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Hi Guys, I have in for repair an 80's American Strat and the neck has a back bow.

This guitar has been stored in a basement for more than 20 years and although cosmetically, it is still perfect, there is a very slight raised area at the back of the neck on the skunk stripe probably where the truss rod has been pressing. This slight raised area is not a problem for the owner but the back bow in the neck is.

So, onto adjusting the truss rod. The adjustment screw (headstock end) is seized solid! I have sprayed penetrating fluid into the hole and spent half an hour with a hot soldering iron on the allen key. The only movement I can get is the whole of the rod winding up inside the neck, I have tried tightening as well as loosening. I know the rod is winding inside the neck as I can feel it creaking. I am getting about a 1/4 turn on the key by using an extension bar on it, but feel I'm at the limit of either the key breaking or the rod itself.

Any ideas as to how I can release the adjustment nut, Or do I just wait and hope the penetrating fluid will eventually work its magic?

Bob

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http://www.bobmatthewsguitars.co.uk

Well you've already tried everything on my list. No harm in trying more force at this point. It will either come free or break, either way you will know exactly where you are.

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Brian

You never know what you are capable of until you actually try.

https://www.howardguitarsdelaware.com/

If there is enough access. You can cut the nut off and replace it. Just be sure not to damage the threads on the rod.

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http://www.cushmanguitars.com/.

A man who carries a cat by the tail learns something he can learn in no other way.
Mark Twain

Bob: I'm amazed you haven't broken the rod by putting a 1/4 twist on it. Your description reminded me of a tool I'd seen at Stewmac: http://www.stewmac.com/Luthier_Tools/Essential_Tool_Kits/Truss_Rod_Rescue_Kit.html I have no first hand experience with it, and it's kinda expensive, but if you can break the rod at the nut (the most likely failure point), it's likely to succeed in making the repair.

Guys, thank you for your input.

I continued with the penetrating oil overnight and this morning used almost excessive force on the adjustment nut and it turned suddenly

I have now been able able to wind it both ways and to get it running free - it's a good save for the client.

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http://www.bobmatthewsguitars.co.uk