Truss rod adjustments

DefaultM

Over the winter some of my guitars seem to have developed dead spots over the neck, around the 2nd fret. 
On my fretless bass for example I can't get any notes to play around that area so I raised the action which helped a bit but it's still there.

I assume I need to adjust the truss rod, but unsure which way to turn it?
When I look down the necks most have a slight curve upwards like a bridge.

BloodEagle

If theyre curved upwards like a bridge that would indicate back bow - meaning the truss rod needs loosening (anti-clockwise). Just try a quarter turn or preferably less at a time, retune and check relief 

richardhomer

Normally in the winter necks develop more relief, due to central heating reducing humidity. This tends to raise the action and requires the truss rod to be tightened.

The way you're describing it - it sounds like the neck is too straight - or bowing up in the middle - which requires the truss rod loosening. You really need to evaluate the amount (or lack of) relief before adjusting.

Holding the low E down at the first and last frets (this requires two hands - or a capo) - there should be a slight gap around the 7th/8th fret.

This will tell you if you need to tighten, or loosen.

DefaultM

Thanks. I used the heating very sparingly over winter to save money so they've been pretty cold. 
Next year I think I will just keep it on at a low level and that will be cheaper in the long run.

Cabicular

Some of my guitars need it done a couple of times a year. Some never. The older ones tend to be the most stable.
It's just routine maintenence 

Bridgehouse

When you have tool in hand (!) and doubt yourself - just remember

Righty Tighty
Lefty Loosy

Cabicular

Bridgehouse said:

When you have tool in hand (!) and doubt yourself - just remember

Righty Tighty
Lefty Loosy

which direction am I facing?

Bridgehouse

Cabicular said:

Bridgehouse said:

When you have tool in hand (!) and doubt yourself - just remember

Righty Tighty
Lefty Loosy

which direction am I facing?

Lol - twisty wristy righty tighty or lefty loosy silly

Cabicular

Bridgehouse said:

Cabicular said:

Bridgehouse said:

When you have tool in hand (!) and doubt yourself - just remember

Righty Tighty
Lefty Loosy

which direction am I facing?

Lol - twisty wristy righty tighty or lefty loosy silly

Vintage Fender or Gibson ?

Bridgehouse

Cabicular said:

Bridgehouse said:

Cabicular said:

Bridgehouse said:

When you have tool in hand (!) and doubt yourself - just remember

Righty Tighty
Lefty Loosy

which direction am I facing?

Lol - twisty wristy righty tighty or lefty loosy silly

Vintage Fender or Gibson ?

I'm not sure I'd call my wrist vintage!

skunkwerx

Bridgehouse said:

When you have tool in hand (!) and doubt yourself - just remember

Righty Tighty
Lefty Loosy

What if its a left handed tool?

Bridgehouse

skunkwerx said:

Bridgehouse said:

When you have tool in hand (!) and doubt yourself - just remember

Righty Tighty
Lefty Loosy

What if its a left handed tool?

Turn round and do it back to front..

richardhomer

To avoid confusion, turn the screw-driver or hex key clockwise to tighten and anti-clockwise to loosen. 

robgilmo

What if you cant tell the time?

Bridgehouse

robgilmo said:

What if you cant tell the time?

Then you shouldn't be trusted with any kind of guitar based tooling as you won't know when to have a tea break

skunkwerx

Hang on.. i've only got a digital clock... can I still use it as a tool referral guide for loosening or tightening stuff? 

Bridgehouse

skunkwerx said:

Hang on.. i've only got a digital clock... can I still use it as a tool referral guide for loosening or tightening stuff? 

I think you can safely assume that you will be referred to as a tool if you use it..

richardhomer

robgilmo said:

What if you cant tell the time?

Irrelevant - inspite of demonstrating rank stupidity - such a person would still be able to observe which direction the hands of a clock or watch move.

It tends to be bass players and drummers who struggle with time the most....

Bridgehouse

richardhomer said:

robgilmo said:

What if you cant tell the time?

Irrelevant - inspite of demonstrating rank stupidity - such a person would still be able to observe which direction the hands of a clock or watch move.

It tends to be bass players and drummers who struggle with time the most....

Oi! There are some of us who are perfectly capable of

Bridgehouse

doing stuff in a joined up way

thebreeze

The confusion though is, is it always righty tighty etc whichever end of the neck you are? (modern at headstock, vintage at body)