Stuck truss rod?
Posted: Mon Feb 15, 2021 6:48 pm
On my '07 refined NiteFly the truss rod wheel isn't moving. I'm wondering if I am dealing with a stuck truss rod or it's just sticky and I only need a bit more leverage to get it to move. Does anyone have experience in dealing with this? Should I be taking this to an experienced tech or luthier to check this out?
I've tried to move it with the metal adjusting rod tool that came with the guitar, but the truss rod wheel is so tight that the tool starts to bend. Honestly, I think the tool is a bit cheap. Its metal seems weak - it's not as strong as a standard Allen key - and it doesn't fit perfectly within the holes of the truss rod wheel.
I did find a this YouTube video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bJJVk-GBX0c&t=759s (at the 8:51 mark) where this tech had exactly this issue with a NiteFly and he got it to move with enough leverage, but I'm by no means a tech and want to be cautious. I'm OK with attempting it myself unless the risk is great.
I suspect that this truss rod has never been moved ever since it's been in my possession. I'm the original owner, purchased in '07 when I knew a lot less about guitars (and I got a Parker!!!). I remember shortly after getting it I tried to move the truss rod wheel but it wouldn't budge so I left it alone, figuring I was way over my abilities. Several years ago I took it to a tech for a setup and he told me that the neck wasn't straight, but he never said anything about the truss rod being stuck which makes me wonder if he even tried moving it (I didn't know any better at the time to ask him). The truss rod could use a slight adjustment, but it's playable as-is and this isn't necessarily a major issue.
I've tried to move it with the metal adjusting rod tool that came with the guitar, but the truss rod wheel is so tight that the tool starts to bend. Honestly, I think the tool is a bit cheap. Its metal seems weak - it's not as strong as a standard Allen key - and it doesn't fit perfectly within the holes of the truss rod wheel.
I did find a this YouTube video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bJJVk-GBX0c&t=759s (at the 8:51 mark) where this tech had exactly this issue with a NiteFly and he got it to move with enough leverage, but I'm by no means a tech and want to be cautious. I'm OK with attempting it myself unless the risk is great.
I suspect that this truss rod has never been moved ever since it's been in my possession. I'm the original owner, purchased in '07 when I knew a lot less about guitars (and I got a Parker!!!). I remember shortly after getting it I tried to move the truss rod wheel but it wouldn't budge so I left it alone, figuring I was way over my abilities. Several years ago I took it to a tech for a setup and he told me that the neck wasn't straight, but he never said anything about the truss rod being stuck which makes me wonder if he even tried moving it (I didn't know any better at the time to ask him). The truss rod could use a slight adjustment, but it's playable as-is and this isn't necessarily a major issue.