Neck bent (NOT RELIEF!) towards ceiling

Hi all,
This is my first time posting and I've googled this issue with no results. Everything I find has to do with relief, bow, or twist. Here is my problem: I have a bass guitar that has a neck that bends towards the ceiling. Again, I'm not speaking of neck relief. If you are playing the guitar, the headstock is bent towards the ceiling. I took a metal straight edge to it and the bend seems to occur around the 5th fret. The guitar is an Ibanez Roadstar II RB650. The problem doesn't affect playing much other than the strings not being perfectly aligned with the pickups and less space to play with a the E string. I love the way the guitar sounds and plays and would like to keep it for a long time so I'm posting to see if this is fixable. I have the guitar hanging on a neck hanger and was hoping that would do it but it hasn't, however, I haven't tried removing the truss rod and strings while hanging it though.
Thanks!

ludwigs3rd
What your describing seems awfully odd. I fear the truss rod is broken! Strongly suggest take it to a reputable repair shop for an assessment. Don't 'fuss' what it will cost. I had a full tune-up for only $35.
fingers

I don't think the truss rod is broken. I can tighten and loosen it and adjust the bow of the neck. It does seem like an odd situation doesn't it? I have searched online for months to no avail. So are you saying I shouldn't spend more than $35 for a full setup? I'm wondering if I should just get a replacement neck. I love the way this bass feels and sounds.

i have the same problem been searching for months too but, the opposite direction!! from the 7th fret UPWARDS to the bridge pickup i cannot play the g-string as the neck is bent, i have to play inverted (i.e over the top with my left hand) it looks flashy but is not really needed. the bass is a washburn xb-100 the lowest of the low but i've modded it to sound like a p-bass so there's no way am touching it. i would say leave it well alone if u've not touched it yet cos u'll most likely lose the unique sound it's got

Hi Guest, here is some info on how to straigten a guitar neck I have used this method on a stubborn neck and it worked wonders... Here also are the basics.

First, hold all strings down at the first and last frets, and see how far the strings are above the middle frets. If they are more than a couple of sheets of paper above, the truss rod needs to be tightened to make the neck more straight. If the strings are down on the frets in the middle of the neck, it is possible that the truss rod needs to be loosened, as the neck could be bowed upward.

If you find that your truss rod needs adjustment, and after you have removed all covers and found the correct wrench, gently tighten to correct downward bow, or gently loosen to correct upward bow. Do not apply force in doing this. If the nut or socket does not turn easily, you have a problem and need professional help.


Regards Fenderphil