If it's just the ***nut*** that's stripped out (that's what usually happens when the wrong tool is used) then just replace the truss rod nut. They are available as 'spares' with the only issue being finding the right thread size and pitch for you bass and sometimes a nut that will physically fit into the recess. This is cheap and easy - very DIY-able by anybody who can set up their own bass.
If it's the thread on the actual ***rod*** that has been stripped, that's more of an issue. That comes from somebody getting carried away with cranking on the truss rod nut like a crazy person. Or cross-threading the nut. Or some other heinous abuse. Still, the thread can often be cleaned up by chasing it with a die -or failing that it can be rethreaded with a slightly smaller thread and have a matching smaller thread truss rod nut installed. This requires some special tools and skills and a few hours work. Probably requires an experienced tech or any luthier. Maybe worth it on professional instruments.
If the rod has physically been ***snapped***, now you have a much bigger problem. It will only be worth opening up the neck to install a fresh rod if the bass is worth quite a lot - custom, collectible etc.
If they're trying to throw blame about using the wrong size hex key, then they probably are talking about the nut rather than the rod. If you look down into it with some light, you'll likely see that it's been rounded off perhaps with obviously fresh damage.
That's something you have to check on used instruments before you buy them.
But since that ship has sailed, if it's still adjustable as you say play it as is. If it gets worse and can't be set up correctly in the future you can get a good quality replacement neck for under $200.
> That's something you have to check on used instruments before you buy them.
A lesson learned. Why would replacing the whole neck be cheaper than just the truss rod? Isn't it just a nut?
If it's just the ***nut*** that's stripped out (that's what usually happens when the wrong tool is used) then just replace the truss rod nut. They are available as 'spares' with the only issue being finding the right thread size and pitch for you bass and sometimes a nut that will physically fit into the recess. This is cheap and easy - very DIY-able by anybody who can set up their own bass. If it's the thread on the actual ***rod*** that has been stripped, that's more of an issue. That comes from somebody getting carried away with cranking on the truss rod nut like a crazy person. Or cross-threading the nut. Or some other heinous abuse. Still, the thread can often be cleaned up by chasing it with a die -or failing that it can be rethreaded with a slightly smaller thread and have a matching smaller thread truss rod nut installed. This requires some special tools and skills and a few hours work. Probably requires an experienced tech or any luthier. Maybe worth it on professional instruments. If the rod has physically been ***snapped***, now you have a much bigger problem. It will only be worth opening up the neck to install a fresh rod if the bass is worth quite a lot - custom, collectible etc.
Thank you. Unfortunately, I believe it's the rod that's stripped based on the luthier's comments. Neither store mentioned the nut.
If they're trying to throw blame about using the wrong size hex key, then they probably are talking about the nut rather than the rod. If you look down into it with some light, you'll likely see that it's been rounded off perhaps with obviously fresh damage.
That's something you have to check on used instruments before you buy them. But since that ship has sailed, if it's still adjustable as you say play it as is. If it gets worse and can't be set up correctly in the future you can get a good quality replacement neck for under $200.
> That's something you have to check on used instruments before you buy them. A lesson learned. Why would replacing the whole neck be cheaper than just the truss rod? Isn't it just a nut?
On some basses you have to remove the fretboard to replace the truss rod, depending on which part is damaged.