Removing all strings at once?

[ifix230]

I've been reading the threads about changing strings and I see it's recommended to change one string at a time. I have a MM SR4 and would like to clean and reseal the fretboard. What problems can occur if all strings are removed at once. Thanks for any advice for this neophyte.

[Schwinn]

I've heard its better to change one at a time too. But I've been doing them "all at once" for many years with not a single problem. I think it is ok to do all at once and it makes fretboard cleaning easier.

[Big String]

What Schwinn said. You should only have to clean the board once a year unless your eating hot wings while you play..

[McHack]

I ALWAYS do 1 string at a time. I just want there to always be some tension against the neck...

[chucko58]

I do routine string changes one at a time, but for fingerboard cleaning I always remove them all. I have never had a problem with either.

[bassteban]

...unless you leave them all off for a long time, like an idiot. I did that to an old Hohner Steinberger copy, & with full tension on the trussrod, it flexed it(I guess)enough to crack & split the thick black finish. But it took weeks to do this, & I've done 1 or 6 at a time in a timely fashion & had no problems.

[cmongetserious]

... idont care - got a carbon fiber neck

[johnvice]

Originally Posted by Schwinn

I've heard its better to change one at a time too. But I've been doing them "all at once" for many years with not a single problem. I think it is ok to do all at once and it makes fretboard cleaning easier.

If your change one at a time, there is less set-up mainetance required afterwards.

However, I schedule fretboard work with complete set-ups and string changes to make it worth the effort.

[adam on bass]

I change all of them at once at least every 6 months. For a good cleaning and such. I won't hurt unless you leave'm off for and extended period. I think this should go in setup, don't you think?

[chrismmc]

A former teacher of mine(and former guitar tech) taught me to take them all off by loosening them alternatingly...E,G,A,D -or D,A,G,E-so you dont have alot of pressure on only one side of the neck.

[adam on bass]

Originally Posted by chrismmc

A former teacher of mine(and former guitar tech) taught me to take them all off by loosening them alternatingly...E,G,A,D -or D,A,G,E-so you dont have alot of pressure on only one side of the neck.

that's how I do it.

[bassist4ever]

Originally Posted by johnvice

If your change one at a time, there is less set-up mainetance required afterwards.

However, I schedule fretboard work with complete set-ups and string changes to make it worth the effort.

not exactly true. if your using the same brand of strings the tension will be the same thus no set up needed. if your switching brands with different tension, then your gonna have to set it up again no matter if you change one string at a time or all at one.

on the 3 basses i've ownd since playing since i was 12. i've always changed them all at once. not a single bit of harm be came the necks. so have at it.