Seized Truss Rod & Severe Backbow Combo - Fun times ahead...

HarrySeven

So, here’s the scenario...

Inexpensive set-neck MIC semi-acoustic - truss rod is pretty much jammed solid.

a. The hex nut feels quite worn internally (I’m guessing if I try to force it, it’ll strip internally).

b. The neck also has some serious backbow - it’s unplayable up to the 8th fret.

c. All I’ve done so so far is try a few non-invasive strategies - firstly, heated the nut (Soldering iron) prior to some firm pressure with an Allen key (result: slight movement and loud creaking noises, but that’s about it). Secondly, tried clamping the neck against a straight edge to see if I could add a bit of reverse flex - again, no joy).

Before I attempt something drastic, any suggestions from the usual fonts of wisdom? @ICBM, @SteveRobinson, @FelineGuitars, @WezV, etc?

Sesh

I'd be reaching for the Plus Gas, if you can get it into the nut safely. Like WD40, but much better. 

ICBM

I would take the tension off the rod by deliberately back-bowing the neck even further - clamp the far end of the body to a bench so you can apply controlled downward pressure on the headstock. You can even use another clamp to carefully bend the neck backwards and hold it there while you work on the nut.

If the nut recess is damaged, you can make a tapered Allen key by starting with the next size up and grinding it down - you can then hammer that into the nut if necessary and it will both grip and partly re-shape the damaged recess so you can turn it. You'll need to replace the nut once you've got it out, but that's the easy bit...

WezV

If the threads are corroded, I have had good results dousing it in switch cleaner as a last resort. 

For the worn nut, I also reshape a larger size... But remember to replace the Allen key for when you need the proper size again.

HarrySeven

Cheers all!

Updates to follow ASAP...

HarrySeven

Well, after trying all of the above methods (and more (including extractors, etc)...still no joy.

https://i.imgur.com/hmYDndO.jpg

ICBM

Can you get in far enough with a Dremel to cut a couple of slots into the edges and use a big fat screwdriver? I would try top right and bottom left, there seems to be a bit more space to work there.

HarrySeven

@ICBM - it was having none of it...

After a bit, I got bored of fannying about, so this happened...

https://i.imgur.com/V0uNGEN.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/TdDlcSH.jpg

WezV

Just as good a solution when needed

SteveRobinson

Nice. Looks like it was the only possible solution if the welded joint had failed

ICBM

Some times there just isn’t any other way!

HarrySeven

Cheers!

The board was a real sod to remove and there’ll be quite a lot of tidying later on.

Nevertheless - onward and upward!

HarrySeven

Just a thought...in the interest of expediency, can anyone recommend a reasonably-priced supplier of pre-slotted (or indeed, completely fretted) fingerboards? I've got rather a lot on at the moment and having something 'off the shelf' might make things easier.

WezV

i never think fretted is much of a time saver anyway.  its not a good idea to leave a board fretted and not installed for a significant length of time

was going to point to CH guitars for a selection of cheaper slotted/radiused/inlayed/bound boards in a few scale lengths, but all seem to be out of stock
https://chguitars.co.uk/product-category/necks/fingerboards/

HarrySeven

WezV said:

was going to point to CH guitars for a selection of cheaper slotted/radiused/inlayed/bound boards in a few scale lengths, but all seem to be out of stock
https://chguitars.co.uk/product-category/necks/fingerboards/

Yeah, I've ordered a replacement truss rod from chguitars, but just spotted that the boards are out of stock...

MattNovak

HarrySeven said:

Just a thought...in the interest of expediency, can anyone recommend a reasonably-priced supplier of pre-slotted (or indeed, completely fretted) fingerboards? I've got rather a lot on at the moment and having something 'off the shelf' might make things easier.

There are pre-slotted Chinese ones on eBay for a tenner... 

MattNovak

Direct from the ad: 

Just buy it! Don't just think about it!