worth learning how to adjust neck

[Declan Embury]

I have to take my bass back and forth across Canada about twice a year, and it usually requires a neck adjustment because of the difference in humidity etc.

How hard is it to learn how to adjust your neck? Ive always been hesitant because I dont want to cause any unnecessary damage, but it seems like a pretty simple activity.

any tool recommendations?

 

[Jazz Ad]

You don't need but a decent tuner, metal ruler and appropriate wrenches, screwdriver and Allen keys.
They basics won't take you but a day to master, there are many threads explaining it in detail.

 

[Watchootognbout]

The majority of bass players adjust their own basses.
It's not rocket science.
It's not made of glass.
You can only move the truss rod in small increments anyway.

 

[pedroims]

What bass it is? Usually you only need a wrench with the correct size and a capo.

 

[bholder]

Read the hw setup sticky thread, has all you need to know about truss rod adjustments (and more): ALL BASIC SETUP QUESTIONS ANSWERED HERE

 

[bholder]

any tool recommendations?

The tool depends on the bass, no real standards unfortunately.

 

[Chicory Blue]

What's this about a ruler? I've been getting by with an allen key, tuner, and a prayer that I'm doing it right.

Mmmmight lurk around and see how you guys are doing it..

--^@

 

[Declan Embury]

cheers thanks everyone, will give it a shot in a couple weeks.. also its a warwarwick and has the quick adjust slot in the headstock

 

[Badwater]

Yes, I agree with the majority of the posts. Doing a full set up is pretty easy, and most beneficial to know how to do it. It will allow you to custom set up any bass or guitar to your personal liking. Neck setup/adjustment is usually the first thing you do in a full set up. And all you need to do is determine if you need to adjust truss rod.

There are a lot of YouTube tutorials on how to do it. I do it 2x per year once when the season changes from hot to cold, and again when going back to hot. Just a tiny adjustment makes a huge difference.

 

[LifeIsBass]

Extremely important to learn IMO. Not difficult but it may take some time and experimentation to figure out exactly how you like it set up. Some people (like me) like very little relief and low action. Others are just the opposite. There isn't really a right or wrong but having the neck set to your preference greatly influences your perception of playability and even tone. It can really be inspiring to play an instrument that's set up exactly the way you want it.

 

[lowendblues]

Just make a small 1/4" adjustment, put it down for a while, pick it up, and see how she feels.

Clockwise tightens the rod, (flattens out the neck), counter-clockwise relaxes the rod, (putting relief, or "bow" in the neck). A little adjustment generally goes a long way. Its that simple.

If the rod feels to tight, or wont move, don't force it, take it to a pro.

Remember, for every action, there's an opposite reaction. If you choose to "tighten" the rod, you may have to raise the action at the bridge a bit. If you put more relief or "bow" in the neck, you may have to lower the action at the bridge. Its a delicate balance, but worth learning.

Only YOU know how you want your bass to feel right? Why play a bass set up to someone else's liking?

 

[Skybone]

If you're the least bit concerned about working on an expensive instrument, then why not pick up a cheap instrument from somewhere, and experiment with that?

All you really need is a good tuner, allen keys and a few screwdrivers. Some truss rods have a nut on the end instead of an allen nut, so you may need a specific socket and something to turn it with (T bar / screwdriver style handle etc.). Working on bridge saddles, you'll just need a small allen key & a small screwdriver (a cross head/Phillips type usually).

 

[socialleper]

The majority of bass players adjust their own basses.
It's not rocket science.
It's not made of glass.
You can only move the truss rod in small increments anyway.

This.
It isn't that hard. Watch some YouTube videos.
For tools, the manufacturer's website will often tell you what to use. It is usually a hex wrench. Maybe some feeler gauges.

 

[Goatrope]

I think it helps to apply some pressure to the neck in the direction you'd like the truss rod to move it. That way, the truss rod doesn't have to do the moving, it just holds the position.

It may feel like you need three hands to do it, but you'll find your way.

Cheers.

 

[Nev375]

Just use the right tool and the right size and never force anything. You'll be fine.

Damage is almost always the result of someone using a slightly smaller standard instead of metric allen wrench or trying to use a small straight screwdriver where a phillips should be.

Either that or some gorilla thinking a neck bolt needs to be as tight as possible and surprise, the screw threads strip out the wood.

 

[msb]

Learning how to set up your instrument to suit your playing style is simply another part of learning how to play . It's pretty straightforward .

 

[brotondo]

My Warwick came with the tool in the owners kit, it's a 7-8 mm hex I believe. Seasonal change here in Michigan usually requires barely 1/8 turn back and forth. And sometimes it can take a few days to settle in.
Good luck