Why is the neck bowed?

[SixnStones]

On my bass the neck is bowed so that i'v got really nice action down at the low frets, but much higher action as i continue up the neck.

What's this for?
Can i change it with the truss rod myself, and should i?

Cheers, 6

[Guinpen]

don't take my word for it, but i believe that means you need to have more relief, and lower the action so it's more even across the neck?

[FunkMetalBass]

I came across a site that had information and explained it really well.

Let me see if I can find it for you.

http://www.athensmusician.net/archive/2001-05-01_geneimbody1.php

The fifth paragraph down accurately answers your question about what it's for: To compensate for string motion.

[JBass]

if i'm understanding correctly, when you're sitting down and looking at the side of your bass with the fret dots on it (assuming you're not a lefty) it looks like a big wide "u".......where its rather easy to play frets 1-5 but hard to play 7-15, and then gets easier again. If this is the case you have to tighten your truss rod.....use the correct size allen wrench and twist it 90-180 degrees to the right...and then DONT TOUCH IT for a good 20 minutes to a half hour. If it's still not low enough for you in the middle teist it again and do the same thing...the reason you shouldnt touch it after is becasue the bass make take a while to actually respond tot he adjustment...and if u adjust it ever minute because you dont see resuklts, you'll leave for an hour and come back to a snapped neck....so be very patient and careful. If what i described is the opposite....and its easy to press down the middle frets and harder for the ones ont he end....you need to loosen it by doing the same procedure but to the left. **The best way to check if you have good action is to press down the first and last frets at the same time (E string)..and look at the space between the 12th fret and the string....they should be very close to each other if not barely touching. This is not as tough as people make it out to be....and not as dangerous either...you just need to be careful

[SixnStones]

bollox, sorry, cdnt see this thread thought i hadn't actually made it.