Chowny SWB-1 truss rod adjustment

[edstraker123]

I picked up a lovely SWB-1 off ebay yesterday and the action is playable but a bit high for my tastes. Looking at the neck it has too much relief so I was hoping a truss rod adjustment would sort it out.

The rod is accessed at the neck end of the bass and looking from here I turned the allen key clockwise, but things seem to get looser rather than tighter. there is more resistance turning the key anticlockwise. Have i misinterpreted the righty -tighty rule ?

Anybody got any thoughts or experience of the Chowny's ? I have in my head that Maruszycks worked differently and wondered if the Chowny's were the same.

Edited October 31, 2022 by edstraker123

[MichaelDean]

Calling @Chownybass. Hopefully they can help. 

[3below]

I suspect the two way truss rod has been turned anticlockwise a fair way putting relief into the neck (I have built a bass with such a stiff neck that I have had to do this).  Slacken the strings, turn it clockwise a bit at a time (1/8 turn?), re-tune, assess relief. Keep going until you are happy with it.  It will go loose then eventually feel tight as you start to counter the string tension.  Prior to having an unfortunate experience with one of my G&ls I never slackened the strings when doing truss rod adjustments. These days I do following the advice of Jon Shuker who replaced the G&L trussrod and fretboard. 

 

I really rate my SWB-1, playabilty 5*, build quality 5* etc etc ..

Edited October 31, 2022 by 3below

[edstraker123]

Thanks Guys will give it a whirl.

 

[basskit_case]

What size allen key is needed for truss road adjustment on a chowny swb bass?

 

Feels like it might be a bit sizeable as all the ones I have are a little loose when inserted (ooer).

 

Thanks

[ezbass]

Not all truss rods follow the righty tighty rule, Maruszczyks are the reverse way around, for instance. If your seeing the adjustment you want in a particular direction, that’s the direction to use.

[3below]

One of 4mm, 5mm or 6mm.  Can't remember exactly which one since I have not adjusted my brace of them in ages.  I do remember you might be better to use one of these, the truss rod slot is relatively narrow.  Ebay has some Draper sets at knockdown prices. Your local hardware shop might be equally competitive.

 

[itu]

Have to mention, that the ball-end is not the best to turn tight screws. Full length hex has more surface.

[3below]

9 minutes ago, itu said:

Have to mention, that the ball-end is not the best to turn tight screws. Full length hex has more surface.

Totally agree, I was just thinking about the angle the Allen key emerges at from the slot.  Some judgement by the end user is required.  Imo, the slot under the Chowny truss rod cover could do with being a few mm wider to make regular Allen key use easy.

Edited June 10, 2024 by 3below

[tauzero]

On 10/06/2024 at 21:28, itu said:

Have to mention, that the ball-end is not the best to turn tight screws. Full length hex has more surface.

 

And the ball end is a weak point which can shear if there's a lot of force on it. If the truss rod access slot is a bit on the short side, find what size allen key you need and cut down the short arm a bit so you can get the allen key in properly.