Author Topic: Too strong truss rods? (Read 1584 times)

mike1762 · « **Reply #45 on:** December 20, 2008, 04:24:40 AM »

That's some high action Pierre!!! I bet you don't have any problem with fret buzz.

pierreyves · « **Reply #46 on:** December 30, 2008, 04:51:13 AM »

After 12 days with this configuration, my neck is now perfect, lightly inner bow. I put ADGC (0.80 => 0.32)strings and I don't need to correct something !

white_cloud · « **Reply #47 on:** December 30, 2008, 05:16:56 AM »

That is a really light set of strings - hope it works and the problem has been resolved!

John.

pierreyves · « **Reply #48 on:** December 30, 2008, 05:33:24 AM »

no problem, I work with this set on my other SC deluxe without adjustment

juggernaught · « **Reply #49 on:** January 22, 2009, 07:37:14 AM »

Pierre, are you sure that a good idea to have that sort of tension on the tailpiece? Also, it seem like that configuration with the book would bow the neck unevenly along the neck. I'm sure my bass tech would yell at me if I tried this.

Mica, any thoughts?

juggernaught · « **Reply #50 on:** January 22, 2009, 07:50:34 AM »

Alternatively, wouldn't a better idea be to just tune the bass up really high? I've got the dry climate covered (NM).

Really the bass is fine here in NM. It's just if I have to go on tour I'm f$%ked.

So why doesn't Alembic use dual action rods?

pierreyves · « **Reply #51 on:** March 16, 2009, 09:50:49 PM »

It would be so easier !! I never understood that, and never had answer. Fo my last MK 4 quilted maple, Mica put it on heat bend, my neck is the perfect neck I never had.

thebass · « **Reply #52 on:** March 17, 2009, 03:17:35 AM »

@Pierre: Do you still use 80-32 strings on your SC and is the string action still playable? I have the same problem with my SC deluxe and use now 100-45 strings with EADG tuning. The heavier strings fix the action somewhat but I would like to play lighter strings as well.

terryc · « **Reply #53 on:** March 17, 2009, 08:41:25 AM »

80-32 strings..they must be like guitar strings, I once tried 90-36 and they were just too thin sounding, great for fast slap solos but absolutley no bottom end.
I think the best compromise is the 100-45 for an all round sound.
I once played a bass with 110 E string and it's associated other three strings..what a sound but bloody hard to play..it shook the earth!

pierreyves · « **Reply #54 on:** March 17, 2009, 09:26:03 AM »

I have 2 SC deluxe and I use ADGC 80-32 d'Addario xlm 170 + XLB 0.32 = non problem with truss rods free BUT I did 2 weeks of labour mentionned above with the book !! Ask to Stanley !! ;o)
Wood is alive and accept many things what you need !!

keith_h · « **Reply #55 on:** March 17, 2009, 10:18:47 AM »

There is also one thing that people need to keep in mind. Alembic sets the bass up for 100-45 Alembic strings unless you order it differently. They will tell you when ordering that it is a good idea to send them a set the of strings you will be using if they are different from the standard Alembic gauges. I did this with my fretless and the truss rod has plenty of room to be adjusted. On my Brown Bass I use the Alembic strings and again have no problems with adjustments.

Keith

juggernaught · « **Reply #56 on:** March 17, 2009, 10:42:20 AM »

I use 45-100 strings and live in New Mexico (super dry). The Brown Bass barely has a forward bow and the truss rods are doing nothing: completely loose. I can only imagine what'll happen when I gig in California or something. And I haven't even oiled it recently. I'm going to Spain for 5 months in the fall. It needs to be fixed by them or I'm going to have to get used to higher action.

It's a bit strange to design a bass around a particular (as opposed to a range of) gauge of strings. On a bass like this you'd want to use whatever gauge strings you want. What if you change styles or the bass changes hands? My guess is the best bet is more neck relief is better than less: let the truss rods do all the work.

I'm sending my bass into Alembic tomorrow for a good old heat bend. Free of change. There couldn't be a better resolution IMO.

Also thinking about getting a polyurethane finish on it. It might be too dry in New Mexico for a natural finish.

keith_h · « **Reply #57 on:** March 17, 2009, 11:08:19 AM »

Devon,
I didn't say design I said set up. There is a difference. My response was primarily addressed to the most recent posts that are all complaining about very light gauge strings.

I get quite dry here in the winter with the forced air heat. My house literally shrinks a 1/4 or so. However I also get quite humid in the summer. It could just be the constant dryness of New Mexico that has affected your bass. Another thing is wood being a natural product you can never be 100% sure how it will react. I'm sure the heat bend will remedy your situation.

Keith

juggernaught · « **Reply #58 on:** March 17, 2009, 12:28:49 PM »

Well setup will only get you so far.

I can't imagine dryness doing anything but reducing the tension from the neck (lower density), though stranger things have happened.

thebass · « **Reply #59 on:** March 17, 2009, 04:01:08 PM »

I suppose the unemployed truss rods are not just affected by the climate. I use the same setup as you, juggernaught but here in the middle of Germany it's approx. 65%-75% rH, between 0?C...30?C and it rains at least 90 days a year...and I still have loose truss rods.

Author Topic: Too strong truss rods? (Read 1584 times)

white_cloud