Over the years I've heard of various ways to go about changing strings with reguard to not releasing the tension on the neck that is present with all strings on and up to playing pitch. I've always played it safe and removed two strings on oposing sides of the neck, ie. the top and bottom E strings, and when the new ones are on , then the A and B and so forth. But how much credence should there be to being so careful? Can you just remove all 6 at one time , and then if so how long can you safely leave them all off with no tension on the neck? If the released tension does start to cause a change or changes , what are they, how quickly do they occur, and do they simply reverse themselves when the string tension is returned?

96 Collings
93 Taylor 812
17 Model T Touring
41 Chev 5 pass Coupe
631/2 Falcon convt.
67 GTO
70 Triumph Boniville
69 BSA Firebird Scambler
72 Norton Combat Comando

I personally think you can remove them and leave them off indefinitely without any harm. I sometimes change them one at a time and other times I remove them all before putting on any of the new ones.

I'm pretty much like Allen. I used to change strings one at a time, but spending a few years doing guitar repairs changed that quick.

I just changed strings today on one of my instruments. I always do it the same way... not trying to be creative because it is a boring task and I like to watch TV or listen to music while changing strings.

My method is to change them one at at time starting with the low E string. I will turn it up to pitch, take some of the slack out by pulling it with my right hand... but not worring about getting the pitch right. Then I move on to the A string, etc. etc.

When I'm done, I'll tune it up to pitch, continue stretching the strings until all the slack is out and the string does not go out of tune easily by pulling on it. Then I'll cut the ends off (if I haven't done so already) and turn the cutoff tips down so I don't catch my shirt sleeve or poke my finger on a sharp edge. I'll still manage to stick myself once in awhile.

The exceptions is when I decide that the fingerboard needs oil or cleaning. I'll take some fingerboard oil and rub it in but first I'll remove all the strings... I try to finish the job in about 15 minutes. I don't like to leave the neck without tension for too long for fear the neck or truss rod will start to move. I don't like adjusting the truss rod and it is a hassle to drive the guitar in to somewhere and get it done. I hope this helps!

I always take all strings off when changing strings on my Collings. And when I am out of town, I usually relief the tension of all strings as well. The belly in the lower bout will lower a little after a week of "off-tension" which is good and also is the reason I do so due to the high humidity here in my country.

I don't think the neck or trussrod will move any at all after the week of "off-tension", I measure the relief in various frets before and after the week and they are exactly the same.

Thanks, guys.

For years I've been removing all strings at once, then someone told me it 'shocks' the neck to release/add that much preasure. So I started doing them in pairs (EE, AB, DG). Works OK but it takes a bit longer. With three guitars that get a lot of playing time and a caustic grip, I change strings a lot.

This is good news. I won't worry about it any more!

Thanks,
David

I always take all the strings off to clean and sometimes oil the fingerboard.

I have heard contrary opinions about removing all the strings but have never had a problem. I don't think it is a worry.

Frank Ford (are you still lurking?) at frets.com gives the definitive answer! Either way....

Repeated stress changes on the neck and top is not good. Changing strings one or two at a time is wise especially if you frequently change strings.
Ed,loosening the strings when out of town is risky. If you do you could develope a permanent backbow in the neck. It may not have happened yet but why take the risk.

Hanging around enough repair shops around NYC during the last quarter century, I have yet to find any reputable and respected guitar rep take them off one at a time.....Not saying that its right but I guess like Rockerbob suggested doing many repairs changes your perspective....I admit to the same but at least I wind them down a bit......I use to just cut them the bridge while at pitch....OUCH!!!!

I may as well throw my 2 bits in...I tend to do as Kenny said he does--including stabbing my finger at least once. But if I want to clean the fretboard a little, I just use a LITTLE of the Dunlop 65 spray and wipe it off right through the old strings before removing them. I don't want to get it on the new ones.

I don't know about any relief of tension having a harmful effect (although its obvious that the relieving of 180 lbs of tension all at once is greater than any temperature expansion could ever be, at least as far as the pull on the belly and braces), but in my experience it does seem to get retuned and STAY there easier when you don't remove all at once.

An interesting aside--I've noticed that if I tune it up with new strings right before putting it up overnight or something (including stretching them a little to settle them into tune), those strings seems to stay in tune easier than if I string up new ones and then play a session. Wierd, huh? My guess is that the stretching occurs more equally along the whole length, but hey, who cares?