I usually remove 1 at a time unless I'm doing major work on the guitar or taking off the neck. I don't think your neck will explode if you remove all the strings at once but I think it is better for the overall stability of the guitar to remove 1 string at a time. The Fender Stratocaster Handbook by Paul Balmer echoes the view that when changing strings (or even loosening the strings) you want to go 1 at a time "to avoid drastic changes in tension on the neck and vibrato assembly." As I mentioned above some cases require all the strings to be removed. However when I'm just making a string change I go 1 at a time.

Russ

I'm not trying to trample egos here, I'm just saying I don't believe int he myth that taking all the strings off a guitar will alter it's geometry signigicantly over the course ot a string change or even a couple of days. I do not change my strings in a tropical climate, in fact the temp inside my shop is pretty constant year-round. I am merely stating that rock maple will not lose it's memory over the course of a string change, or even a couple of days of procrastinatory maintenance. Okay.

When changing strings, I replace them one at a time. I find that makes it easier to keep the amount of trem float right and to get the new strings in tune quicker (after stretching them while changing).

But sometimes I will take all of the strings off at once ... when I need to really give the neck a good cleaning or bore oil treatment.

_________________
Member #26797
My other guitar is a Strat.

I just never change mine, its easier that way - keep everything original

_________________
"Wait a minute, somethings wrong here!"

That works too, brother!

lol!!

What part of Ohio you from Joelski?

_________________
"Wait a minute, somethings wrong here!"

Zanesville!

Over the last few years, 'tend to change them singly and then bring them to concert pitch, in "Eric Johnson tuning" order.

Low E
High E
D
B
A
G