Changing strings on an Axis

[magentaplacenta]

From the FAQ at http://www.ernieball.com/faq_mmguitar.php
Q: How do I set up my guitar with the Floyd Rose bridge?
"It is recommended to change strings at least one string still tuned to pitch, and if it is only one, it should be the lowest string. Do not remove all the strings at one time!"

Why should you not remove all the strings and then string back up? I've done this countless times on other strats with Floyd Rose bridges and even on my Les Pauls.

 

[dwf1004]

The Floyd rests flat on the guitar body; if you remove all of the strings, the tension from the strings will cause the Floyd itself to pull itself back, off of the studs on top, and in the direction of the springs. You can get some hefty battle scars when that happens (my red EVH has a couple from the previous owner).

The best solution is either to do just that, leaving the low E intact, OR you can get a device called a Trem-o-Lok (which I have), which is a piece of plastic that rests between the Floyd and the body, and offsets the tension just as if strings were on and tuned.

http://www.thingsmusical.com/page107.htm
(at the bottom righ of the page)

I also found over the weekend, when I decapitated both of my EVH's (armed with only one Trem-o-Lok) that the guitar's backplate or a CD (heh heh, used an AOL CD...thanks guys!) will work as well, add a paper towel/cloth below it to protect the finish.

 

[magentaplacenta]

OK, now I get it the scenario. When I'd change my strings on previous guitars with a floyd bridge, I'd press down on the arm (like a dive bomb), then I'd put a doubled-up cleaning cloth under the back so it wouldn't sit/press hard on the finish.

Thanks much - when I first read the FAQ, I couldn't figure it out as I haven't had a floyd bridge in I guess about 4 years!

I hope I would have remembered this when my Axis arrives next week, but hey, I'm a pea brain, so you may have helped me save my top a bit!