Music is sentimental for everyone and so are the instruments used to create it. If you ask a guitarist for their most prized possession, it’s probably going to be their guitar. The instrument serves as a source of identity and means more than the price tag
Nonetheless, it’s important to know how to maintain your instrument before you purchase. It’s important to be ready in order to avoid trouble ahead.
Here, we’re sharing our tips on how to do guitar maintenance properly for a long-lasting guitar.
Cleaning Your Guita
One of the most vital processes that promote the longevity and preservation of your guitar is cleaning. Cleaning your guitar is a basic but vital responsibility that must be done regularly to maintain a proper feel each time you play.
Sweat, dead skin and oils from the skin are often left behind on the guitar strings and fretboard. If left unclean for a long time, the dirt will affect the appearance and sound of the instrument long-term.
A clean dry cloth should be kept in your guitar bag at all times. This will come in handy when you need to wipe down the strings, fingering boards and the entire guitar body.
Restring As Scheduled
The guitar depends on its strings to produce sound and make music. Over time strings get worn out and sometimes even break.
The longer you play the strings without changing them, the more susceptible they are to breakage. Moreover, the worn out strings may cause stress on the tuning knobs and damage them. Therefore, it’s important to restring your guitar regularly. Don’t wait for the strings to snap.
As you change the old strings, it’s also an opportunity to do a deep clean with a guitar cleaner and assess the overall condition of the instrument. Restringing your guitar every two to four months is perfect for a spot-on guitar
Humidity Checks
Most guitars are made from different types of wood. Unfortunately, wood is reactive to moisture making guitars vulnerable to moisture damage.
Since humidity is a constantly changing factor in the environment, investing in a hygrometer is the go-to solution to keep tabs on the humidity situation. Humidifiers are also a great asset for protecting your guitar. D’addario’s two-way Humidipak product is an ideal solution as it caters to both extremes of humidity.
The most appropriate humidity range for your guitar is no less than 45% and not exceeding 55%.
Guitar Casing
Anytime you’re not using your guitar, it’s advised to store it in a suitable casing. There are many different types of cases including bags and boxes. You might even customise your guitar bag to your specific taste.
Casing your instrument insulates it from extreme weather conditions, damage and accidents. It’s also easier to transport your guitar when it’s within its stored properly. Ensure your guitar is safely in a case to protect it from all forms of damage.
Service Your Guitar
Just like any other tool, guitars are mechanically made. Therefore, they’re set to have technical issues that need fixing from time to time.
Having your guitar serviced regularly will ensure you maintain the sound of the instrument and improve its longevity. Guitar techs are professionally trained to inspect, diagnose and fix your instrument.
They’re bound to notice issues that you may not pick up on which works to your advantage. Work with trusted technicians for the best service.
Strap Locks
Several guitarists prefer to use straps while playing to support their instrument. This is especially necessary when playing long gigs which require you to stand and play continuously.
The big challenge with straps is that they can fall off your guitar. They pose grave danger to the instrument as it may drop and sustain damage. Strap locks must be installed on your straps to prevent accidents and protect your guitar.
Overall, if you want a stress-free guitar playing experience, invest in good maintenance for your guitar. The rewards are always worthwhile.
