Author Topic: Truss Rod (Read 825 times)

frank · « **on:** March 08, 2008, 09:09:12 PM »

I need to do some truss rod adjustments and I noticed that there are more threads visible on the low B side rod than the G side one. Does this mean that one is looser/tighter than the other?

dfung60 · « **Reply #1 on:** March 09, 2008, 08:18:21 AM »

I don't think that the truss rods are fabricated so precisely that this difference means anything. When you adjust the tension, you'll feel whether the tension differs between the two nuts. That isn't necessarily precisely matched either, but probably more meaningful than the visual appearance.

David Fung

jacko · « **Reply #2 on:** March 13, 2008, 05:25:09 AM »

If you're going for a full set up, I'd loosen both nuts fully then leave the bass for a couple of days to let the neck settle into it's natural curve. Then you can do up the nuts up till they're just snug. That way you'll know how much longer one rod is than the other and you'll be able to maintain that difference whenever you make adjustments in the future.

graeme

jazzyvee · « **Reply #3 on:** July 22, 2008, 06:15:16 AM »

I notice almost always when I've seen Stan with an alembic, in photo's or live as i did yesterday, the truss rod cover is always missing on the bass. I guess that means to me that it needs constant adjustment such that the cover is just an unnecessary delay in getting to the nuts to adjust his basses.

i wonder, have alembic ever thought of redesigning this area of their basses and guitars so that no cover is needed and the access point still looks aesthetic and in keeping with the design of the instrument.

I don't personally need to make changes very often as I'm haven't taken my instruments to any place where temperature and humidity varies that much.

I know it's easier to acomplish this with other manufacturers instruments since they generally use an Allen key ( hex wrench) to make neck adjustments.

But I'm sure something could be done.
Just a thought.
Jazzyvee

terryc · « **Reply #4 on:** July 22, 2008, 07:40:12 AM »

Jazzyvee..I can see your point but other than moving the adjustment area to the headstock(god forbid) I don't think you could hide that part of the instrument.
I guess that's why most people opt for the continual wood cover so it blends in.
Incidentally since the smoking ban in the UK I have hardly adjusted the rods at all and my strap doesn't smell like an old ash tray anymore.

jacko · « **Reply #5 on:** July 22, 2008, 07:42:36 AM »

Terry . My gear smelled of smoke for the first time in a couple of years this weekend. You try telling a crowd of 'moderately drunk' bikers they can't smoke inside the marquee ;-(

Graeme

jazzyvee · « **Reply #6 on:** July 22, 2008, 10:11:44 AM »

I don't neccessarily think it should be hidden Terry, just maybe a design change in that area so having that area exposed looks part of the design of the instrument rather than having to hide it under a plate. That would mean access is faster. I don't have a problem with it as I said don't need to adjust mine much, just wondered that since stanley and I'm sure others leave that plate off, maybe it would be worth investigating leaving it exposed but more attractive.

As for the drunk bikers making your equipment smokey Jacko, Just ask them politely...remind them of the law and make a citizens arrest if they refuse..... Simple. then whilst they try to to make adjustments to your head with your alembic, just hope all that investment in tone woods helps the harmonics ring out of your amp as you listen to the notes sustain each time the the bass body hits your head.

:-)
hahaha Ignore me I'm in a post return to forever high today.

kenbass4 · « **Reply #7 on:** July 22, 2008, 11:03:17 AM »

Jazzy,

What you're proposing is actually a step back in time for Alembic. They actually did not have truss rod covers until midway throught '76 or early '77. This is 76-525 that I now own, and as you can see, it had no cover and only 1 truss rod.

dannobasso · « **Reply #8 on:** July 22, 2008, 12:52:09 PM »

I understand the easy access issue but I absolutely love the dual trussrod system and love it even more for its placement as well as the use of a wrench. I really dislike all of the other peghead/nut adjustment area. Hex keys are a pain in the neck and usually strip from the use of the wrong key. Was it metric? Having to move the strings, getting the proper angle etc. The only other instrument own other than Alembic that can be adjusted as easily is my MM Petrucci 7 guitar. It has a small wheel with holes (ie tinker toy) that allow you to put in any small screwdriver to rotate it. But no adjustable nut.

jazzyvee · « **Reply #9 on:** July 22, 2008, 02:26:57 PM »

Ok I see what you mean Dannobasso. Oh well it was a thought anyway.
Matter closed.

Jazzyvee

dadabass2001 · « **Reply #10 on:** July 22, 2008, 02:48:26 PM »

Meanwhile... Ken, have I drooled over your beautiful fretless yet?

Consider me dribbly.
Mike

dannobasso · « **Reply #11 on:** July 22, 2008, 03:20:43 PM »

Not at all Jazzy, that is just my viewpoint. I just find I fight with my Hamer, Fenders, Gibson, Stambaugh, ESP etc. I suppose like some of my countrymen I am a bit impatient with some things. I had to learn a very different approach to things when I spent 4 months in Ireland a decade ago. Living in the New York City area affects one.
(twitch)

terryc · « **Reply #12 on:** July 23, 2008, 07:24:07 AM »

kenbass..a lovely 70's bass, love the old Alembics just as much as the new ones.
One truss rod eh but I bet it never gives you any hassle at all

kenbass4 · « **Reply #13 on:** July 24, 2008, 08:09:24 AM »

Terry,

I adjusted it when it first arrived from Colorado, and the neck has been perfectly stable since. Growl and Mwah for days...

Ken

terryc · « **Reply #14 on:** July 25, 2008, 12:42:32 AM »

ken
I have never heard(or played) a fretless Alembic, I guess it must be like a fretless Jazz except on steroids!!!!!