Question about the process of changing PUPs

[Roubster]

So I have decided to change the Virtual PAF's on my Silo for a PAF Pro and a Breed. I was going to have my local technicians do this for me since I dont want to be sodering anything for the first time on my new MM. However these guys are charging $125 bucks for changing these thingies . PLUS I am buying the PUPs directly from them, and they told me that this was the "discount" price to replace them . Shouldnt they freakin give me a REAL discount since I am already going to be paying like $120 bucks for the damn magnets? So I say screw it, and I'm gonna have my friend do it for me for free, since he has done it MANY times on his Gibson. PLUS we'll get to jam and compare his CUSTOM $5000 Fender to my MM Silhouette. I'll update you guys when this happens .
NOW, for the actual question. When changing the pickups, I am presuming that the strings all have to be taken off in order to take the pickguard off and so on. So when the strings are all taken off, do I have to worry about the neck at all??? Should I do anything in particular to keep it safe from any extreme bending, warping, screwing, or whatever else have you???

 

[nobozos]

You have nothing to worry about with the neck. The strings won't be off long enough to have any impact whatsoever on the neck. If your friend is any good at all, he will have your pickups replaced, and guitar re-strung with the intonation and action set up for you inside of and hour.

As far as the local technicians, tell them that Porche mechanics don't even make $125 and hour. Those guys are screwing you with a price like that. If your buying the pickups from them, they should charge you and extra $20 to throw them in.

 

[OrangeChannel]

I'd keep the Virtual PAFS personally...just change the pots...the pots stock are 250k's, replace them with 500k's, you'll get some highs and punch back...

 

[jaxadam]

I took the strings off of one of my guitars (that had a locking trem) left them off for probably 8 years before restringing it. Almost 10 years with no string tension. But it was neck-through. And it's completely fine. You'll be okay.

 

[dan desy]

It's definitely easier if you take the strings off. You could also loosen them up as much as you can and push a piece of wood (2x4 or similar) up between the neck and the stings to lift them all up.