Question about truss rod

[addicted]

Hi guys, I am trying to straighten the neck of my Squier VM 70s bass. I tried to do truss rod adjustment. I tighten it about 1/4 turn, tune the E-string and remeasure and I manage to get the relief to how exactly I want it. But after I tune all the string, it began to bow and create larger relief again.

Any tips on what should I do?

 

[addicted]

I tune the string straight away after I tighten the truss rod. Should I wait for a few hours to wait the neck to settle before tuning the string?

 

[sissy kathy]

It sounds to me like the wood hasn't aged enough and still has too much moisture in it. I have that same bass and have no issues. It would upset me to no end if I had that problem and would take drastic measures that might destroy the instrument. I'd remove the neck, put it in a slight back bow, and bake it at about 250 degrees for four or five hours. That would either fix it, or ruin it and I wouldn't be unhappy with either result.

 

[Zooberwerx]

I tune the string straight away after I tighten the truss rod. Should I wait for a few hours to wait the neck to settle before tuning the string?

Unless you have to remove the neck to access the truss rod nut, you can probably get away with doing adjustments with the strings at pitch. Clamp the bass between your knees and gently flex the neck backwards with your left hand while adjusting the truss rod with your right.

Riis

 

[202dy]

Riis is right!

Just to add: Turn the truss rod nut until the desired relief is achieved. There is nothing to be gained (unless gray hair and aging is a gain) by twisting the nut a discreet amount and checking.

 

[addicted]

I guess I am just being overly cautious since I dont want anything bad to happen and breaking my truss rod. Thanks for the advice everyone.

 

[202dy]

Yes.

It's not about the item being worked. It's not about the tool being used. It's all about the person using the tool.

If someone is a tool user they will not break anything. If someone is not a tool user and uses normal care they won't break anything. If someone is afraid of doing something wrong they should hire a pro.

 

[addicted]

Thanks again man. But the definition of 'normal care' for first timer learner is kind of vague.

 

[1stnamebassist]

When you change relief and want to check the string height you should tune all the strings to pitch otherwise it will always change on you whenever you do it your way.