Fender American Elite Precision Bass Owners Manual - Page 22

3. TRUSS ROD ADJUSTMENTS The truss rod is the ingenious unseen device inside the neck that counteracts the bending force caused by string tension. An ideally adjusted neck will have a moderate amount of relief (curvature) in it to accommodate the vibrating strings. The factory specification for neck relief on Fender® bass guitars is between .012" and .014", measured between the bottom of the string and the top of the fret, at the 7th fret. To adjust the truss rod, fasten a capo to the first fret. If you are adjusting a four-string bass, fret the "E" string at the last fret; if you are adjusting a five- or six-string bass, fret the "B" string at the last fret). Then measure from the bottom of the string to the top of the 7th fret using the feeler gauge-the gap should be between .012" and .014". When you view the neck by sighting down it from the body end toward the headstock, you can see whether the neck is straight or bowed. If the truss rod needs adjustment, detune the strings first to relieve neck tension, and remember to retune to pitch before measuring again. To adjust the truss rod, use either a large Phillips or flathead screwdriver (for most vintage style basses), or the hex wrench supplied with your bass (for modern basses). Note that for vintage-style basses with the truss rod adjustment at the neck heel, you must remove the strings and loosen the neck mounting screws and/or remove the pickguard to gain access to the truss rod adjustment nut. If the neck curvature is too concave, turn the truss rod adjustment nut clockwise. If the neck curvature is too convex, turn the truss rod adjustment nut counterclockwise. Check your tuning; then check the gap again with the feeler gauge. If you meet excessive truss rod resistance or if you're not comfortable adjusting it yourself, you can always take your guitar to your Authorized Fender Service Center. 22