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 Post subject: Maxed out truss rod.
PostPosted: Sun May 14, 2017 10:03 pm 
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Walnut
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So what do you do when you need less relief but the truss rod nut won't budge any further. I'm working on a 70's ibanez musician neck-thru 4string bass, relief is about .030"(measured at 8th fret, fretted at first fret and where neck meets body). i tried backing the nut off completely and clamping the neck to a very straight piece of steel leaving it overnight, unclamped it next morning, bounced right back to where it was, even with TR nut tight as possible, relief is still way too much, i repeated this clamping process two more nights, these times clamping until there was back bow in the neck and still the next day i would string it up and it would go right back to .030". any suggestions on straightening this banana out? should i try clamping with more pressure or for longer? apply heat?


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 Post subject: Re: Maxed out truss rod.
PostPosted: Sun May 14, 2017 11:32 pm 
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Quote:
apply heat?


^^^^ This ^^^^

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 Post subject: Re: Maxed out truss rod.
PostPosted: Mon May 15, 2017 5:15 pm 
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Sometimes things simply just don't work right, so there can be reasons to consider more drastic measures, but before declaring the truss rod at its limit, I' consider taking the nut off completely, lubricating the threads and replacing it before tightening it up again. That way, at least you're not fighting the friction of corrosion as you determine how tight it's getting.

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 Post subject: Re: Maxed out truss rod.
PostPosted: Tue May 16, 2017 9:52 am 
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Cocobolo
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Heat is probably the correct way to go, but I would consider FF's suggestion and add that maybe a small washer might get you enough travel to pull it straighter. It's from the '70s, so it's probably not going to settle any more and once you get it where you want it, it will stay there (apart from the normal seasonal stuff).

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 Post subject: Re: Maxed out truss rod.
PostPosted: Thu May 18, 2017 1:02 pm 
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Cocobolo
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When I run out of truss rod threads, I use a Team Associated bronze bushing as a spacer under the TR nut. Each one is 1/8" thick, so with two you can add up to 1/4" of threads, which should allow you to adjust the excess forward bow out of the neck.

See: Associated Bushings 3/16x5/16" (2)

Here's what it looks like in place.

Image


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 Post subject: Re: Maxed out truss rod.
PostPosted: Sun Jun 25, 2017 7:48 am 
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I have found heat at best a short term fix.
When you look at how the truss rod works there are a few designs.
A the compression rod.
This is often used by Gibson, you tighten on the nut this force is applied to the neck as a compressing force that springs the neck.
as time goes but the wood at the working area becomes compressed. You can add a washer to help .
B Springing or flexing rods
Martin uses these and as you work the rod it presses and flexes a carried that will work the neck. These are both 1 or 2 way rods.

As I stated before heat may work but it won't be permanent. If you have a compressing rod Like Frank Ford just stated above Pull the nut clean the threads add a little lube and place a washer or 2 on it. This may be the easiest fix.

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 Post subject: Re: Maxed out truss rod.
PostPosted: Mon Jun 26, 2017 12:16 pm 
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bluescreek wrote:
As I stated before heat may work but it won't be permanent. If you have a compressing rod Like Frank Ford just stated above Pull the nut clean the threads add a little lube and place a washer or 2 on it. This may be the easiest fix.


And it wouldn't hurt to tighten the nut with the neck clamped into a little backbow.

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