Walker Posted January 22, 2013 Share Posted January 22, 2013 I have an allparts neck arriving soon – it’s brand new. Can anyone advise on process for fitting a new neck? I do my own setups so I understand the basics, but I’ve never started with a brand new neck with a totally loose truss rod. Thanks Chris Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gjones Posted January 22, 2013 Share Posted January 22, 2013 (edited) I'm assuming there are no ready drilled holes. Number one: Make sure the neck is fitted nice and snugly right up to the end of the pocket. Number two: Make sure the screw holes are in the correct place. Best to fit the neck, then push the screws through the holes in the neckplate until they make a mark, then remove the neck and [u]drill holes[/u] where the marks are. Make sure the holes are a little bit smaller than the screws for a tight fit. Number three : Fit the neck, put the strings on and tune up. Leave the bass for 24hrs to settle before you touch the truss rod. If adjustment is needed you can tighten or loosen the truss rod the next day to get a perfect action. Allparts necks are great and I doubt you'll have much setting up to do. Edited January 22, 2013 by gjones Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Walker Posted January 22, 2013 Author Share Posted January 22, 2013 Thank you for this. This is exactly what I needed. For the initial fitting (number three), do I turn the truss rod so that it just bites or leave it totally loose? Thanks again, Chris Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gjones Posted January 22, 2013 Share Posted January 22, 2013 (edited) [quote name='Walker' timestamp='1358848057' post='1945842'] Thank you for this. This is exactly what I needed. For the initial fitting (number three), do I turn the truss rod so that it just bites or leave it totally loose? Thanks again, Chris [/quote] I doubt it will be totally loose. I've bought new necks and they're usually pretty usable as soon as you fit them. If the truss is loose there shouldn't be a problem with tightening it up a bit right after you fit it. As the tension of the strings starts to take effect over the next few hours the neck may shift slightly and you may have to adjust the truss rod again (I'd usually wait about 24 hrs as the neck will have settled by then). By the way I noticed on my last post I said 'screw holes where the marks are'. What I meant to say was 'drill holes where the marks are'. Edited January 22, 2013 by gjones Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Walker Posted January 22, 2013 Author Share Posted January 22, 2013 Thanks for the info, it's appreciated! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BOD2 Posted January 24, 2013 Share Posted January 24, 2013 I would add to that - smear some candle wax onto the screws before you first attempt to tighten them up (just rub the screw against a candle and it will collect some wax in the thread). This gives a little lubrication to the screw and should make it turn easier. If the screw tightens up too much before it is fully home then you may need to enlarge the holes in the neck. Avoid using excessive pressure on the screws or you may damage the screw heads which will make it harder to remove the screws and replace them again later, of necessary. If the neck is tight against the sides of the neck pocket then, again, a little touch of candle wax on the sides of the neck may help ease it into place. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lettsguitars Posted January 24, 2013 Share Posted January 24, 2013 The idea of waiting 24 hrs for a neck to settle is not true. Do not be afraid of truss rods. They are there for user adjustments and are the simplest thing in the world to adjust. A neck should move instantly. INSTANTLY! If possible lightly clamp the neck in position with cauls while you put the screws in. You can even drill the holes while it is clamped using the existing holes in the heel as a guide. It can get a little cramped but is the best way if you think ahead and get it right first time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lettsguitars Posted January 24, 2013 Share Posted January 24, 2013 (edited) Worth watching all of these vids. He shows here just how easy it is to adjust a truss rod. This is a single action traditional style rod but the same applies to dual action rods. [media]http://youtu.be/_cnfeyXy7Wg[/media] Edited January 24, 2013 by lettsguitars Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
William Shakespeare Posted January 25, 2013 Share Posted January 25, 2013 [quote name='lettsguitars' timestamp='1359038593' post='1948848'] Do not be afraid of truss rods [/quote] Heed this advice, all humbled on your knees Yield not thy neck To fortune's yoke, but let thy truss rod Still ride in triumph over all mischance 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lettsguitars Posted January 25, 2013 Share Posted January 25, 2013 [quote name='William Shakespeare' timestamp='1359113199' post='1950010'] Heed this advice, all humbled on your knees Yield not thy neck To fortune's yoke, but let thy truss rod Still ride in triumph over all mischance [/quote] Always listen to the prose people! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Walker Posted January 25, 2013 Author Share Posted January 25, 2013 Thanks again for the advice from such esteemed members of BC - Jon Letts and Will himself. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KiOgon Posted January 25, 2013 Share Posted January 25, 2013 If I was fitting a new neck I'd want to check it was lined up exactly before I drilled any holes. With tuners fitted, position & clamp the neck into the pocket. Then run some thread form the E & G tuners down to the bridge & check alignment before drilling, a little nudge in either direction can make all the difference, before you commit to drilling & screwing. Then proceed as in post 2 John Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gjones Posted January 25, 2013 Share Posted January 25, 2013 (edited) [quote name='lettsguitars' timestamp='1359047159' post='1949020'] Worth watching all of these vids. He shows here just how easy it is to adjust a truss rod. This is a single action traditional style rod but the same applies to dual action rods. [media]http://youtu.be/_cnfeyXy7Wg[/media] [/quote] Really interesting. I especially like the bit about having the strings tuned up to pitch, when adjusting the truss rod, which always made sense to me but I was afraid to do just in case something went 'crack!'. Edited January 25, 2013 by gjones Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkHeart Posted January 25, 2013 Share Posted January 25, 2013 he obviously doesnt know MDP snapped a truss rod Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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