Restringing my JP

[puppyonacid]

Now i know there has been countless threads on this but i just need some clarification.

I want to restring my Pet. Got gigs coming up at the end of next month and I'd like the strings to be nice and loose by then. Top end of the fretboard is a bit gunky so it could do with a clean as well as a polish of the frets.

Normally on my other guitar (ebony fretboard) I use boiled linseed oil and fine grade wire wool. Is that ok to use? Also, as i want to take all the strings off at once so can someone let me know step by step what i need to do. I know I'll have to block the trem (how?). And the truss rod will need slight adjustment (I'm scared!) I jsut dont' want to hurt the finish or ultimately end up with it not feeling or playing like she does.

Any help would be mucho appreaciated.

 

[jongitarz]

here ya go

http://www.ernieball.com/faq_content.php?subjectcode=mm_guitars

 

[puppyonacid]

thanks Jon. So that's a no with the linseed oil and wire wool then? Don't shout at me. I'm only asking 'cos i really want to take care of my JP. Do I really have to change the strings one at a time? I've never touched a truss rod 'cos I was always told it's best to get a tech to do it. And how would I block the trem?

If I'm being annoying tho just tell me and I'll get my coat.

 

[beej]

You don't need to really clean the fretboard unless it's gunky, etc. A rag/old toothbrush and a bit of elbow grease often removes most of the junk. If the fretboard is particularly dry, then you can apply a little bit of high grade lemon oil. If not, don't worry about it.

You don't need to change the strings one at a time, and there's no problem with having all the strings off - it's not going to break your neck.

The reason it's suggested is that it makes life a little easier on a floating-trem guitar like the Pet. An alternative (and what I always did) is to block or shim the trem so that it stays put where it is and the springs don't pull it in when you take the strings off. Or, stick something under the trem on the top of the body (not sure if you can do this on the Pet, works on a Floyd or Vintage Trem).

An easy way to do this is to take the trem cavity cover off, and stick something (preferably wedge-shaped so you can preserve the exact position) between the trem block and the wall towards the springs. When you re-string it to pitch and remove the bock, voila, you won't need to tune for an hour to get the tension right! Changing strings one at a time effectively accomplishes the same thing.

Lastly, you're going to have the same amount of tension on the neck when you're done so you shouldn't need to mess with the truss rod at all. If you find the action is a bit off then you can tweek it, but otherwise you should be fine.

Don't be scared to get your hands dirty! It's a guitar, not a baby!

 

[Bungo]

Orright Puppy!

When I take all the strings off one of my Pet's, I have two rubber door wedges (from Homebase I think), that I push down between the bridge and the body. Push the arm down a little first, poke them in and then let the arm come back up onto them which really holds them in place. Being rubber they won't damage the top and also have some friction to help keep them in place.

This has always worked well for me!

 

[puppyonacid]

Thanks for all the replies chaps. very helpful .