Changing strings on an Archtop guitar

[deacon Mark]

This is a very good thread - and useful, even for those of us who are mostly comfortable working on our guitars

I generally adopt the 'one string at a time' mantra but when I do take them all off (to clean the neck, for example) - I certainly find that painter's tape is helpful for the bridge

I have two follow up points, and questions:

1) When I have taken all of the strings off and put them back on again. I usually find that I need to tweak the truss rod to add some tension back into the neck. I am guessing this is normal?

2) Does anybody do anything in particular re: the tailpiece when they take all of the strings off? I just put a soft cloth between the tailpiece and top to prevent damage. Should I be doing anything else?

TIA

No i would not consider putting tension back on the truss rod normal. The neck should remain as it was I have never had to do that in any way. Taking tension off neck for small amount of time should have zero effect normally. Even if tension off a long time it should not.

[Bob_Ross]

I use blue painter's tape, and I would be interested if anything works better/is safer, although I've not had a problem.

Per my earlier post (#14) I recommend 3M #8402 polyester tape
Ever since first discovering this stuff back around 1989, I've tried to keep a roll in the house at all times; there are so many things I find it handy for! Any time I need to attach something to a surface where it is imperitive that it be easily removed and there be absolutely no damage or residue left behind, I reach for the 8402 tape.
But if you're only ever going to use it to tack down the bridge when you change your guitar strings, it might be overkill.

[Mick-7]

Per my earlier post (#14) I recommend 3M #8402 polyester tape
Ever since first discovering this stuff back around 1989, I've tried to keep a roll in the house at all times; there are so many things I find it handy for! Any time I need to attach something to a surface where it is imperitive that it be easily removed and there be absolutely no damage or residue left behind, I reach for the 8402 tape.
But if you're only ever going to use it to tack down the bridge when you change your guitar strings, it might be overkill.

I'm seeing extravagant prices for that tape.

There's this: stewmac.com - low tack protective tape

Which I think is: Abitape transferrite ultra 582u

[jazzshrink]

I'm seeing extravagant prices for that tape.

Boy, you aren't kidding