SPECTOR BASS SPECTOR BASS
Service Manual

The Truss Rod What It Is What It Does How To Adjust It
If thinking about removing that little plate and taking out an Allen wrench makes you feel a bit faint, please see your local guitar shop (where you bought your Spector) and have them help you out. All Spector Basses have an adjustable rod located in the neck which runs the length of the neck. The truss rod opposes the force exerted by the tuning of the strings and keeps the neck from warping under that pressure. All our basses from the Professional through the U.S.A. Series also have graphite rods that run parallel to the truss rod and act to evenly distribute the forces of the truss rod. If �sighting down� the neck indicates that there is a warp or �dip� in the neck, the adjusting nut should be tightened. If there is a reverse warp or �hump� in the neck, the nut needs to be loosened. A straight edge can be used to determine warp as can this little tech tip: Play the 1st fret on any string with the index finger on your LEFT hand. On that same string, with your RIGHT Pinkie (your right hand should be hovering over the neck, finger tips down), press down on the 12th fret (octave) and s-t-r-e-t-c-h your RIGHT thumb toward the headstock as far as comfortable. While holding down the 1st and 12th fret, tap the fret where your RIGHT thumb is located (7-9th or so) and press down and up and down on that fret with your thumb. No this

Care & Feeding Manual

isn�t a new playing style. However, if there is a very noticeable gap between the unpressed and pressed thumb, the neck has a warp. If there is NO space (you are probably experience a lot of buzzing) then you have a reverse warp or have �no relief�. CAUTION: There are very extreme forces involved in basses and bass strings. BE SURE TO LOOSEN STRINGS before attempting to tighten the truss rod! IMPORTANT: If you have ANY question about your comfort level in doing neck adjustments on any instruments, we highly recommend that you return to your Spector Dealer and ask them for assistance. Your Spector Dealer has vast experience in guitar and bass setup procedures and is there to help. VERY IMPORTANT: Truss rods can be tightened. Most things in life that can be tightened, can be tightened too far! When that happens there is usually an accompanying sound and ensuing pain in the stomach. When in doubt, seek professional advice. An ounce of prevention and all that. EXTREME CAUTION: DO NOT FORCE the tightening of the truss rod! IMPORTANT: ALL bass necks MUST have what is called �relief�. That is a very slight �warp�. Too little of no relief and you will experience buzzing.

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