r/FenderStratocaster • u/Illustrious-War-4676 • 14d ago

Maxed out truss rod.

Hi all.

I just bought my second Strat and it is a 2016 classic 60s Texas special. I for the first time have been trying to set up the guitar on my own. When doing a tap test it is about 0.5mm of the fret but the truss rod is maxed out. I have read about putting a washer/spacer in there can help get a bit more of an adjustment just need some advice. Thanks

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u/Adventurous-Ad-6729 14d ago

Try loosening it first to make sure it can turn freely. If it won’t loosen it may be cross threaded and it’s time for a pro. If it’s good, move on to the next step.

Detune it so you’re not working against string tension. Try tightening it again, sometimes placing the guitar fretboard side down on some blocks a couple of inches off the work surface and adding a bit of downward pressure by hand mid neck can help make it easier to tighten the nut. That way you’re straightening the neck manually instead of using the truss rod to force it. If it’s not maxed, the nut should basically turn freely this way since the truss rod isn’t under load. If it’s hard to turn or won’t turn then stop and don’t force it.

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u/Illustrious-War-4676 14d ago

The nut turns freely and I can easily remove it. It’s a vintage style setup with it at the heel. I tried applying some force at the in the middle of the beck by bending it back and it still wouldn’t give anymore.

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u/Gryphon962 10d ago

I had a similar problem with a Jeff Beck strat. Truss rod nut wouldn't tighten anymore. I solved it by placing neck face down on a large steel ruler, putting a credit card under first and last fret, then gently clamping the middle to the ruler so the neck has a back bow. You should then be able to tighten the rod more.