Hello,

I have a 2000 Am Std Strat that I put a reissue '70s neck on with the bullet trust rod adjustment. My plan is to paint the headstock the same color as the body. To do that, I need to sand. In order to sand, I need to remove the chrome bullet truss rod adjustment nut.

I've been told to simply unscrew it. However, from where I sit, it would appear unscrewing the bullet will completely knock my truss rod out of adjustment. How to I get the bullet off without changing my truss rod's setting?

Thanks!
Mike

Having the guitar unstrung whilst the paint and lacquer cures will alter your neck bow anyway.

_________________
No no and no

Well, actually, that's a really really good point. I never thought of that. So, to remove it, just put the allen key in, turn clockwise until the bullet falls off and simply readjust later? Will doing this hurt the truss rod in any way? I know overtightening can possibly break the rod. Is the same true for loosening?

Thanks!
Mike

Turning the bullet counter (aka anti) clockwise loosens the truss rod to where the neck will bow as the pressure the bullet exerts on the truss rod is being diminished. (Remember the old saying, "Righty-tighty, lefty-loosy.) If you turn the bullet clockwise, you are tightening the truss rod and for your stated purpose, running the risk of snapping it.

Continual loosening of the bullet will eventually outright screw it right off the threaded end of the truss rod.

There is NO WAY to remove the bullet without affecting the tension on the rod.

This will not damage the bullet nor the rod provided that you remove the strings first. And upon reinstallation of the bullet, do so with the strings off first, tightening the bullet until the neck is ever so slightly arched. Restring to pitch and make your final adjustment.

_________________
You dig?

Martian is such a wealth of info.

All I will add is, when you are putting it back together, after you put the bullet end back on only tighten it a little at a time. maybe not even back to the bow you want for a while. Depending on how long you have the neck off with no tension. I always advocate working slowly when adjusting the truss rod. let the wood adjust, and go slow to avoid putting too much pressure and crushing the wood it presses on(I know there's washer/spacers.)

Truss rods aren't really very scary to work with, but it really is something you need to be careful with.

_________________
I'm not an expert, but I play one on the internet.

Increditble! Thank you all so much for your help! I will give this a try soon - definitely without strings on. I heard from a repair tech once that once you make a rod adjustment, it can take 2 days or so for the neck to settle if you haven't had tension on it for a week, so I'll be sure to take it slow. Thank you again so much for your help everyone! I'm excited to get started on this project since the bullet was my only concern.

Mike