Truss Rod Adjustment

[Hobbayne]

Need to tweak my rod a bit as I have some upward bowing on my MIM P bass.

Do you guys always slacken the strings off first before making any adjustments?

[Thunderbird]

I always slacken the strings some folks don't but it only takes a second to do and avoids a damaged neck is how I was taught 

[BreadBin]

If it's a one-way truss rod then you have to slacken the strings. 

[3below]

In addition, take your time, small adjustments.  In all the basses and guitars I have owned (too many) I had never worried about small adjustments and taking time.  I had never had any problems, truss rods did what they should, instruments set up well.. Now I have an expensive quality bass (£4 figures) where the truss rod has compressed the wood and lifted the fingerboard.  Lesson learned after 45 years!   Bass is now in dry dock.

Edited May 11, 2018 by 3below

[mcnach]

11 hours ago, Hobbayne said:

Need to tweak my rod a bit as I have some upward bowing on my MIM P bass.

Do you guys always slacken the strings off first before making any adjustments?

 

If I'm loosening it, I don't bother. If I'm tightening it... it depends. If it feels tight I do, if it doesn't I don't. Most adjustments are very minor so it doesn't seem to matter much... but the safest would be to loosen up the strings if tightening the truss rod.

[Count Bassy]

On 5/11/2018 at 11:09, Hobbayne said:

Need to tweak my rod a bit as I have some upward bowing on my MIM P bass.

Do you guys always slacken the strings off first before making any adjustments?

I generally brace the body between my knees and pull the head back, thus taking the strain off the truss rod/nut, make the adjustment and let go of the head. The bass goes pretty well back into tune though obviously needs minor tweaks.

Never (yet) had a problem doing it this way.

 

Edited May 13, 2018 by Count Bassy

[BreadBin]

I have another patient in the surgery - I slackened everything off before doing this!

[A.G.E.N.T.E.]

On 13/05/2018 at 01:12, Count Bassy said:

I generally brace the body between my knees and pull the head back, thus taking the strain off the truss rod/nut, make the adjustment and let go of the head. The bass goes pretty well back into tune though obviously needs minor tweaks.

Never (yet) had a problem doing it this way.

 

I've been doing this for years too. Zero problems so far. Just creates some relief over the Rod allowing smooth rotation.