Truss rod out of adjustment = updated

[carfish7]

Was checking over the SS Custom I have listed here before sending it off to a new home and noticed that there was some buzzing on the skinny "E" string. Sighting down the neck, there was the slightest back-bow, so I figured I'd back off thetruss rod a hair like I always have in the past with other axes. Got the wrench on there and backed it off about 1/4 turn and it felt really loose. Beyond 1/4 turn, it was simply spinning free. A re-check of the neck showed it was dead-straight under full string tension, but I was obviously unable get the relief I wanted due to there being no more room for adjustment. What gives? Can I expect the neck to "settle" a bit after some time and then back it out more, or is there an issue here?

'89 SS Custom, so it has a maple neck. I'm bummed, and I'm sure the potential buyer isn't thrilled either, but I'm glad I didn't ship it across the pond before this came to light. Am I hosed?

I can play it in this state - it really doesn't bother me, but I'm bummed that it threw a wrench into my FS plans, and now I have to scramble to find some other stuff to sell. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance.

[mc2]

heavier/higher tension string strings might help....or heat press treatment?

[carfish7]

Sooo, the neck is warped then?

[crunchee]

I ran into (or actually, my neighbor ran into) a similar situation a few months back, I believe that he put on the next heavier gauge of strings on it and it helped a little. It didn't correct the situation completely though, from what he told me at the time...it was enough to allow a little more useable area on the truss rod for the nut to be adjusted; but with the truss rod nut at minimum engagement (almost loose), the neck was still arrow straight, with very little relief if any. I haven't heard back from him since (he may have moved), but I did pass along the advice that Jay/Murkat was kind enough to share:

http://www.hamerfanclub.com/forums/topic/66448-truss-rod-at-maximum-looseness-just-put-on-heavier-strings/

Edited for clarity.

[carfish7]

It is strung with a 10-46 set now. "11"'s? Hmmm.....

[a.bandini]

I think the latest Stew Mac Video discusses this, and how it can be avoided during the construction phase (which doesn't help you at all, I know). Good luck.

[mc2]

Could have also happened if it sat in the case for years with no strings or tuned down with little tension.. The tension of the truss rod pulls the neck back and can permanently warp it. Or in rare cases, a bum neck that just warped over time.

You can also go extreme to fix it....plane the fingerboard and refret....or pull the fingerboard, plane the neck, reglue board and refin.

[polara]

It MAY settle in. If it's been a little too tight and maybe in higher humidity (summertime) leave it loose and let winter dry it out. It may straighten nicely.

[carfish7]

It MAY settle in. If it's been a little too tight and maybe in higher humidity (summertime) leave it loose and let winter dry it out. It may straighten nicely.

This is what I'm hoping for..........

[Armitage]

Heat it or pull the fretboard... some of our local wood masters should be piping in soon.

[dragan]

I'd probably put 11s on leave it out of the case and hope for the best over the next month or two( maybe even tune it a little sharp and block the vibrato if it has one ). if its not real bad itll probably work. Ive seen guys use 3 shims a steel bar ,clamps, and low heat ( distant lamp warmth ) . it takes a long time ,and doesnt always bend it back as it should be . then leveling and or planing the board is still needed. so if it were me id just restring and if that dont work take to someone you trust.my 2 cents ( im no expert just a long time player )

[carfish7]

It MAY settle in. If it's been a little too tight and maybe in higher humidity (summertime) leave it loose and let winter dry it out. It may straighten nicely.

Good news update - it would appear that with the nut loosened and the humidity leaving us (the furnace has been on for the past several days) there appears to be the relief I had been seeking. I would imagine that it just took some time for the neck to re-adjust?

I am happy that it is now set up to my liking. I'm still reluctant to sell it since I have had this "issue" but maybe after some time I will become convinced that all is truly well. Thanks for all the suggestions and best wishes.

[Armitage]

... I'm bummed that it threw a wrench into my FS plans, and now I have to scramble to find some other stuff to sell. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance.

I hear man-whoring can bring in some fast bucks. Grannies ain't too picky!