Truss rod nut fell off!!

[dustybottoms]

So last night I was playing a show and heard a huge rattle inside my guitar. (LV-03)  When I got the rattling piece out it looked like the truss rod nut and washer.  How did this happen?!  I played the whole show without a nut and the neck seemed fine.  Can someone maybe explain to me what happened and if its broken or can just be screwed back on.  Seems odd to be that the neck wouldn't even shift with no nut on.  Thanks.

[Randy_R]

yep. If its loosened too much that can happen.

Put just a little tension on it to hold it. Although I've never tried this, maybe a drop of blue loctite or fingernail polish would keep it on.

[dustybottoms]

Wow.  I don't know if I'm worried or amazed at the fact that my neck has no nut on it and it plays perfect.  So I couldn't put any more relief in the neck if I wanted to?  hopefully it remains good to where I don't need any more relief.  Hmmm... now to try to get the washer and nut back on.  The washer is going to be the tricky part.  Any suggestions?

[unclrob]

Use some nail polish on the washer,attach it to the nut.Let dry.Put the nut on the truss rod tool and carefully place the nut on the rod and tighten snuggly.If this sounds to insane a job bring it to your favorite tech and have them do it.Good luck.

[L07 Shooting Star]

What Rob said.  Make sure the nut goes on without forcing.  You don't want to cross-thread it.  By the way, on my Norman, there is a "double action" truss rod that has to be completely loose to get even a bit of relief.  Fortunately, it is just enough relief.  It was so loose, in fact, that it rattled badly.  The good thing is, because if it's design,  the entire truss rod slides right out of the slot when it is loosened, so it is now sitting in the case instead of the guitar!