Truss Rod Can't Get Any Looser
I'm trying to adjust the neck tension on an Ibanez electric guitar for some regular light gauge strings, but I've maxed out loosening the truss rod and the neck still doesn't provide enough relief and a lot of my notes buzz. Unfortunately the guitar doesn't have a dual action truss rod (it's a nut based adjustment) so I can't utilize the truss rod to solve my problem. Is there any way I can fix this? The guitar is still under warranty so I'm wondering if I need to send it in.
It's worth noting that my playing style and comfort level dictates that I shouldn't use heavier strings (aka more tension which should've in theory helped with the issue).
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If the guitar is new or recently built, and played fine before you bought it, then you shouldn't have to "max out" the truss rod. It does not require large turns to have an effect. You don't need a dual-action rod to play with light gauge strings. I highly recommend putting it back to the way it was, if you can remember how many times you turned it, and raising your bridge saddles slightly.
There are many variables at play here besides the truss rod. Use a guide like this exceptional blog post explaining how to properly "sight" your neck, adjust your truss rod, and set up your guitar correctly: www.sweetwater.com/sweetcare/articles/guitar-setup-part-1-adjusting-the-truss-rod-2/
(it includes pictures)
Ibanez has been making electric guitars for light gauge strings for decades. There's nothing wrong with your guitar (or at least there wasn't before you made adjustments). Also, and I mean this with all due respect, there's nothing unusual about your playing style and comfort level.
I would return it. I've bought a lot of guitars on eBay and this is one problem that gets players to sell their guitar and make it someone else's problem. The problem is that it has a back bow, which is not that rare. Heavier strings will usually put enough pull on the neck that it's at least flat, but light strings won't work on a guitar with a severe back bow. People that sell their back bow guitars on eBay usually set the strings really high hoping you won't adjust the action and find that it has a back bow. You don't want this problem, and it would be unethical to sell it in the future.
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