Need help...

SFW

Newbie
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2
Ok. So I purchased a baked maple strat style neck with the modern construction. When the neck arrived, I followed the instructions on how to set the truss rod up. I have installed the neck on my strat body and have the guitar strung up. The neck will not "relax." I have the truss rod fully slack (loose) and the neck will not give any relief. Not sure how to proceed. I have left the guitar sitting for 48 hours hoping that it would give some, but there is still no relief in the neck. What should I do?
 
I relax the neck, put it in the basement between two cans of paint and hang a 10 lb weight off the middle for two weeks.

Some pics would be useful. How long did you have it before trying to set it up?
 
Possibly a stupid question, but do you have strings on the guitar?
Yes, I have string on it.
I relax the neck, put it in the basement between two cans of paint and hang a 10 lb weight off the middle for two weeks.

Some pics would be useful. How long did you have it before trying to set it up?
I have had the guitar strung for a little over 48 hours.
 
You say your read all the instructions and "set up" the truss rod. Then you say it is fully loose. Unsure of what all has been done. Maybe try coaxing/bending the neck slightly at headstock like you were doing a "neck bend" ?
 

https://warmoth.com/guitar-neck-truss-rod#mechanism:~:text=Details on Adjusting,Repeat as necessary.
"Details on Adjusting and Resetting the Side Adjust Mechanism

Making Adjustments

The factory setting on a new neck is with the side adjustment mechanism centered within its operating range. To adjust your neck for the first time, use the following steps:



Tighten the heel-adjust nut (See A) until the fretboard is perfectly flat. At this point the side-adjust bolt (See B) should be recessed into the heel approximately 1/16" (2mm).
Attach the neck and tune the strings to pitch.
Check the neck relief. Detune strings and make the necessary relief adjustment using the side-adjust bolt (See B) and supplied allen wrench.
Tune the strings to pitch. Repeat steps 3 and 4 as necessary.
Never loosen the side-adjust bolt so far that it protrudes from the side of the neck. If it is completely removed it may be very difficult to reinstall.
Never adjust the neck under full string tension - always de-tune the strings first.
Only moderate force is required to operate the side-adjust mechanism. It is possible to damage it if excessive force is applied after the bolt has stopped at the bottom of its travel (it would be recessed approximately 1/4" at this point). If the side-adjust bolt is recessed and there is a large amount of resistance, STOP and reset it as outlined below.
Fully tightening the side-adjuster so that it stops will also lock the action of the heel-adjust nut. Do not attempt to tighten the heel nut when the side mechanism is locked.
Reset Procedure

Most necessary relief adjustments can be accomplished using only the side-adjust. If you have completely tightened or loosened it and still need to make further adjustments, you may need to reset it by removing the neck and following the steps below:

Completely loosen the truss rod heel-adjust nut.
Turning clockwise, tighten side-adjust bolt until it stops.
Back side-adjust bolt out 7 (seven) complete turns. This will center it in its best operating range.
Tighten heel-adjust nut until fretboard is perfectly flat (has no forward curve).
Attach neck and tune to pitch. Detune strings and make necessary relief adjustment with side-adjust bolt. Repeat as necessary."
 
You didn't possibly have the neck in contact with any sort of Viagra type product by chance?
 
No ... how long did you keep the neck before stringing it up. Was it inthe box for a month before you touched it?

I recommend you use youtube and look up some dan erlewine videos and how to set up a neck. He's created jigs for exactly what you got. I just gave you my low tech solution.

Also, I recommend you get a couple of books like Dan Erlwines how to make your electric guitar play great. If that doesn't help bring it to your luthier for an opinion.
 
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