Hobbayne Posted May 11, 2018 Share Posted May 11, 2018 Need to tweak my rod a bit as I have some upward bowing on my MIM P bass. Do you guys always slacken the strings off first before making any adjustments? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thunderbird Posted May 11, 2018 Share Posted May 11, 2018 I always slacken the strings some folks don't but it only takes a second to do and avoids a damaged neck is how I was taught Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BreadBin Posted May 11, 2018 Share Posted May 11, 2018 If it's a one-way truss rod then you have to slacken the strings. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
3below Posted May 11, 2018 Share Posted May 11, 2018 (edited) In addition, take your time, small adjustments. In all the basses and guitars I have owned (too many) I had never worried about small adjustments and taking time. I had never had any problems, truss rods did what they should, instruments set up well.. Now I have an expensive quality bass (£4 figures) where the truss rod has compressed the wood and lifted the fingerboard. Lesson learned after 45 years! Bass is now in dry dock. Edited May 11, 2018 by 3below 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mcnach Posted May 11, 2018 Share Posted May 11, 2018 11 hours ago, Hobbayne said: Need to tweak my rod a bit as I have some upward bowing on my MIM P bass. Do you guys always slacken the strings off first before making any adjustments? If I'm loosening it, I don't bother. If I'm tightening it... it depends. If it feels tight I do, if it doesn't I don't. Most adjustments are very minor so it doesn't seem to matter much... but the safest would be to loosen up the strings if tightening the truss rod. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Count Bassy Posted May 13, 2018 Share Posted May 13, 2018 (edited) On 5/11/2018 at 11:09, Hobbayne said: Need to tweak my rod a bit as I have some upward bowing on my MIM P bass. Do you guys always slacken the strings off first before making any adjustments? I generally brace the body between my knees and pull the head back, thus taking the strain off the truss rod/nut, make the adjustment and let go of the head. The bass goes pretty well back into tune though obviously needs minor tweaks. Never (yet) had a problem doing it this way. Edited May 13, 2018 by Count Bassy 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BreadBin Posted May 13, 2018 Share Posted May 13, 2018 I have another patient in the surgery - I slackened everything off before doing this! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
A.G.E.N.T.E. Posted May 23, 2018 Share Posted May 23, 2018 On 13/05/2018 at 01:12, Count Bassy said: I generally brace the body between my knees and pull the head back, thus taking the strain off the truss rod/nut, make the adjustment and let go of the head. The bass goes pretty well back into tune though obviously needs minor tweaks. Never (yet) had a problem doing it this way. I've been doing this for years too. Zero problems so far. Just creates some relief over the Rod allowing smooth rotation. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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