Guitar Maintenance: How to Keep Your Instrument in Tip-Top Shape
Are you a rock-n-roller that wants to keep your guitar in perfect condition? Then read on, because right here you’ll learn all the tips and tricks for making sure your guitar looks, sounds, and plays great for the long haul!
From check ups to cleanings, repairs to improvements, we’ve got you covered. Let’s get started and make sure your guitar is ready for a lifetime of rocking and rolling.
1. Checking for Issues and Imperfections
The first step to making sure your guitar is performing its best is to thoroughly inspect it for any issues or imperfections. A quick once-over should be done regularly, or any time you notice something isn’t quite right.
Start at the headstock, examining the nut and tuning heads for any broken strings and rust spots. Also look out for any worn or cracked frets. Then move down the neck and body, paying attention to the bridge, pick-ups, volume and tone switches, and any other hardware, checking each piece and fastening screws.
If you encounter any problem areas that require repair or replacement, you may want to take your guitar to a qualified repair person. Otherwise, you may be able to fix the issue yourself.
2. Cleanliness is Next to High Fidelity
As they say, cleanliness is next to godliness – and still next to high fidelity when it comes to keeping your guitar sounding and performing great. But don’t just grab any old cleaner or polisher; use the proper tools and products for the job. Start with a soft cloth, like a microfiber, to wipe away dust, grime, and fingerprints. Then move on to a guitar polish, which gives your guitar a nice shine and helps fills in small scratches.
But when cleaning your guitar, make sure not to get any polish or cleaner on the metal parts, strings, wood body or fretboard. These should be treated with care and handled delicately, as even the gentlest of cleaners can cause damage if used incorrectly.
When you’re done, make sure to wipe your guitar down with the soft cloth to remove any residue.
3. String Basics
Checking your strings regularly is a crucial part of keeping your guitar in shape. As time passes, strings get worn out and need to be replaced. You can check the condition of your strings by looking for fraying or signs of rust. Be sure to replace each string one at a time, as you don’t want to throw off the integrity of your guitar’s tuning.
When replacing strings, you should also lubricate the nut – the part where the strings are seated. This helps make sure that the strings stick in place, avoiding any unwanted buzz and ensuring your guitar stays in tune.
4. Making Minor Adjustments
Every now and again you may want to give your guitar a little adjustment. This can improve its playability, helping it sound and feel better.
First, you may want to adjust the height of the pickups with the screws on the back and bottom of the guitar. This can help you get the most out of your guitar’s sound. Next, you’ll want to inspect the truss rod, the metal rod along the neck of your guitar that controls the action (how much the strings sit away from the fretboard). If the action needs tweaking, use an Allen key to loosen or tighten the rod to reach your desired height.
Finally, look at the intonation. Hold down the lower strings and compare their sound to the higher ones. If one side sounds out of phase, you may need to adjust the bridge’s saddles.
5. Taking Care of Your Guitar
To ensure your guitar always looks, sounds, and plays like a dream, keep it safe and protected. Don’t expose it to extreme heat, humidity, or cold that can cause it to warp or crack. Avoid any unnecessary strain or stress, as this can be damaging to the neck, fretboard, and strings. And if you’re not going to be using the guitar for a while, consider taking it to a professional so they can adjust and store it properly.
Taking all these steps will help ensure your guitar is always performing its best. Trust us, all the effort is worth it for the unmatched sound and unbeatable performance your beloved instrument has to offer!
Cared for properly, your guitar will be ready for a lifetime of rocking. Who’s ready to shred?