Essential Guitar Care
Electric Guitar Care
- •String Cleaning: Wipe down strings after each playing session with a microfiber cloth to remove oils and sweat.
- •Electronics Maintenance: Use contact cleaner on pots and switches if you experience crackling sounds.
- •Fretboard Conditioning: Apply lemon oil to rosewood/ebony fretboards 2-4 times per year.
- •Hardware Cleaning: Polish metal hardware with appropriate guitar polish to prevent oxidation.
- •Finish Protection: Use guitar-specific polish for gloss finishes; avoid silicone-based products.
- •Pickup Height: Check and adjust pickup height periodically for optimal tone.
- •String Replacement: Change strings every 1-3 months depending on play frequency and sweat level.
Acoustic Guitar Care
- •Humidity Control: Maintain 45-55% relative humidity using a humidifier or dehumidifier as needed.
- •Body Cleaning: Wipe down the body with a microfiber cloth after playing to remove fingerprints and oils.
- •Bridge Maintenance: Check for lifting or cracks around the bridge periodically.
- •Soundhole Care: Keep the soundhole dust-free using a soft brush or cloth.
- •String Replacement: Change strings every 1-2 months for optimal tone and reduced stress on the neck.
- •Neck Relief: Monitor neck relief and consult a professional for truss rod adjustments if needed.
- •Case Storage: Store in a hardshell case when not in use to protect from temperature and humidity changes.
Essential Tools & Products
Cleaning Supplies
→- • Microfiber cloths
- • Guitar-specific polish
- • Fretboard conditioner
- • String cleaner
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Maintenance Tools
→- • String winder & cutter
- • Hex wrenches (for truss rod)
- • Feeler gauges
- • Small screwdrivers
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Environmental Control
→- • Hygrometer
- • In-case humidifier
- • Room humidifier/dehumidifier
- • Guitar humidifier
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Protection
→- • Hardshell case
- • Gig bag (for short trips)
- • Wall hangers (padded)
- • String covers (for storage)
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Replacement Parts
→- • Extra strings
- • Spare tuning pegs
- • Bridge pins (acoustic)
- • Strap buttons
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Setup Tools
→- • String action gauge
- • Neck relief ruler
- • Intonation tools
- • Pickup height ruler
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Need More Specific Advice?
Every guitar is unique. If you have specific questions about caring for your instrument, check out our blog articles or join our newsletter for regular tips.