Truss Rod Stuck

[LucSulla]

So I recently picked up a Fender Am. Std. Strat on the cheap.  It's almost mint, hardshell case, and sounds great.  It ALMOST plays great as well, however, it could definitely use a truss rod tweak.  It doesn't play terribly, it just could be much better. 

That being said, the truss rod is frozen - won't tighten or loosen.  You can feel it trying to move inside the neck if you hold it by the neck as you try and turn, but nothing.  I'm guessing it isn't broken, or it would turn free?  I'm not sure what to do. 

[tbonesullivan]

is the neck currently straight or is it in forward or rear bow? What year is it?

I think that the Am. Std series had a dual action truss rod for a while, and did when it was last offered.

[LucSulla]

It's bowed in forward.  It's decently playable, but the strings could definitely be lower.

 

Its a 98. 

[Armitage]

How about a drop of 3inOne oil or simular and let it sit a few days?

[Greg G]

I'll probably get blasted for suggesting this, but what about heating the nut?  You can insert an Allen wrench in the nut and apply heat to the Allen wrench with a soldering gun or pencil.  Try loosening it.  ....ducking...

[murkat]

A. Loosen strings, better yet take them off.

(can the nut be removed and then re applied?)

B. check to see if the nut will loosen or tighten.

1. yes? try pre tension, then re string to pitch. do this till playability is achieved.

2. no? stop by next time your in town and bring it with you.

 

[murkat]

4 minutes ago, Greg G said:

I'll probably get blasted for suggesting this,

That method has been known to work in some cases.