Uwe...thanks for your speedy reply. Yes, I've heard of at least a few of us 8 stringers with this problem, and after re-reading your post it's clear that the fretboard was removed, so, as Dave pointed out, there's a good chance that your new rods are a larger diameter size. If that's the case I'm not really sure what I can do short of major luthier surgery. Anyway, let me know what your bass doctor says. Thanks, David