Truss Rod Problem

[rabidguineapig]

I have a custom fender telecaster and I can't seem to get the the neck straight string sizes from 9-42 to 10-50 and I want the guitar in standard and I don't like the strings very tight. The problem is with a set of 9-42's the neck has an underbow no matter how I adjust the truss rod, could it be that there just isn't enough tension to correct the underbow or am I just doing something wrong?

[SouthpawGuy]

Is it a US or MIM Fender Tele ?
The US Fender Teles have a biflex truss rod which allows for positive adjustment in both directions. The MIM Teles don't have that feature.

[rabidguineapig]

The neck is from warmoth.com it is their vintage modern style and it is birdseye maple with a roswewood fretboard

[jp529]

how bad is the neck?can you post some pics of it?

[AllroyPA]

I have a custom fender telecaster and I can't seem to get the the neck straight string sizes from 9-42 to 10-50 and I want the guitar in standard and I don't like the strings very tight. The problem is with a set of 9-42's the neck has an underbow no matter how I adjust the truss rod, could it be that there just isn't enough tension to correct the underbow or am I just doing something wrong?

Underbow is not a regular term, do you mean the neck bows backwards (looking from the front of the tele), so you get fret-buzzing ?

[hirsch56]

If the truss rod is completely loose, and you still have backbow, you need to use heavier strings. Is there backbow with 10-50s?

[GodWentPunk]

I have one Jackson that I can't adjust the truss rod on, the bolt is completely loose. I have to use 10's and adjust the springs on the floyd to have enough tension.

joe...

[AllroyPA]

If it's a maple neck you may have to get this to a professional. Rosewood you may be able to put it in a high humidity environment and bend the neck. Then reset the truss. But a maple neck is usually sealed with laquer.

[exalted]

I'm with Allroy - you may need to take it to a professional.

Though, just a thought - have you tried shimming the neck? How are you measuring the relief?

[AllroyPA]

When you're buying a guitar fret the string at the third fret and you should have some kind of clearance at the first fret before the nut btwn the string and the fret (or the nut is cut wrong). Secondly fret the strings at the first fret and the last fret then reach with your left hand to see if there is some clearance say about the 12th-9th fret wherever you can reach with your pinky and thumb while fretting the last fret with your left hand, this will assure you you dont have a back bow. Just food for thought and a quick check for playability before you purchase something, new or used. Lastlly, remember truss adjustments do nothing for problems above say the 10th fret, the neck just does not bow from the truss there.

[Olav]

That's useful Allroy. I'll try and remember that tip next time I'm shopping for a new or used guitar. Thanks for that.

[AllroyPA]

When you're buying a guitar fret the string at the third fret and you should have some kind of clearance at the first fret before the nut btwn the string and the fret (or the nut is cut wrong). Secondly fret the strings at the first fret and the last fret then reach with your left hand to see if there is some clearance say about the 12th-9th fret wherever you can reach with your pinky and thumb while fretting the last fret with your left hand, this will assure you you dont have a back bow. Just food for thought and a quick check for playability before you purchase something, new or used. Lastlly, remember truss adjustments do nothing for problems above say the 10th fret, the neck just does not bow from the truss there.

That's useful Allroy. I'll try and remember that tip next time I'm shopping for a new or used guitar. Thanks for that.

Yep, good stuff to check.