L2000 Truss Rod Cracking Fretboard.

[Cimolini]

Hello,

my truss rod is pushing up through my fretboard as I tighten it causing it to crack. To me, it looks like the bullet/washer is supposed to stop at a ridge in the cavity, but there seems to only be a ridge on the bottom. Maybe from not being drilled on centre? Hopefully I’m explaining it in a way that makes sense.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

P

[Ken Baker]

my truss rod is pushing up through my fretboard as I tighten it causing it to crack. To me, it looks like the bullet/washer is supposed to stop at a ridge in the cavity, but there seems to only be a ridge on the bottom. Maybe from not being drilled on centre? Hopefully I’m explaining it in a way that makes sense.

Looks like you've got the headstock pretty well stripped down.

This is an early neck using the old first generation trussrod. When working correctly, tightening causes compression on the wood which counteracts forward bow from the strings. In some necks the wood isn't as strong as necessary to deal with the compression, and over time crushes under the fingerboard and causes it to blow out and split. This is what happened here. It also appears that the trussrod nut may not be original, as the original would have had a hex socket (allen type).

You might find an experienced luthier who would be willing to take it on, but this is generally considered non-repairable. Sorry.

G&L may be able to make a new neck for you, but it will be expensive (about $700) and takes a while. Contact G&L Repairs for more info.

Ken...

[Cimolini]

Thanks for the reply Ken.

Not the news I was hoping for, but what can you do.

I will contact G&L and see what options they have for me.

A luthier friend of mine has a couple ideas to try in the meantime.

Thanks again!

Paul