Help! Basic info regarding conditioning fretboard on 2019 Majesty

[REHarp3]

Hello Guitar lovers.

New to the group and have searched online, only to view conflicting info, before posting here.

Have a 2019 Majesty, and would like to remove ALL strings and condition fretboard. Previously have changed strings 'one at a time', but would like to condition fretboard this time around.

I've viewed numerous YouTube videos - many with conflicting info. Too many to post, but have some 'basic' questions and would appreciate some guidance.

1. I understand it is important to use something as a 'shim' (Folded up polishing cloth, playing cards, paint mixing stick, etc.) to place under the bridge to remove tension from the strings and provide some relief to the floating bridge to undergo this exercise. That being the case, what height / thickness for the shim is proper? I don't want to have issues after restringing because too much tension on neck after removing shim.

2. How much slack should remain on strings when installing new strings? Related to first question...If I have a shim 1/2" or 1/8", this height would affect the string tension when it is removed, and would also be impacted by amount of slack on strings after feeding thru and locking the tuners. Stated differently, If I use a 1/4" shim, and pull strings tight thru and then locking tuners, there would be more tension after removing shim than if I used a 1/16" shim and had some slack on new strings before locking tuners.

I have read where removing all the strings for a short period isn't a big deal, but I don't want to end up with a tuning stability issue or having the bridge being not parallel with body when I'm finished. Maybe I am overthinking this???

At this point, I'm not interested in knowing how to adjust truss rod, intonation, etc....Just want to replace my strings and condition the fretboard.

I apologize for the basic questions...but prefer to keep this simple and not screw anything up.

And BTW, as much as I love Petrucci and grew up listening to high gain shredders and '80s Rock - I absolutely LOVE the clean tones on this beautiful axe. So much so, I've named her "Baby Blue".

Happy New Year to all. Please stay safe!

 

[guitargonaut]

Floating bridges can be a bit of a challenge from time to time but I think you're over-thinking things a bit. If you're concerned about messing things up - why not just dive the tremolo (or block it in a dive position) and condition the fret board while the strings are loose? Once you're done with the fretboard, unblock the bridge and change your strings one at a time. I've owned many Floyd Rose bridges and I've never had any issues with setups changing as long as I stayed with the same gauge strings. Can't imagine the Custom MM bridge being that different.

 

[REHarp3]

Hmmm. I appreciate the reply.

Just trying to understand the mystery that surrounds removing ALL strings on guitar with floating bride. I suppose your suggestion would be better than not conditioning at all...

 

[guitargonaut]

Hmmm. I appreciate the reply.

Just trying to understand the mystery that surrounds removing ALL strings on guitar with floating bride. I suppose your suggestion would be better than not conditioning at all...

As long as the bridge is close to being parallel with the body while tuning - it's a fairly straightforward process. Never had any issues otherwise.

 

[beej]

I'm not sure why this question keeps coming up. There's nothing wrong with taking all the strings off your guitar. Zero.

The reason people suggest doing it one at a time (with a floating bridge) is that it makes it quicker to tune it back up when you're done, since you don't have to continuously re-tune until the system is back in balance.

Using a shim can also speed things up- if you get something that keeps your bridge at the same angle (use whatever you have handy - I often use a wedge-shaped plastic doorstop), then when you put your new strings on and tune them up, the bridge will also be at the right angle, and you won't need to re-tune a dozen times.

Anyhow, take them all off and condition your fretboard. No biggie.

 

[tbonesullivan]

Take the tremolo arm. Put it in. Turn it backwards and put a book under it. INSTANT SHIM. Take strings off, polish/clean your fretboard, put new strings on, tune guitar, remove book.

Most people are afraid of the bridge denting the body, the arm denting the body, or the bridge falling off the pivot points because there are no strings opposing the springs in the back.

 

[REHarp3]

I appreciate all the suggestions! Thanks for your replies.