Col the Plunker Posted May 18, 2020 Share Posted May 18, 2020 (edited) Hi folks, Wondered if I could have a word to the wise regarding my 1989-90 vintage Encore P style bass. Recently changed the strings to lower tension flatwound. As the neck naturally flexed for its new hosts, it flattened out. Needs a tweak on the truss rod to eliminate buzz. I slackened the strings, removed pickguard, then the neck, (duh) grabbed the Allen keys...not ONE of them fitted. On closer inspection I was horrified to learn that the socket of the truss has been totally rounded by it's previous owner possibly using an ill-fitting tool, and is now impossible to adjust. Please advise me on the best course of action. Cheers guys. Edited June 22, 2020 by Col the Plunker Improve Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stewblack Posted May 18, 2020 Share Posted May 18, 2020 https://www.stewmac.com/luthier-tools-and-supplies/tools-by-job/tools-for-truss-rods/gripper-truss-rod-wrenches.html 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lksmks792 Posted May 18, 2020 Share Posted May 18, 2020 (edited) I have been able to remove a truss rod nut and replace it with a new one by using a left hand threading tool (only a couple of euros/pounds). However: if the truss rod nut is worn out, it probably means someone put it under a lot of pressure, so something else might be wrong with it. There's also https://www.stewmac.com/luthier-tools-and-supplies/tools-by-job/tools-for-truss-rods/stewmac-truss-rod-rescue-tool-sets.html but those are expensive. If you bring it to a luthier who already owns one of those, however, it might be an easy fix. Best course is probably asking around for a luthier who is experienced in this sort of thing. Edited May 18, 2020 by lksmks792 Picture added 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Cribbin Posted May 18, 2020 Share Posted May 18, 2020 I have seen where people have knocked a torx bit into the screwed up hole and then screwed the offending nut out. Not tried it myself, but it's apparently worked for some. Worst case scenario, put higher tension strings back on and play away ... 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ricky 4000 Posted May 18, 2020 Share Posted May 18, 2020 4 minutes ago, John Cribbin said: I have seen where people have knocked a torx bit into the screwed up hole and then screwed the offending nut out. Not tried it myself, but it's apparently worked for some. Standard procedure for a rounded out hex head in general mechanics. 👍 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Col the Plunker Posted May 18, 2020 Author Share Posted May 18, 2020 (edited) Thanks guys. I did wonder whether it had stripped because of seizure, or been bodged with an undersize or inappropriate drive tool. I shall give the torx a try at first, but will add pressure on the neck bowing it slightly concave to relieve some strain on the rod a bit. Failing that will mean buying the silver line Easi-outs. My money is on the bad tool being used previously, because when I saw the guy I bought it from a day or two later, I asked him what had he done to the fretboard to make it feel sticky. He told me he periodically treated it with Teak oil. " Not lemon oil?" I asked." Nah, you're supposed to use Teak oil!" So you see why I suspect this guy used the wrong tooling and butchering it. He didn't appear to be the sharpest knife in the drawer...if you know what I mean. Edited May 18, 2020 by Col the Plunker Typo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ricky 4000 Posted May 18, 2020 Share Posted May 18, 2020 Hope you can get it to shift. 🤞 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Cribbin Posted May 18, 2020 Share Posted May 18, 2020 A couple of years ago I picked up an Ibanez where the nut was slightly rounded, but would not move. Not wanting to risk rounding the nut further, I gave it the smallest squirt of PlusGas, best penetrating oil I've come across. Next morning, one easily adjustable truss rod. Give yourself every edge for a good result. 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Col the Plunker Posted May 23, 2020 Author Share Posted May 23, 2020 Certainly worth a try, cheers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
