Truss Rod Adjustment

[Tabmo]

Hello. I have a Brawley 5 string bass that needs to have the truss rod adjusted. I did not get the tool required to do this when I bought the bass. Does anyone know what I need? I tried a few metric allen wrenches but could not find the right size. Thanks!

 

[Dave W]

If its a Allen key you just need to find the right size.

Do yourself a favor and go but a full set if metric and standard. They will always come in handy.

 

[Tabmo]

Thanks bassgod0dmw. I have looked at the end of the truss rod and it does not appear to be a hex head or a head that would take a screwdriver...

 

[RSBBass]

Tambo, in that case, a photo would help. You could ask the maker also.

 

[Tabmo]

Thanks RSBBass. I can take a picture, but I doubt it will help. Its very hard to see it! The manufacturer no longer exists. I was hoping someone that owns one of these basses could help..

 

[gregmon79]

Thanks bassgod0dmw. I have looked at the end of the truss rod and it does not appear to be a hex head or a head that would take a screwdriver...

Which end did you look at? The end on the headstock or somewhere else?

 

[Tabmo]

Thanks gregmon79. I took the cover off at the headstock. I will take some pictures and post for you guys to see.

 

[gregmon79]

Thanks gregmon79. I took the cover off at the headstock. I will take some pictures and post for you guys to see.

You're welcome. I'm sure it's just a hex head an Allen wrench can fit into to.

 

[soflbass]

Does it look like this? [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

This one, a Gibson style rod, uses a 5/16" hex head.

 

[Tabmo]

Thanks soflbass. I have attached pictures of both ends of the neck. I am not seeing where a allen wrench would fit. I'm going to try the 5/16" to see if that fits..

 

[soflbass]

Thanks soflbass. I have attached pictures of both ends of the neck. I am not seeing where a allen wrench would fit. I'm going to try the 5/16" to see if that fits..

Tab, that is not a hex head. It may very well be an Allen head that was stripped out. Hopefully not. Did you try different size Allen keys? It may be that the Allen key fitting is deep down inside the nut. Try some metric and SAE sizes and let is know what happens.

 

[gregmon79]

You may find what you need here.

Invalid Link Removed

 

[Tabmo]

I cracked the nut... I guess that sounds bad! I found the wrench that fits. It is a 5/32" inch allen wrench. Thanks for everyones input. I appreciate it!

 

[gregmon79]

I cracked the nut... I guess that sounds bad! I found the wrench that fits. It is a 5/32" inch allen wrench. Thanks for everyones input. I appreciate it!

Dang that sucks. Well at least you figured it out. Gives you good reason to get a brass nut now! Haha

 

[soflbass]

I cracked the nut... I guess that sounds bad! I found the wrench that fits. It is a 5/32" inch allen wrench. Thanks for everyones input. I appreciate it!

My next suggestion after you found the allen key that fit was too spray some lubricant down into the hole to loosen up the truss rod before you tried to turn it. But I guess that's all water under the bridge now.

If its a single acting truss rod, you may be able to unscrew the nut and remove it. If it's a double acting truss rod and you are able to loosen the nut, it will add relief to the neck. Also, if its a double acting truss rod, the only way to fix the neck is to remove the fretboard. Is the relief out of spec on the neck and is that why you were trying to adjust it? If it's playable and the relief is OK, then I would leave it alone.

 

[Tabmo]

I turned the wrench counterclockwise about a quarter turn and that took care of my ills. The B string was buzzing in the open position... Thanks for your help!

 

[soflbass]

I turned the wrench counterclockwise about a quarter turn and that took care of my ills. The B string was buzzing in the open position... Thanks for your help!

Great! If you got it to work, then leave well enough alone. If you ever decide you want to fix it, and its a single acting rod, the nut will thread off the rod. Then after removing it from the headstock hole, you could try to find a replacement.