Adjusting truss rod on Fender J Bass

[atco535]

Need some advice on truss rod adjustment guys.
I can't seem to adjust the truss rod to lessen the neck relief for low action on my my new 2008 Am Dlx Jazz Bass. The truss rod adjustment can only be done from the bass of the neck. Tried using the tools provided by Fender after taking out the neck, but there was resistance and I can't make it turn to the required direction. Don't want to 'force' the turn too. I have had no problem/resistance with truss rod adjustment on my other 3 guitars (adjustment from the top of neck) and bass.

So how can I overcome this problem of truss rod resistance for neck relief adjustment? Will a little oil help to reduce the resistance? Do I really have to take out the neck before making the adjustment Or is there another way of adjusting it? As a last resort I know I can bring it to Swee Lee 'cos I bought it from them 2 weeks ago.

Any good suggestions guys? Thanks.

 

[shinobi]

The truss rod adjustment can only be done from the bass of the neck. Tried using the tools provided by Fender after taking out the neck, but there was resistance and I can't make it turn to the required direction.

doesn't the cutaway on the pickguard suggest something?

for now i suggest you bring it to a luthier, in case you do not set the neck properly (which will probably happen). saves the trouble of having to open a 2nd thread later on :mrgreen:

 

[e4t3n]

Since you bought it from them, you might as well just send it back to get a good setup done..

 

[itzs]

Best is to bring back to swee lee and have them do it for you. At least you are covered if anything happens to it.

But to adjust it yourself, ideally the neck should have the strings on to provide the tension. It might be a stuck truss rod, in which case things might go very wrong it you do not know how to do it. So yeah, ... best to bring back to sweelee.=)

 

[rottenramone]

hello! just curious, what tools does fender provide you with? also, just a short reminder.. its "right tight, left loose". hope ur not turning in an opposite direction.

 

[atco535]

Thanks guys for the advice. Looks like I have to bring the bass in to Swee Lee for a proper set-up and to check on the truss rod. While the bass playability is ok, I still feel the need to straighten the neck a bit more. It wouldn't be an issue if I can get the truss rod to move 'cos I did my own setup on my other guitars and Stingray without any problem.

By the way, the bass comes with the usual case, cable, strap, straplock and wrenches for saddle and truss rod adjustment. But its not easy to have a proper access to the rod from the pickguard cutaway using the supplied 10-inch long wrench.