Insulating RIC case?

[cassius987]

Every time I push down on my 4003FL's OHSC it "wheezes" like a lot of gas is escaping, fast, through a thin, even gap around where the two parts meet and lock. I want to insulate it so that it won't get so cold this winter--I have some vinyl gasket weatherstrip that I think could work. Is this a good idea?

The truss rods look like they're already pretty far along (they're hard to turn) so I don't want to have to do a lot of adjustments and waste travel.

[beatlefreak]

I wou;dn't worry about it. Leave the case as is. The air in the case is pretty much 'dead air', and will insulate the guitar sufficiently - Unless it's in the cold for hours. in which case no amount of insulation will help.

[cjj]

Yeah, what he said.

Basically, unless you are squeezing the sides a lot and pumping the air in and out, or you leave it out in the cold wind for a while, very little air will move through the case. So, sealing it up really won't change things enough to matter.

[cassius987]

Hmm, okay. I guess I would just like to slow down any need I am going to have to adjust the bass because it doesn't seem like there is much travel left on the truss rods. But if this won't do the trick then I'm not sure what.

[beatlefreak]

The truss rod nuts can always be removed, and a washer or two of appropriate size put on the rods. Reinstall the nuts, and now you have more adjustment range.

[dog]

The truss rod nuts can always be removed, and a waher or two of appropriate size put on the rods. Reinstall the nuts, and now you have more adjustment range.

This is good advice. As for insulating the case, may I point out that cold should not affect the neck on your bass. If it were in very cold conditions for a long period of time, just let it warm up sufficently before opening your case. Extreme hot/cold conditions are more of an enemy to the finish, rather then the neck. However, humidity changes will affect any wood, including the neck of your guitar.

See ya, dog

[cassius987]

The truss rod nuts can always be removed, and a washer or two of appropriate size put on the rods. Reinstall the nuts, and now you have more adjustment range.

Could you describe this process? I am trying to picture it and it comes out in my mind looking like you would have to totally loosen the rods (scary) to take the nuts off, right? It sound a bit dangerous.

[cjj]

Yes, that's pretty much the process. Take the nuts off completely, add washers, put nuts back on and adjust the rods in the usual manner.

[beatlefreak]

Take the tension off the strings first.