Top Tips on Guitar Maintenance: How to Keep Your Instrument in Prime Condition.
It’s time to get your hands dirty – it’s time to learn about guitar maintenance. Most guitarists learn about their instrument by playing it, but learning just the basics of guitar maintenance can save them from a lot of hassle down the road. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the basics of good guitar maintenance, so you can keep your instrument in top condition and play with confidence. Let’s dive in!
Clean the Fretboard
The fretboard is one of the most crucial parts of the guitar and must be kept clean in order for your instrument to maintain its tone and playability. To clean the fretboard, first, brush off any dust or grime with a soft-bristled brush. Then, gently wipe the fretboard with a damp cloth and dry it with a dry cloth. After that, apply a fretboard oil, wax, or conditioning fretboard cream and rub it evenly into the fretboard. This will help keep the fretboard clean and will prevent it from drying out or from becoming discolored. Your fretboard will thank you for it!
Polish Your Guitar
It’s no secret that a shiny, clean guitar looks good and plays better. To keep your guitar looking its best, it’s important to give it a once over with some good guitar polish every few months. Make sure you use a specifically designed guitar polish as this won’t damage the finish or harm the wood of the guitar. You should also be careful to not polish too much, or you’ll end up with a buildup of polish, which can be difficult to remove. A nice polished finish not only looks great, but it can help prevent the finish of your guitar from cracking.
Change the Strings Regularly
One of the most important aspects of guitar maintenance is regularly changing your strings. Over time, guitar strings can start to rust and deteriorate, which can have a negative impact on the sound of your instrument. To guarantee your guitar is always sounding its best, it’s best to change your strings at least once a month. As well as reigning in the best sound, new strings will make playing the guitar more comfortable, as stretched strings can make the fretboard feel so much harder.
Check All Connections
In order to make sure your guitar is running smoothly, it’s important to check all of the electrical connections. This includes checking the jacks, the output, the selector switch, and the pickups. Any issues with these should be addressed immediately in order to avoid any further problems. It’s also a good idea to check the tone knobs and the volume knobs on a regular basis; if they are not turning properly, they may need to be replaced in order to keep your sound crisp and clear.
Adjust the Action
Action is the term used to describe how high the strings are off of the frets. If you’re finding it difficult to play clean chords, then your action might be too high. On the other hand, if you can’t bend the strings far enough then the action might be too low. To adjust the action, you should consult a professional guitar technician. They’ll be able to adjust the action to your specific playing style and needs, ensuring you get the most comfortable and practical playing experience.
Keep Storing and Transporting in Mind
Guitar maintenance goes beyond just the routine cleaning and polishing, it also involves thinking about how to store and transport your instrument. When it comes to storing and transporting your guitar, it’s important to be as gentle as possible. If you’re storing the guitar in its case, it’s best to always use foam padding and keep the case away from sunlight. When transporting your guitar in the car, make sure it is secured to avoid any bumps and knocks. Taking special care when storing and transporting your guitar can help it stay in top condition for much longer.
When it comes to guitar maintenance, it can seem like a daunting task, but if you take the time to do the basics, it can make all the difference. Keeping the fretboard clean and lubricated, polishing the finish, changing strings regularly and checking the connections are all essential for maintaining the quality of your instrument. If you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed, call a professional for assistance; they’ll be able to help you get your guitar into prime condition.
Guitar maintenance isn’t a chore – it’s actually quite enjoyable! While doing basic maintenance can be a great way to familiarise yourself with your instrument, it’s also a creative and rewarding way to bond with your guitar. So the next time your guitar needs some TLC, take some time out of your day to show it some love. You’ll be glad you did!