Remove and replace a pickup without removing strings

[Rayjay]

If you like things to be frustrating and difficult, this is the way to go. If you want it to be painless and quick, at least loosen the strings and stick something under them to prop them up a few inches, if not remove them.

Here's a thing I've done in the past - it protects the silk wrap ends - capo the 1st fret so the strings don't move on the posts, loosen, then take out the bridge screws so the installed strings come with it.

 

[Stewie]

Can you change your underpants without taking off your jeans first?

 

[sikamikanico]

Can you change your underpants without taking off your jeans first?

 

[digmeout]

I do it all the time. Remove the pickguard. Tape off the top of the body where you'll be working with the pickup. Loosen the strings just enough to slip a 5/8" wooden dowel between the fretboard and strings at the last fret. This usually gives you enough room under the strings to lift out the pickup and slip in a replacement, replace the foam or whatever. I hate removing strings, more trouble then it's worth. YMMV.

 

[toastw]

You -could- but it would be easier if you removed the strings. They'll be in your way the whole time.

 

[skycruiser]

Also

 

[DrBnz]

Everything is possible.... I don't see the advantage. Plus I may insulate the cavity while I have it empty.

 

[cataract]

I swapped the pickups out in my Classic Vibe this morning without removing the strings. I was inspired by seeing this post yesterday but this is certainly not the first time I’ve done it this way.

Loosened them up a good bit to give enough room for the pickups & attached foam to come out, etc.
Took less than ten minutes. Most of that time was spent looking up DiMarzio’s wiring color codes & removing and reinstalling the pickguard screws lol gotta love a P pickguard’s ample screw quantity.

 

[Wfrance3]

For sure. Just loosen the strings and be mindful that they can wreck up your finish, and also if you pinch your strings against something while your working, the strings can be harmed.

One thing you should do is check your intonation once your work is completed. Sometimes basses don't like it when all strings are relaxed at the same time.

Get everything all buttoned up when you get the GZR pickup installed and re-tune.
Now check the tuning at the 12th fret for each string. If the string is in tune for open, and reasonably close to in tune when you pluck fretted at the 12th, your good to go. If there's a big difference between plucking a string open and plucking a string fretted at the 12th fret, it should be corrected.
Search here for "how do I set my intonation".
Hopefully you won't need it, but cant have you running around with a a KA new pickup and wonky bass tuning. Congrats on your NPUD. (new pickup day).

 

[Brozzy]

Thanks again to those who had useful on-point responses.

 

[sleddogn]

Thanks again to those who had useful on-point responses.

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