You’ll get a lot quicker at this. It will be more like 30 seconds at some point if you keep at it!
2 Likes
Usually it takes me about a minute or two during my regular daily tuning.
But it’s different after loosing the trussrod: the whole tension changes.
Because in my bass the trussrod’s screw is where the neck meets the headstock, the strings are too close together there, so to access the trussrod I need to loosen the middle strings so I can lift them from the nut and take them aside. Adjusting the trussrod is the easiest and fastest part.
Afterwards, the A and D strings are very loose, and it takes more time to tune them back. After that, I have to tune the E and G again. When they are in tune, the A and D might need to be slightly tuned again, and sometimes I have to check and tune all the strings again.
I imagine it is probably easier on those bass models where the trussrod is accessible through the opposite end of the neck (where the neck and body meet). I mean modern models. I have seen some where there’s a good sized notch in between the A and D strings through which the trussrod can be adjusted. The strings are further apart from each other closer to the body, so it isn’t necessary to loose the strings (that probably saves a lot of time).
1 Like
Love that they’re just on the floor now.
4 Likes
lol I thought the same a while back, then realized it was just the rug. 
4 Likes
Ha!
Time to scroll slower, methinks.
OK - back to necks and adjustments and such!
5 Likes
@Billn Now that I thought it over, I think you’re right. It takes me longer than necessary to re-tune everything because I’m still a beginner and I’m being too careful, afraid of breaking a string. This will became a much easier routine with time.
1 Like
Breaking a string will only happen if you go an octave too high. You’re fine with just tuning.
I like to loosen the string and then tune going up.
2 Likes
@Andrea_FI, refer to Barney’s post below for Squier truss rod adjusting advice. 
2 Likes
I disagree, on the Fender / Squier truss nut if you adjust it with the strings in place it’s possible to damage the nut by the string pressing against the nut under pressure from the Allen wrench and chipping it (I’ve done it)
It takes 30 seconds to loosen the A and D strings to move them out of the way and then you’ll never have an issue.
3 Likes
I defer to your experience with Fender/Squier as I have had none in the last many decades.
The process I described is what I do on all my basses: Sires, Sterling, EBMM and Mayones. Tweaking the truss rod is super quick and easy.
2 Likes
Sires, Sterling and I presume EBMM have the truss adjustment in the body. Fender has it in the headstock so procedure could differ
I have no experience with Mayones
1 Like
All my bass truss rods are adjusted in the body (except for one: the Sire M5, which has its truss rod nut at the headstock). Easy access truss rod adjustment at the body is a key priority of mine.
1 Like
@MikeC @Barney Mine is a Squire jazz bass, so the neck is narrow and the strings are quite close together. Not much place to manoeuvre the wrench in between them. I’m doing it as Josh shows in this video (at about 3:20 minutes into the video)
2 Likes
Thanks! This is me, being over-cautious. 
I even have a set of new strings just in case. In time it will become routine and will feel easier.
1 Like
It’s probably so much more convenient and easier that way. Easier to access the trussrod and faster to adjust it. It is something I will consider if someday I decide to buy a new bass, but that’s some years from now, I think.
2 Likes
Don’t be too sure. You’re here. And this is a very…shall we say, encouraging environment.
If you are presently unfamiliar with the term “GAS,” you won’t be before too much longer. 
2 Likes
Yeah, the number of us here who bought a second bass as a reward for finishing the course is quite high.
And then there are those who didn’t even wait that long.
6 Likes
I planned on buying a 2nd bass when I finished. I think I had 4 (def at least 3) by the time I got there. Of those, I still own 1.
4 Likes
I bought eight. I’ve got seven. 
1 Like
I’ve completed 78% of the course, and it feels I just got my bass guitar. So it will take me a little longer before I’m ready to buy a new one. I’ll confess I’ve been admiring some basses over the Internet.
I live in an apartment, so I use a headphone amp (Katana Go), and so far no GAS other than the bare minimum. But if I had a house, with a basement, oh… I would soon want a sound proof room, a good amp, pedals, and in some years maybe other instruments
I wish I had a basement! Also more time and more money.
3 Likes