There are a few things that can cause a bass guitar neck to bow. The most common cause is tension from the strings. If the strings are too tight, they can pull the neck out of shape. In case you find yourself in a similar situation, we’ll cover how to fix a bowed bass guitar neck in this article.
This can be fixed by simply loosening the strings, but it will require further adjustments if you wish to stay in the correct tuning. Another cause of a bowed bass guitar neck is if the neck is not supported properly. The neck needs to be supported at the nut and the bridge. If either of these is not supported properly, the neck can start to bow. To tackle these issues, you’ll need to adjust the truss rod.
The last cause of a bowed bass guitar neck is if the wood of the neck is not strong enough. This is not as common as the other two causes, but it can happen. If the wood is not strong enough, it can start to warp and bow. This can be fixed by reinforcing the neck with a steel rod or by using a thicker piece of wood.
If you have a bowed bass guitar neck, it’s important to know how to fix it ASAP. Otherwise, you might end up with an expensive paperweight or an instrument that is impossible to play. Here’s how to fix a bowed bass guitar neck.
Consequences of a bowed bass guitar neck
Bowing the bass neck can cause a number of problems, including:
- – The strings can come into contact with the frets, causing them to buzz.
- – The strings can become loose, causing them to slip off the fretboard.
- – The action of the bass can be affected, making it harder to play.
- – The intonation of the bass can be affected, making it harder to tune.
Check the neck for Twist:
One of the most important things you can do to keep your bass playing well is to check the neck for a twist. Over time, especially if the bass is stored in an unheated area, the wood can start to twist and warp, causing the strings to buzz and making it difficult to play in tune. To check for a twist, hold the bass so that the fingerboard is horizontal and look down the length of the neck.
If the neck is bowed or warped, you’ll be able to see it. If the neck is twisted, you’ll see the space between the strings getting larger or smaller as you move up or down the neck. If you do see any twist, you can try to correct it by gently straightening the neck with your hands. If that doesn’t work, you’ll need to take the bass to a luthier or guitar repair shop to have them fix it.
It can be difficult to tell if a neck is bowed with the naked eye. The best way to check is to hold the bass so that the strings are facing you, and hold down the first fret with your left hand while holding down the last fret with your right hand. If the neck is bowed, you will be able to see a gap between the string and the 8th fret. To fix this, you will need to loosen the truss rod.
Check for Relief:
Before you adjust the truss rod, it’s important to check the neck of your bass guitar for relief. Relief is the curvature of the neck, and it’s important to have the right amount in order to play comfortably. If the neck is too straight, the strings will be too close to the fretboard and will be difficult to press down. If the neck is too curved, the strings will be too far from the fretboard and will be difficult to fret accurately. The best way to check for relief is to fret the low E string at the first fret and the high E string at the 17th fret. Then, hold a business card between the strings at the 10th fret and see how much space there is between the card and the strings. If there is more than about 1/16″ of space, the neck needs more relief. If there is less than 1/16″ of space, the neck needs less relief.
What does relief mean?
The relief is the height of the string above the first fret. You can check this by holding down the low E string at the first and last fret and measuring the gap with a feeler gauge. If the gap is more than 3/32” (2.38mm), the neck has too much relief and you will need to tighten the truss rod.
Adjusting the Truss Rod:
If your bass has an adjustable truss rod, it’s a good idea to check it periodically to keep the neck straight. An easy way to check the truss rod is to hold the bass in your lap and sight down the neck. The neck should be straight from the nut to the middle of the fretboard. If it’s not, adjusting the truss rod will usually fix the problem. To adjust the truss rod, remove the strings and unscrew the nut that holds the truss rod cover in place. With the cover off, you’ll be able to see the truss rod. Different basses have different ways of adjusting the truss rod, so consult your owner’s manual for specific instructions. In general, though, you’ll want to turn the nut slowly, making small adjustments until the neck is straight. Once you’ve got the neck straight, screw the cover back on and re-string the bass.
Allen wrench
To adjust the truss rod, you will need an Allen wrench that fits the truss rod nut.
On most basses, this will be a 3/16” hex wrench. With the bass in playing position, insert the Allen wrench into the truss rod nut, which is located at the base of the neck on the headstock side. For a right-handed person, this would be on the left side of the neck. lefty- Loosen truss rod clockwise 1/8 to 1/4 turn righty- Loosen truss rod counterclockwise 1/8 to 1/4 turn recheck Relief and repeat as necessary
How much does it cost to fix a bowed bass guitar neck?
There is no definitive answer to this question as the cost will vary depending on the severity of the issue and the type of bass guitar involved. Generally speaking, however, the cost of fixing a bowed bass guitar neck can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars.
In conclusion – How to fix a bowed bass guitar neck
It is possible to fix a bowed bass guitar neck, but it is not always an easy task. There are a few things that you need to keep in mind when attempting this repair. First, you need to make sure that the neck is not too far gone. If the neck is severely bent, it may be best to replace it. Secondly, you need to be very careful when bending the neck back into place. Too much force can cause the neck to snap. Finally, you need to be sure to use the correct tools for the job, and that you have the knowledge and practice it requires to avoid further damaging your instrument.
