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Post subject: need some truss rod advice.
Posted: Mon Nov 18, 2013 8:55 pm
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Roadie
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I was told that a couple drops of oil at the truss rod bolt can loosen a truss rod that doesn't move freely (sticky). My thought was although it may be helpful for the truss rod, it may be harmful to the wood of the neck.


I would like some other opinions please. 1st hand experiences would be helpful to know.


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Post subject: Re: need some truss rod advice.
Posted: Mon Nov 18, 2013 10:51 pm
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I would personally not result to oil.
You did not say if the truss rod will loosen, or whether it is frozen in both directions.
If it will loosen but will not tighten as much as you would like, you may be at the end of the adjustment range.
If that is the case, I don't think that there is anything that you can do, like you can with a traditional bottom adjusting neck where you can somestimes add a washer.

If it will not turn in either direction without applying unreasonable force, which you do not want to do, try loosening the strings and see if that makes any difference.
Next, I would try warming the neck with a hot water bottle or heating pad.
If that does not work you could try chilling the neck with an ice bag.
But be careful because cold can harm some finishes.

Those are all of the ideas that I have.
If you can get to the threads, which you probably can't, a little lithium grease or vasoline on the threads may be ok.
But I would avoid using oil applied down the adjustment hole.
That's just a personal opinion.


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Post subject: Re: need some truss rod advice.
Posted: Tue Nov 19, 2013 12:27 am
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Oil and grease is a part of normal day life, as your hands sweat and get oily and transfer to all parts of your guitar that you touch. If your reason for wanting to put oil down the truss rod is because you think the neck is twisting as it binds to the rod, then I suggest you first find out what truss rod type you have. Most truss rods don't turn when tightened, only the nuts turn as it pulls iether end of the rod closer/apart.

If it will ease your mind you can loosen the truss rod right up till the truss nut comes off, then pour a few drops of machine oil down the truss rod. Also put some copper slip grease on the truss nut threads before puting it back on.

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Post subject: Re: need some truss rod advice.
Posted: Tue Nov 19, 2013 12:27 am
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A drop won't hurt anything and will eventually evaporate, just be careful not to dump a tablespoon of it in the neck.

One caution, make sure that your truss rod nut isn't already bottomed out or you'll strip it.

If unsure, take it to a Luthier. It's cheaper than repairing the guitar in the long run.

Good Luck!

cheers!

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Post subject: Re: need some truss rod advice.
Posted: Tue Nov 19, 2013 3:53 am
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The truss rod will still turn both ways, just not as freely as on my other guitars. I was thinking more in terms of preservation for long term use. I don't want this one freezing up, it's my favorite guitar.

It is a Bi-flex truss rod on an American Deluxe Ash Tele (fat U-neck).


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Post subject: Re: need some truss rod advice.
Posted: Tue Nov 19, 2013 4:50 am
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RRR wrote:
It is a Bi-flex truss rod on an American Deluxe Ash Tele (fat U-neck).


In which case the truss rod nut will not come out, thus a few drops of oil down the plug may not penetrate the rod.

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Post subject: Re: need some truss rod advice.
Posted: Tue Nov 19, 2013 1:40 pm
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Thank you for your responses.

Seeing that it still functions, and is set spot on at the moment, I'll leave it be and not worry about it until there is cause for worry.


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Post subject: Re: need some truss rod advice.
Posted: Wed Nov 20, 2013 8:58 pm
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Good idea

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Post subject: Re: need some truss rod advice.
Posted: Wed Nov 20, 2013 10:20 pm
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I have not tried this on a truss rod, as I've never had a guitar with stuck truss rod, but in woodworking and furniture repairs, if there's a rod embedded in the wood (like in drawers and doors with double bolts) that has stuck, it can often be vibrated loose.
Not being a luthier, I don't know whether it could impact frets or other parts, but an adjustable vibrating sander, some rubber sheets and a couple of clamps might get a bolt unstuck from a detached neck.
A guitar neck is an expensive piece of wood, so if the alternative is replacing it, it may be worth a try.


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Post subject: Re: need some truss rod advice.
Posted: Thu Nov 21, 2013 2:03 am
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arth1 wrote:
I have not tried this on a truss rod, as I've never had a guitar with stuck truss rod, but in woodworking and furniture repairs, if there's a rod embedded in the wood (like in drawers and doors with double bolts) that has stuck, it can often be vibrated loose.
Not being a luthier, I don't know whether it could impact frets or other parts, but an adjustable vibrating sander, some rubber sheets and a couple of clamps might get a bolt unstuck from a detached neck.
A guitar neck is an expensive piece of wood, so if the alternative is replacing it, it may be worth a try.



Don't think that would be my choice. I'm not naturally inclined to use power tools on my intruments.

OTOH, Fender's Owners Manual (PN 037723 Rev. C) lists tools you need for a truss rod adjustment and on that list is: 'A light machine oil (3 in 1 or sewing machine oil)'. I think that's fairly authoritative.

I'd also consider using a dry graphite lube for the threads.

cheers!

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'11 FSR Am. Vtg. Ltd. Ed. CAR '57 Stratocaster (SN# LE02639)
'14 American Deluxe Ash Stratocaster
'12 Telebration Empress Telecaster
'99 Deluxe Nashville Telecaster
'12 FSR Telecaster HH
'10 Heritage H-535
'99 Martin DC-1E
'13 Lanikai Tenor Ukulele


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