Right way to remove controls/wiring?

Here's a newbie question for you--

I'm dismantling a fake-Tele body so I can sand it. What's the best way to disconnect the pickup wires from the controls to avoid problems later? I'm guessing that cutting them as far as possible from the pickups is best--is that right?

I'm also thinking maybe I should take a picture of the current connections at the control end before I start cutting (even though this might get re-wired later).

Thanks...

scott

If you have any thought of reusing the parts, I would desolder the pickup connections at the pots.
Taking a picture is always a good idea. Even you re-wire it differently later, you have a record of how it was to begin with. Documenting is a good practice to get into.

OK--thanks! I appreciate the help, since I'm completely new at this.

Go with the photo, desolder rather than clip if you can.

Thanks, Feargal.

I got some desoldering braid at Radio Shack, comes on a little plastic spool. Lay it on the joint with the iron on top, and it will wick almost all the solder off the joint. Much easier to put things back together.