How to Turn the Truss Rod on a Fender Jazz Bass Guitar
The Fender Jazz bass was introduced by the Fender guitar company in 1960 -- and remains the instrument of choice for bass guitarists in musical genres ranging from blues to funk to fusion. Bass guitar necks are under a lot of stress from the heavy gauge of bass strings, which means the truss rod may need periodic adjustment because the tension can cause the neck to go out of alignment.
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Instructions
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1
Look down the length of the neck from the headstock toward the bridge. Use the strings as a straightedge to see if the neck is over-bowed or under-bowed.
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2
Loosen the strings to relieve the tension on the neck.
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3
Place an Allen wrench in the truss rod bolt, located on the headstock of the Fender Jazz. If a plate covers the truss rod, remove it using a Phillips screwdriver.
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4
Adjust the truss rod using quarter turns to avoid damaging the neck. Give the truss rod a clockwise turn to increase tension if the neck is over-bowed, or a counterclockwise turn to decrease tension if the neck is under-bowed. Sight down the neck each time you turn the truss rod. The neck should straighten with one to three turns.
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5
Re-tune the bass. Sight down the neck one more time to inspect for curvature.
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Tips & Warnings
Enlist the aid of an experienced bassist the first few times you attempt to adjust the truss rod.
You can damage your instrument if you turn the truss rod too far.
References
- Photo Credit Digital Vision./Digital Vision/Getty Images
