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Hello,

I hope everyone is having a great 4th of July weekend so far.

I was recently asked by a friend to work on a cheap S101 bass someone had given to him.

It had no electronics and it was severally back bowed.

After finishing up the electronics, I did the set up. He wanted the guitar tuned low, to Drop C. So, I went out and bought some Ernie Ball Power Slinkies 55-110. Once I got to the nut depth check, it was clear there were large, gauged strings before based on how deep the nut was slotted. I was able to use cotton balls to give the strings enough lift to stop the open buzzing, but when fretting the first fret I get a buzz from the second fret with all strings making contact.

At that point I double checked the relief, and it needed more. Unfortunately, even with the heavy gauge strings tuned to pitch, I can't get enough relief, as of now the truss rod is completely loose. I can tighten it just fine, but it doesn't seem like the strings are putting enough tension on the neck. I was wondering if anyone might have some ideas on how I can tackle this issue.

Things I have tried so far:

1. Increasing the action
2. Moved to 50-115 gauge strings

Currently I have it tuned to a full step up with the truss rod engaged. I have left it like that since last night hoping it might "teach" the neck to bow the way I need it to.

Thanks for the help in advance!