inthedoghouse Posted May 24, 2020 Share Posted May 24, 2020 (edited) I was worried I had the same issue yesterday with my MiM P neck, Turns out my allen key wasn't quite long enough so I borrowed one from a bass playing friend across the road (wiped down and handed over with social responsibility). His fitted perfectly, so phewwwwww!!!!! While I was in panic mode I looked up what might be done and came across this interesting video. Good luck with yours! Edited May 24, 2020 by inthedoghouse Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Col the Plunker Posted May 24, 2020 Author Share Posted May 24, 2020 Thanks for that. Glad yours was a mere scare. Watched the vid. Mine's a bit different as the truss rod nut is at the opposite end, and means unscrewing the pickguard. Method of removal should be the same though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
inthedoghouse Posted May 24, 2020 Share Posted May 24, 2020 34 minutes ago, Col the Plunker said: Thanks for that. Glad yours was a mere scare. Watched the vid. Mine's a bit different as the truss rod nut is at the opposite end, and means unscrewing the pickguard. Method of removal should be the same though. Good luck and let us know how you go on. I certainly had that sinking feeling when I thought my allen key wasn't gripping, but the relief (no pun intended) when I borrowed my friend's key. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Col the Plunker Posted May 25, 2020 Author Share Posted May 25, 2020 Actually...that was a brilliant pun!!! Still haven't garnered a bespoke tool yet, but it's on the backburner. Will keep you up to date on the progress. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nilebodgers Posted May 25, 2020 Share Posted May 25, 2020 21 hours ago, inthedoghouse said: I was worried I had the same issue yesterday with my MiM P neck, Turns out my allen key wasn't quite long enough so I borrowed one from a bass playing friend across the road (wiped down and handed over with social responsibility). His fitted perfectly, so phewwwwww!!!!! While I was in panic mode I looked up what might be done and came across this interesting video. Good luck with yours! Brilliant video. I was waiting for the “ping” when he was trying to turn the screw extractor and the rod snapped, but it fortunately didn’t happen. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bloke_zero Posted May 27, 2020 Share Posted May 27, 2020 On 24/05/2020 at 10:34, inthedoghouse said: While I was in panic mode I looked up what might be done and came across this interesting video. Great video - I had no need to know all that but had to watch as the suspense vs calm and methodical approach was better than TV. 2 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Count Bassy Posted May 28, 2020 Share Posted May 28, 2020 Those extractor tools can be quite Brittle. I was waiting for that to break! However, why didn't he put the adjustable spanner on the hex of the 'Gripper Rod'. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Col the Plunker Posted May 29, 2020 Author Share Posted May 29, 2020 I wondered that too. It had a solid looking square to it. You're dead right about the extractor tools being brittle. I remember snapping one on a rounded rocker cover hex plate on my motorcycle crankcase. I still haven't tried to loosen the truss yet, but reckon the tapered torx is the best bet. Just need to find where to get one. Cheers Col. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DiMarco Posted June 2, 2020 Share Posted June 2, 2020 https://www.workbookcornwall.co.uk/profile/julyan-wallis/ He might be able to give you a hand. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Col the Plunker Posted June 2, 2020 Author Share Posted June 2, 2020 Thanks DiMarco. The chap is practically local to me! Happy days. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Col the Plunker Posted June 22, 2020 Author Share Posted June 22, 2020 (edited) Truss rod sorted. Thanks guys for all your tales and remedies. I was working in the garage today with my hand belt-sander when I remembered something else to do with it. I tapered the end of an Allen key/wrench down as squarely as possible. Unscrewed and lifted the neck of my old Encore E 83. Rod turned first time. 3/4 turn did the trick. Brilliant result. Thanks the poster who suggested this method. Edited June 22, 2020 by Col the Plunker Typo 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
inthedoghouse Posted June 22, 2020 Share Posted June 22, 2020 Great news - glad you got it sorted 🙂 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Col the Plunker Posted June 22, 2020 Author Share Posted June 22, 2020 (edited) Cheers mate. Actually it was thanks to the the vid you posted " what's wrong with this truss rod". The fellow already had a tapered Allen key. Just had to fashion my own. Worked a treat! Many thanks. Col. Edited June 22, 2020 by Col the Plunker 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.