Truss rod cover

[W1_Pro]

Hello folks,

I'm looking for truss rod covers per the pick below. Single hole, not really bothered whether they are wood or plastic. Can anyone reccomend a source please?

[neepheid]

I can't recommend a specific source - I trust you've searched online for "one hole truss rod cover" already?

[W1_Pro]

34 minutes ago, neepheid said:

I can't recommend a specific source - I trust you've searched online for "one hole truss rod cover" already?

I have had a bit of a rummage on the usuals: Ebay; Amazon etc. There are single hole ones but they are significantly shorter than this one so no good. I suppose if the worse comes to the worse I could just buy a sheet of plastic and make some....

[Andyjr1515]

Interesting - to my surprise, I think you are right.  Can't find any. 

 

There are 3-hole solid black, there are 1-hole B/W/B three-ply...but even those mostly look a little short at c.4.5mm...but no solid black 1-holes as far as I can see.

[W1_Pro]

24 minutes ago, Andyjr1515 said:

 

Edited March 10, 2025 by W1_Pro

[W1_Pro]

Hello Andy,

I hope you are well.

Its weird isn't it?  Looks like a sheet of plastic and a fretsaw might be the way forward...

[Andyjr1515]

3 hours ago, W1_Pro said:

Hello Andy,

I hope you are well.

Its weird isn't it?  Looks like a sheet of plastic and a fretsaw might be the way forward...

Yes - good, thanks.  Hope all good with you and yours too

  

 

And yes - looks that way!  

[W1_Pro]

Just picking this up afetr a pause. I'm attempting to locate a suitable sort of plastic sheet for this. The truss rod covers I need to make are for Overwater 'Original/ C type' basses. An email  to Overwater on the subject  remains unanswered. In a  phonecall I had with Chris a while ago, I believe he said, if memory serves: 'we don't have those anymore' when asked about truss rod covers.   So anyhow, the DIY route seems the most sensible/economical. Anyone got any thoughs about what type of plastic to use. I've found 4mm sheets of bakelite/phenolic resin (in black) on amazon, they look the part, but f anyone has actually done this before, I'd appreciate a steer!

[snorkie635]

24 minutes ago, W1_Pro said:

Just picking this up afetr a pause. I'm attempting to locate a suitable sort of plastic sheet for this. The truss rod covers I need to make are for Overwater 'Original/ C type' basses. An email  to Overwater on the subject  remains unanswered. In a  phonecall I had with Chris a while ago, I believe he said, if memory serves: 'we don't have those anymore' when asked about truss rod covers.   So anyhow, the DIY route seems the most sensible/economical. Anyone got any thoughs about what type of plastic to use. I've found 4mm sheets of bakelite/phenolic resin (in black) on amazon, they look the part, but f anyone has actually done this before, I'd appreciate a steer!

The last time my truss-rod cover broke - looked just like yours - I sent the busted one off to Overwater by post and they sent a brand new one back within three working days. I'd give them another go.

[W1_Pro]

5 hours ago, snorkie635 said:

The last time my truss-rod cover broke - looked just like yours - I sent the busted one off to Overwater by post and they sent a brand new one back within three working days. I'd give them another go.

Thats good information.  I'm glad you had a good experience with them. Whilst I was rooting around in my email inbox earlier I found an email trail between me and Chris concerning the restoration and modification of one of my Originals. They managed to keep the bass for nearly a year and then return it untouched pleading 'too much work'. I understand that they are a small company and lord knows, they build fine guitars.  I also understand that I might have just caught them at a bad time (it was just after COVID iirc) but given the fact that they have also neglected to answer my latest email, I think the DIY route might be best for all concerned.

[prowla]

Might be worth checking Allparts.

[BigRedX]

I had the same problem with a 5-string Original and the truss-rod cover that Overwater sent was a completely different shape to the one I needed. 

 

IMO any non-textured black plastic of a similar thickness will be fine.

[Dudgeman]

Know anyone with a 3d printer...? If you have a mate with one it should be pretty quick to knock up the required 3d model (.STL) file I'm looking to do that with my Firebird as I need a replacement one. I'll have a look at the usual 3d print places in case there is already a file out there. I'd be more than happy to print one out for you if I can find the file.

[W1_Pro]

That is very kind of you and a good idea. I've already ordered a sheet of plastic as it goes, so I think I should be OK, but nonetheless, many thanks!

[Geek99]

I think @rwillett has one 

[rwillett]

I do have a number of 3d printers but possibly more importantly I have a decent 3d scanner. So if you can't find a 3d model to use, and you have a truss rod cover I can get my hands on for a day, I can scan it, model it and print it. 

 

If you need to bend the plastic sheet then a hairdryer may help. It all depends on the plastic.

 

Let me know if I can help. 

[Geek99]

There you go @W1_Pro - you have a backup option courtesy of the basschat cooperative 

[W1_Pro]

Thank you @rwillett. That is a magnificent piece of basschatting. Much appreciated. I will let you know if my efforts with a fretsaw come up short.😃

[Dudgeman]

There is a 3d file for a PRS custom on printables...can't get the measurements at the moment, but definitely the same shape..1 hole...I might print it out tonight...see what it looks like ..

[Norris]

 

Normal printed paper, put through a hot laminator and cut out with scissors. From a metre away you wouldn't know

 

And yes, it is a real Ric

[Geek99]

19 minutes ago, Norris said:

 

Normal printed paper, put through a hot laminator and cut out with scissors. From a metre away you wouldn't know

 

And yes, it is a real Ric

If he hadn’t cropped it you would be able to see the tractor in matching paint

[W1_Pro]

I have to round off this thread by saying a big thank you to Carl (Dudgeman), who, in a quite epic piece of basschatting has very kindly printed me some truss rod covers on his 3D printer. 

Top notch work sir!

[Dudgeman]

You're very welcome... As I said in our DM's..I'm still learning the capabilities and ins and outs of my printer so really enjoyed the process. 

[Bassassin]

On 15/04/2025 at 20:02, Norris said:

 

Normal printed paper, put through a hot laminator and cut out with scissors. From a metre away you wouldn't know

 

And yes, it is a real Ric

 

Amazing - I've been making Rick-type TRCs for years from clear acrylic, & head-scratching over how to add custom logos - usually ending up printed on a bit of paper trapped underneath. Absolutely never thought of this!

 

Chapeau - you are a genius! 😎