how to install truss rod nut and loosen?

pearldrum944 · 8th March 2009

I have been having trouble with my strat and the frets buzzing. After further investigation I found that the truss rod nut had gotten loose and I was easily able to remove it. How do I install the nut back on to the rod, and then loosen the truss rod? It seems that if I put the nut back on, all it does is come back off of the rod instead of loosening the actual rod...

Mikeren · 11th March 2009

Tyler,

Sorry I passed before--I had my whole answer typed but was confused by your description.
I'll try a few things now...
(1) The nut has to be threaded on the rod. If the threads are messed up or the rod broken you need a new neck or a really good repair person to replace the truss rod.
(2) The rod should not turn at all. Tightening the nut down pulls the neck against the natural pull of the strings and flattens it against their tension. Though I'm confused by your description, know the exact opposite of what I said will work too (the nut stationary-the rod turns). Usually you'll have to take the neck off in that case. My Jazz Bass is like that.
(3) If the nut is off the truss rod it is, by definition, loose. You must have some tension or tightness once the nut is on, regardless. If you can get the nut to stay on, tighten it slightly (no looseness) and your neck still curves away from the strings (use a straight edge to check) and buzzes, it's time for a new neck.

If you reply here--is the 'nut' at the headstock or butt of the neck. What do you mean by 'easily remove it'? Can you thread the two back together?

MR

theGeek · 12th March 2009

why did you take the nut off?

8th March 2009	#1
pearldrum944 Gear addict Joined: Apr 2005 Location: New Haven, CT Posts: 384 Thread Starter 1 Review written	how to install truss rod nut and loosen? I have been having trouble with my strat and the frets buzzing. After further investigation I found that the truss rod nut had gotten loose and I was easily able to remove it. How do I install the nut back on to the rod, and then loosen the truss rod? It seems that if I put the nut back on, all it does is come back off of the rod instead of loosening the actual rod... __________________ Tyler Bird http://www.tylerbird.net

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11th March 2009	#2
Mikeren Gear maniac Joined: May 2006 Location: Plano, IL USA Posts: 198	Tyler, Sorry I passed before--I had my whole answer typed but was confused by your description. I'll try a few things now... (1) The nut has to be threaded on the rod. If the threads are messed up or the rod broken you need a new neck or a really good repair person to replace the truss rod. (2) The rod should not turn at all. Tightening the nut down pulls the neck against the natural pull of the strings and flattens it against their tension. Though I'm confused by your description, know the exact opposite of what I said will work too (the nut stationary-the rod turns). Usually you'll have to take the neck off in that case. My Jazz Bass is like that. (3) If the nut is off the truss rod it is, by definition, loose. You must have some tension or tightness once the nut is on, regardless. If you can get the nut to stay on, tighten it slightly (no looseness) and your neck still curves away from the strings (use a straight edge to check) and buzzes, it's time for a new neck. If you reply here--is the 'nut' at the headstock or butt of the neck. What do you mean by 'easily remove it'? Can you thread the two back together? MR

12th March 2009	#3
theGeek Lives for gear Joined: Dec 2007 Location: Indiana Posts: 809	why did you take the nut off?