Broken Tuner - String Tension

[EADG mx]

My bass has a broken tuner which I've taken off the bass at the moment since it's non-functional. I'm going to waiting around a week an a half - 2 weeks for the replacement so what should I do with it in the meantime? Is it ok to leave one off or should I remove all of the strings?

It's a 5 string tuned EADGC and the tuner missing is the lowest (E)

[Parabolic Box]

It's better to have the four remaining strings still keeping the neck somewhat in tension than none at all.

[Nick Kay]

Two weeks with less tension is not going to be a big deal. Those necks are more resilient than some people give them credit for. If you really don't feel safe about it, though, you can loosen the strings until they are slack, but you MUST loosen the truss rod, as well, then.

[EADG mx]

Originally Posted by Nick Kay

you can loosen the strings until they are slack, but you MUST loosen the truss rod, as well, then.

Why?

[EADG mx]

Originally Posted by Parabolic Box

It's better to have the four remaining strings still keeping the neck somewhat in tension than none at all.

Why?

[Parabolic Box]

Originally Posted by EADG mx

Why?

Well, it's either that, or like Nick Kay suggested, loosen the truss rod. The truss rod is providing force opposite of the strings. You take off the strings without loosening the truss rod, then you have nothing holding it back from bowing your neck.

[EADG mx]

Originally Posted by Parabolic Box

Well, it's either that, or like Nick Kay suggested, loosen the truss rod. The truss rod is providing force opposite of the strings. You take off the strings without loosening the truss rod, then you have nothing holding it back from bowing your neck.

Ok, makes sense.

Is this just for convenience (less setup work to do later once it's restrung), or could you do any damage leaving a bass without strings for an extended period of time?