Guitar Maintenance: Everything You Need To Know To Keep Your Instrument In Tip-Top Shape.
The sight of a dusty, neglected guitar tucked away in the corner of a room fills you with sorrow. After all, with the right care and maintenance, that guitar that’s been collecting dust could be singing – bringing joy to its owner and to anyone else that hears it.
Fortunately, guitar maintenance isn’t difficult – and it doesn’t need to take up too much of your time. This blog post will walk you through the essential steps to keeping your instrument in the best shape possible.
First and foremost, you need to think about a few basics: setup and proper storage.
Having your guitar professionally set up is essential when it comes to playing it at its best. Many beginner and intermediate players don’t realize this, but an instrument that’s not properly set up – with the proper string tension, action, and intonation – will stunt your progress.
When you first get your guitar, you should take it to a qualified technician or luthier to have it set up. This is even more important if you buy a used or vintage guitar. Having the setup done will ensure you can actually play your guitar and help you hear exactly what it can do.
When it comes to storage, it’s important to make sure your guitar is kept in a clean and dry environment. Make sure to always keep it in its case or fitted bag, as this will ensure it remains free from dust and dirt. Never store a guitar in an environment where temperatures get too high or too low, as this can cause serious damage to the woods the instrument is made from.
Regular cleaning is essential to keep your guitar looking and sounding great. Again, it’s best to keep your guitar in its case or bag when you’re not playing it, as this will help keep it clean. If you do decide to venture out and leave your guitar exposed to the environment, make sure to give it a thorough wipe down with a soft cloth after your gig or session.
When it comes to cleaning the fretboard and strings, avoid using any household cleaners, as these can ruin the finish of your guitar. Instead, use a specialized guitar polishing or cleaner product. Be sure to test any cleaner you use in an inconspicuous area before applying it to the entire instrument.
To keep your fretboard clean and free of wear and tear, use products like fret board oil and conditioner, which are available from any decent musical store. This will help to protect the fretboard from dirt, dust and sweat, and it will also prolong its life.
Strings are an essential part of your guitar, as a set of good strings will bring out the sound of your instrument. If you’re serious about playing, then make sure to change your guitar strings regularly – every two to three months is ideal.
If you want to get the most out of your guitar, it’s also a good idea to look into intonation. Intonation is the adjustment of string lengths and the height of the strings relative to the frets. It’s a complex process and should be left to a qualified technician or luthier.
Of course, the most important part of guitar maintenance is to keep on playing! With the right care and maintenance, your guitar will bring you years of enjoyment. As long as you keep these basics in mind, you’ll have no problem keeping your instrument in top condition.
So there you have it – everything you need to know to keep your guitar in tip-top shape. Take care of your instrument, and it will take care of you – but don’t forget to have a bit of fun with it too. Happy strumming!
Title: “Guitar Maintenance Made Easy: Everything You Need To Know To Keep Your Instrument In Tip-Top Shape.”.