Question about string change and cleaning.

[EconoJ]

I got a couple of questions about string changing and cleaning.

It’s my first string change with a edge pro system, so I’m kind of exited.
I’ve searched the internet and jemsite, but I couldn’t find a few things.
I hope some of you know the answers, and some of the questions sound stupid but again it’s my first time.
Let me tell you what I’ve raid.

- Cut all string at ones with a couple of cups under the tremolo.
- Unscrew the nut and the string holder on the bridge.
- Put new strings on.
- Get tension on the strings close to normal tune and remove the cups
- Tune the guitar (with a korg guitar/bass tuner ga-30), then stretch, re-tune, stretch, re-tune.
- Tighten the nut, give the tremolo a swing unscrew the nut and re-tune.
- Final tighten the nut again.
- Done

* Is that the right way to change strings?

Now the 2nd thing.

* I want to use fretdoctor to clean my frets, but does it need any after treatment? With some kind of oil and if so what kind of?

* After how many string changes will I use steel wool on the frets? And what about the inlay if I use steel wool (#0000 of course)?

* I want to use Dunlop no. 65 polish and cleaner for the body and maybe the neck, does anyone know if this is a good product?

Already thx for replying, Greets jorn

[i think i posted the thread at the wrong discussion group]

[elcid]

Just use the steel wool on the frets, on the bay I got a thing that sits over the frets and protects the actual fretboard for about $1.50, look into that. Also if you are going to clean the frets cover your pickups so you dont get steel wool shavings on them. When I change strings on a floating bridge I never (unless cleaning the neck) take off all the strings at once, if you put something under the bridge to keep tension on the springs, it's ok, I just don't like to do it.. Dont use the 65 polish on the neck, just the body.

I read a few places that you should never cut all the strings off because the sudden loss of tension can mess up the neck. Im not sure what there is to that, but it's not worth the risk. Slash said that ruined one of his guitars.

THere is no set number of string changes to cleaning the frets, do it when it needs it. You shouldnt need any fret doctor to clean the frets, just steel wool will work fine.

[moebius]

+1 on what Elcid says. Also, when you use the steel wool on the frets, you can just use some painters tape or masking tape to cover your fret board to protect your inlays and wood.

[albee1952]

I would change strings one at a time. Unless you need to clean the fretboard every time, it will be a lot faster to bring each new string up to pitch, give it a few tugs and retune before moving to the next string. Remember that floating trems are a balancing act between the strings pulling one way, and the springs pulling the other way. Any change on either side will change the balance. With the Edge Pro, I still cut off the ball end unless I can't find my cutters. The time it takes to back the allen screw out enough to fit the ball thru, and then tighten it all back up, you can cut the ball and be done in the same time.