Truss Rod Adjustment - 535

[ghumba]

Hello all,

 

So I got a new guitar off of ebay and noticed that the neck had just a slight back bow to it (truss rod too tight), as in the first few frets buzz because the strings are hitting higher frets. I figured a small loosening of the truss rod would fix this.

 

However, I opened up the truss rod cover to adjust it and noticed that the little nut that sits on the metal truss rod is completely loose, meaning it can't be loosened any more.

 

Is there another place the truss rod is accessed on these guitars (pickup side of the neck)? Should I be alarmed? I've got 3 days to return it, so I figure I'll do what I can to figure this out, but I'm not committed to it if I can't change the neck.

 

Thanks for your support!

[DetroitBlues]

Got any pic's? I'd like to see what you're talking about.... Just a side pic of the neck preferrable around the 8th through 15th frets.

[big bob]

I would send it back. The only option is to clamp the neck to try and reverse the back bow. Which can be done but will need to go to the tech and will cost you.

[tsp17]

without meaning to sidetrack the thread- what truss rod adjusting tool should i buy? got a recommendation?

[DetroitBlues]

T shape allen wrench set.

[ghumba]

http://imgur.com/TlvyY

 

 

Here's a picture of the nut thing that's just loose. It's the thing that looks like a bullet. When I opened it up, it could be hand loosened.

 

and when I took it off, all that remains is a threaded rod (no place to put an allen wrench).

[mars_hall]

Just thinking here but it sounds like the rod might be broke.

[ghumba]

Here's a link to the neck profile. Nothing too crazy.

http://imgur.com/c1Mzt

 

The backbow is subtle and starts around Fret #3, so that 1/2/3 rattle a bit. This could be a nut issue, but in opening up the truss rod cover, I think I may have stumbled upon something bigger.

[DetroitBlues]

Just thinking here but it sounds like the rod might be broke.

 

I was actually thinking the same thing.... Which means send it back or get an estimate of repair and have the selling refund you the difference. Always a reason for selling a guitar, just depends on what it was to make or break the deal.

[ghumba]

OK, I plan to take it into a repair shop at lunch and get some sort of estimate.

 

If it's anything more than a simple fix, I'm sending it back.

[ghumba]

So, ideally, what should I see when I open up the truss rod cover?

 

I was expecting a rod with a hex divot so that I could put an allen wrench in there.

[Hfan]

I would return it, that stuff should have been disclosed IMHO. And I use a nut driver for my Heritage and Hamer truss rods, allen wrenches for my fender types.

[ghumba]

I would return it, that stuff should have been disclosed IMHO. And I use a nut driver for my Heritage and Hamer truss rods, allen wrenches for my fender types.

 

OK, so you use a nut driver to turn the bullet nut.. that makes sense to me, thanks for clarifying. I got real confused when I opened it up and it was loose to the touch.

 

From my understanding, if I tighten the nut on to the truss rod, it's only going to make the back-bow worse. Meaning that I'll never be able to give my guitar a proper setup.

[Hfan]

 

OK, so you use a nut driver to turn the bullet nut.. that makes sense to me, thanks for clarifying. I got real confused when I opened it up and it was loose to the touch.

 

From my understanding, if I tighten the nut on to the truss rod, it's only going to make the back-bow worse. Meaning that I'll never be able to give my guitar a proper setup.

yes i'd agree

[Hfan]

Maybe have a tech have a look, if the guitar is otherwise to your liking and you got a good deal maybe the seller can pay for the fix? Kind of hard to believe he didn't have an inkling. Don't know much about ebay deals though...good luck..535s are excellent

[DetroitBlues]

Maybe have a tech have a look, if the guitar is otherwise to your liking and you got a good deal maybe the seller can pay for the fix? Kind of hard to believe he didn't have an inkling. Don't know much about ebay deals though...good luck..535s are excellent

 

+1

[ghumba]

OK, thanks for all the advice. I've got an appointment set up today with a tech and I'll see what they say. I'll also update with what I find.

 

I'm super pumped to have the 535, I just want to be able to play an open chord

[DetroitBlues]

I'd be pumped too, but nothing is more deflating then getting your dream guitar that plays like a nightmare....

[GuitArtMan]

Hmmm... Truss rod completely loose and you still have backbow? I'd be curios what the tech says. You might try heavier strings and see if they pull the neck straight and/or give it a tad of up-bow.

[Spectrum13]

That nut looks nasty and I speculate that seller knew or should have known there was a problem. Broken truss rods are a major repair. While a tech COULD press the backbow out... after a couple of seasons and changes in humidity and you need to add or take some relief you have nothing. If the threads just needed to be dressed OK. Otherwise send it back today.

[ghumba]

Yep, confirmed by a tech. He looked at it for about 5 seconds and said "what the hell happened to your neck?". Major repair to get it fixed. Definitely going back.

 

If I'm going to drop some change on a guitar, I do not want to have to deal with that right off the bat.

[smurph1]

I would send it back. The only option is to clamp the neck to try and reverse the back bow. Which can be done but will need to go to the tech and will cost you.

+1 on that..You don't want to be stuck with that..Sounds like someone tried to adjust it, but didn't know how..My 2 cents

[DetroitBlues]

Sorry to hear its not what you were expecting... Hope you are not discouraged from Heritage from one bad example. I think one of the best places to buy a used Heritage is right here on this forum.

[tsp17]

T shape allen wrench set.

thanks. that's easy

[ghumba]

Sorry to hear its not what you were expecting... Hope you are not discouraged from Heritage from one bad example. I think one of the best places to buy a used Heritage is right here on this forum.

 

Definitely not discouraged, still very motivated to get one. I think that's just an example of someone not taking proper of the guitar, not a reflection of the craftsmanship

 

In all honesty, I really don't care for the colors that Gibson produces and really like the Heritage look (minus the headstock). I'll definitely keep my eyes posted for a used one on the HOC site.