7 Steps to Maintaining a Healthy Guitar: Keep Your Instrument in Tip-Top Shape!.
Maintaining a guitar is one of the most important steps any musician can take to ensure their instrument is in top playing condition. While a guitar should last for years without damage or wear, a little bit of regular maintenance can help to keep it sounding and looking its best in the long run. To aid you in getting your guitar in tip-top shape, here are seven easy steps to follow.
1. Change Your Strings
The most important and basic rule when it comes to maintaining your guitar is to change your strings regularly. Strings can become worn with use, and this in turn affects the sound of your instrument. It’s advised to change them every month or two, or if you can, after each performance – however, the exact time frame may vary depending on the type of strings you use and the amount of playing you do.
When it comes to actually changing the strings, there are a few steps you need to follow to ensure you don’t damage anything. Start by loosening the strings and then unwinding them from the tuning pegs. Then use a cloth or paper towel to clean off the old strings (try to avoid using chemicals, as these can damage the metal). Once they’re off, you can install the new strings and wind them around the tuning pegs, making sure they’re tight.
2. Clean the Neck
The neck of your guitar collects dirt, sweat and oils, particularly if you tend to play a lot with your hands. It’s important to clean the neck regularly in order to prevent any buildup of dirt, as this can affect the playability of the guitar.
The best way to clean the neck is with a soft cloth, dampened with distilled water. Give the cloth a gentle rub up and down the neck before wiping it off with a dry cloth. You can also invest in a good quality cleaning spray for guitars, which will help to keep your instrument clean and in good condition.
3. Clean the Frets
Frets are the metal strips at the bottom of the neck which your fingertips press against when playing. As with the neck, it’s important to clean the frets regularly to keep them free from dirt and oils, which can build up and affect the sound and playability of the instrument.
The best way to clean the frets is with a soft cloth dampened with distilled water or a cleaning spray. You should also use a small brush or toothpick to remove any dirt that may have become stuck between the frets.
4. Polish Your Guitar
Regularly polishing your guitar will ensure that it looks as good as it sounds. It’s important to use the correct products when cleaning your instrument; guitar polish is designed specifically for acoustic and electric guitars and will help to keep them looking as good as new.
You can buy guitar polish in most music stores and it’s easy to use. Simply apply a small amount to a soft cloth and lightly rub it all over the body of the guitar. Make sure you don’t use too much, as this can cause the finish on the guitar to become streaky or cloudy.
5. Check for Damage
It’s important to check your guitar for any damage on a regular basis, as this can affect the playability and sound of the instrument. Look for cracks or splits in the woodwork, as these can affect the way the guitar sounds if left unchecked. Also, check for any loose tuners or broken strings, and get them replaced as soon as possible.
6. Inspect and Adjust the Action
The ‘action’ of a guitar is a combination of the height of the strings above the fretboard and the space between them. If the action is too low, the strings may buzz when you play; if it’s too high, it can be harder to press down the strings.
It’s important to inspect and adjust the action of your guitar regularly to ensure it’s at the right level. Worn strings or dirt and worn frets can affect the action, so it’s important to address these issues before trying to adjust the action. It’s also important to check the truss rod (the rod inside the neck of the guitar which controls the amount of tension in the neck) to make sure the neck is not too warped or curved.
7. Store it Properly
Finally, the best way to make sure your guitar stays in tip-top condition is to store it properly when it’s not in use. This means keeping it away from direct sunlight, moisture and heat, as these can all cause damage to the wood and finish of the instrument.
You should also keep your guitar in a proper guitar case when travelling or when it’s being stored away, as this will help protect it from bumps or knocks. If you don’t have a proper case, use a soft cloth or towel to wrap the instrument to make sure it is secure when you travel with it.
By following these seven simple steps, you should be able to maintain a healthy guitar that will last for years to come. Whenever in doubt, it’s best to seek professional help – a good luthier can help identify any potential problems and fix them quickly and effectively without any fuss.