Guitar Maintenance – Tips For Keeping Your Instrument in its Prime.
If you’re a guitar player then you know the importance of regular maintenance in order to keep your instrument in optimum working condition. Whether you’re a beginner starting out on an electric guitar or a professional musician touring with a classical guitar, maintaining your instrument is an essential part of being a musician.
From regular strings changes to a proper setup, it’s important to do the right maintenance to keep your guitar in its best condition. Here are some tips for taking care of your instrument:
Change Your Strings Regularly
This tip should go without saying but it’s important to change your strings at least every 3 months or so. Old strings can cause intonation issues, deaden the sound of your guitar and can also harbor bacteria if not changed regularly.
Keep It Clean
It’s important to keep your guitar clean and free of dust and dirt. Over time, dirt and grime can accumulate on your instrument, affecting its sound and causing rust and corrosion over time. Make sure to keep a soft cloth nearby to wipe down your guitar after playing.
Check The Truss Rod
The truss rod on a guitar helps to make sure the neck remains straight and even when tension is placed on it. If the truss rod is not adjusted properly, the strings can become too loose or too tight and affect the strings’ intonation. If you’re unsure of how to adjust the truss rod yourself, take your guitar to a luthier to have them check it out.
Maintain The Bridge and Saddle
Bridges and curves on a guitar can become worn down and out of tune over time. You should check the bridge and saddle from time to time to ensure they are in proper condition. If either piece is worn down, take your guitar to a luthier to have it repaired.
Check Your Hardware
Your guitar’s hardware, such as the tuning keys, strap pins, and pickups, should all be checked periodically to ensure they are functioning properly. If any piece of hardware is loose or not working properly, contact a luthier or guitar tech to have it repaired.
Adjust The String Height
The string height on your guitar should be adjusted periodically to ensure the strings are neither too close nor too far away from the fretboard. If the strings are too close, you may hear dead notes, while if they are too far away, the strings will be harder to press down.
Protect Your Guitar
Make sure that your guitar is stored in a case whenever not in use, and that it’s not exposed to extremes in temperature or humidity. If you plan on transporting your guitar in a car, make sure to use a case that’s designed for air travel. This will protect your instrument from any bumps or scratches.
If you want to ensure that your guitar is in top working condition, and sounds great, it’s important to follow these tips. Regular maintenance on your instrument will ensure that you get maximum performance and enjoyment.