella light gauge flats (.103 - .043) and the strings I just put on are Ken Smith Slick rounds (.106 - .044).

Will putting on strings with lower tension on the E side likely correct this? Is there anything besides planing down the fingerboard that can even up the relief from the E side to the G side?

 

[StevieMac]

Here's one option http://www.warpedneck.com/

 

[bobdabilder]

can you post a pic?

 

[guroove]

It's not really enough to be visible. The issue is that the E string side is bowed while the G side is straight. Adjusting the truss rod until the E side is straight results in some back-bow on the G side.

 

[bobdabilder]

understood. nut is ok? bridge and saddles seated properly? neck is attached to body securely?

if yes to all of the above, sounds like a twist. maybe a pic from the nut viewing down to the bridge.
hope you get it worked out.

It's not really enough to be visible. The issue is that the E string side is bowed while the G side is straight. Adjusting the truss rod until the E side is straight results in some back-bow on the G side.

 

[pfox14]

Neck twist is typically not from side to side (treble side straight and bass side bowed), but like a piece of licorice, twisting end to end. If the truss rod can get rid of the bow on one side, than I would pick a happy medium and set the action from there. I am having a hard time picturing one side straight and the other side so bowed that you can't get the action low enough. How much of a difference between them is there? It would have to be pretty severe.