Changing strings on Majesty?

[Bwabz]

Hi All! New here

I've never changed strings on my guitar personally. Always had a luthier do it.

However, I got a majesty a month ago and had a professional set it up and put RPS 2240s on them. He set the action too low so all I did was put some relief on the neck.

Anyhow, last night I broke the high E even though it has been only a few weeks. I wanted to know how to change strings on a majesty bridge. Do I have to float it? Also, can I just replace one string or should I do all of them.

I may take this time to try out the paradigm strings too, so if anyone has an opinion on those. (I don't think I will have to reset the action either, cause the gauge would be the same?)

Thanks!

 

[johnnyboogie]

Hello there, and congratulations on the new acquisition =)

You can easily replace the high E string, by removing the backplate in order to access the springs' cavity, and since you retain the same string gauge, action adjustment should not be required. However, you can always check that at a later time.

Were you to change the entire string-set, several people recommend that you float the bridge while others maintain that it is not imperative to do so. The bridge will return to its original position regardless, provided that one retains the same string gauge.

 

[mikeller]

I don't think a Majesty can be NOT-floated, otherwise, the bridge would lean back into the recessed area the bridge is in, and not level with the body. IOW - the Majesty is designed to float.

You should be able to thread a new string in through the openings in the trem plate cover on the backside of the guitar.

As far as the paradigm, if you use the same gauges, you probably only have to worry about a tweak to the trem springs if the string tension is difference, and maybe a tweak to the truss rod

 

[bhull]

However, I got a majesty a month ago and had a professional set it up and put RPS 2240s on them. He set the action too low so all I did was put some relief on the neck.

Welcome to the forums.

Putting relief in the neck won't change the action. It will alleviate string buzzing usually associated with low action. If you want to raise the action, you will have to raise the bridge saddles.

Anyhow, last night I broke the high E even though it has been only a few weeks. I wanted to know how to change strings on a majesty bridge. Do I have to float it? Also, can I just replace one string or should I do all of them.

Replacing one string is absolutely fine. Having a high E break after a few weeks isn't all that uncommon. I usually keep a few singles laying around just for when this happens.

The bridge isn't really suited for blocking off. It floats in a cavity with just a small lip underneath it. I don't think I'd advise blocking it.

I may take this time to try out the paradigm strings too, so if anyone has an opinion on those. (I don't think I will have to reset the action either, cause the gauge would be the same?)

Generally speaking, you shouldn't have to redo a setup as long as you are staying with the same gauge.

 

[JamieCrain]

Ideally change strings 1 or 2 at a time, don't take them all off at once unless you really need to. A full set places about 70kg of tension on the neck, so keeping the tension relatively constant is healthier for your guitar's neck.

I am curious that you were comfortable adjusting the truss rod but not changing the strings! Neither should be feared but the stakes are higher with adjusting truss rods...

 

[DrKev]

Putting relief in the neck won't change the action. It will alleviate string buzzing usually associated with low action. If you want to raise the action, you will have to raise the bridge saddles.

No, his tech may well have been right. Neck relief WILL change action as measured over the 12th fret, but about as much as the change in neck relief itself, i.e. small amounts, but it can make a noticeable difference. Once a guitar has been set up the saddles/bridge should not change position/height on their own. Any unwanted change in string height therefore can only due to changes in the neck relief linked to changes in temperature, humidity, and/or string tension. The appropriate fix in such a situation is to adjust the neck relief, not the saddles.

 

[bhull]

No, his tech may well have been right. Neck relief WILL change action as measured over the 12th fret, but about as much as the change in neck relief itself, i.e. small amounts, but it can make a noticeable difference. Once a guitar has been set up the saddles/bridge should not change position/height on their own. Any unwanted change in string height therefore can only due to changes in the neck relief linked to changes in temperature, humidity, and/or string tension. The appropriate fix in such a situation is to adjust the neck relief, not the saddles.

Agreed, it will change it by small amounts at the 12th.

I almost deleted what I wrote after writing it for basically the reasons you mentioned. I left it because he said outright the action was too low. I thought this was indicating more of a macro problem....that overall he wanted the strings higher.