P-Bass Pickguard Install, Must I remove strings?

[slapstick13]

Just replacing the pickguard on my HWY ONE P bass. Do I have to take the strings off in order to get the pickguard off and the new one on? Trying to avoid this as I just got a setup and new strings and would like to keep all that put. Obviously I should have put the pickguard on BEFORE the setup, but I was given a sweet pickguard the week after the setup.

[tdub0199]

No it's not nessesary....

[eaaa410]

You can leave the strings on if you loosen them enough to slide the pickguard over the pickup. You also have to be careful not to twist the wiring on the knobs and input. It's a pretty simple operation that shouldn't take longer than 10 minutes.

[BassBrass]

Removing the strings won't effect a set up. Obviously, string height and neck tension/angle are harder-set than mere string changing. It takes about 5 minutes to remove strings. Get used to it as an EASY EASY task you'll do a hundred times. Compared to the maintenance needed for other instruments you have nothing to complain about. Maybe you could have your servant do it?

[Nashrakh]

Originally Posted by BassBrass

Removing the strings won't effect a set up. Obviously, string height and neck tension/angle are harder-set than mere string changing. It takes about 5 minutes to remove strings. Get used to it as an EASY EASY task you'll do a hundred times. Compared to the maintenance needed for other instruments you have nothing to complain about.

+1 on all accounts.

You can do it, but the setup won't magically change during that one 15 minutes or so.

[Edward G.]

You don't have to, but it's a more convenient operation if you do. It also depends on if your fretboard extends more than 20 frets, because it can be a bother getting the PG to tuck under the fretboard extension while still clearing the pickup with the strings on, whether they are tuned or de-tuned.

If that's the case loosen and detach the strings from the tuners and move them to one side. Your setup won't be affected unless you change something directly supporting the strings.

[SteveC]

Originally Posted by BassBrass

Maybe you could have your servant do it?

Originally Posted by Nashrakh

You can do it, but the setup won't magically change during that one 15 minutes or so.

Wow, really? I didn't think this question deserved these responses. If you are new to this stuff, this could easily be a concern. I didn't know everything when I first started doing my own string changing, set up work, etc. Maybe you guys should go back to bed for a while and try again.

As the first couple of posts stated, it is possible, and loosening your strings a little won't effect your new set up. Just bring them up to pitch when you are done and you should be good to go.

And maybe from now on don't post such "elemental" things so early on Monday morning. Let all the grumps get their coffee first.

[slapstick13]

Yea this is actually my first pickguard change and the first setup Ive ever had on a bass. A simple 'no you dont have to remove your strings', or a 'yes you have to remove them, they'll be in the way' would have been a sufficient answer.

Maybe next time I have such a 'stupid' question, Ill have my servant get on talkbass to ask it for me.

[slapstick13]

AND I wasnt 'complaining', I simply asked a question.

[Edward G.]

Hey, I know how you feel. It took me many years to break down my innate resistance to tinker with the instrument, as if I were somehow violating it. Now, I'd like to build one from scratch one day, and I'm the only one I fully trust messing with my bass. Keep trying stuff and don't be worried about asking questions. All of us started out knowing next-to-nothing about them.

One thing is definitely in your favor: a Fender-style bass is almost indestructible.

[tangentmusic]

Leave the strings on. It's real easy to slip the old PG out & the new one in

[Warhawk]

It's really easy on a Jazz but not so easy on a Precision. It certainly can be done with the strings on but will be much easier with the strings removed. It won't hurt your setup a bit to remove the strings. You will also be able to see what's under the pickguard (helps a bit in understanding how simple a P's wiring actually is) and will allow you to keep the pots and jack from twisting when you tighten the nuts on the new pickguard. Really, it's easy. You'll see once you lift the pickguard.

If you run into any problems or have any questions don't hesitate to ask.

~Warhawk~

[SurferJoe46]

Originally Posted by slapstick13

AND I wasnt 'complaining', I simply asked a question.

Don't feel bad - when I first got here I had no idea who Geddy Lee* was - you'd have thought I would get a civil answer - but NO-o-o-o-o!

I've never hesitated to take something apart and put it back together again - after all a human built it in the first place - right?

I can and have taken the PG off my P bass without moving so much as one tuning machine and I don't think it's particularly hard either.

Your results may vary - but you can do it if you observe and move slowly. Some people are klutzes and can screw up using a spoon - but since you've typed all by yourself on a website in the correct Q&A area, I bet this will be just as easy.

Be sure to use a quality Phillips #1 screwdriver and keep it straight and don't wobble so you don't chew up the screw heads.

Other than that - it's easy.

SOME people here forget that they were new-young-inexperienced once upon a time. Or --- maybe they don't remember anything at all or just like to ride the new guy.

* Geddy Lee is the name of the red car on The Dukes of Hazard. They can't fool me again!

[Pilgrim]

When you ask a question, you'd better be ready for the answer. Don't get your feelings hurt so easily - the responses to the initial basic question have been among the most civil and helpful I've read.

[80'sRocker]

no