We care about our guitars a lot, partly due to the emotional attachment we feel. Who does not want to keep the guitar in the best shape? But let’s admit, it’s tricky to maintain your guitar’s pristine condition, especially when in regular use. Although, there are certain measures you can take to keep your guitar in top shape let me show you how you can take the best care possible. From proper string maintenance to humidity control, this post includes all the tips on taking extra care of the guitar to keep it sounding at its best.
7 Tips On Taking Extra Care of Guitar
1. Clean It Up Regularly:
Dust, sweat, and oils from our fingers accumulate on the guitar’s surface. So, cleaning the guitar regularly, especially the fretboard, is crucial as that’s where our fingers go most. Don’t worry; it’s an easy process. Just follow the easy-to-follow steps on how to clean a guitar fretboard properly, and you’ll be good to go.
2. Keep It Humidified:
Consider investing in a humidifier for guitar room to keep your guitar in optimal condition. Humidity swings can cause serious damage to your guitar over time, such as warping or cracking. The ideal humidity level for a guitar is around 45-55%.
3. Store It Properly:
When not in use, store your guitar in a safe and secure place. Avoid leaving it in extreme temperatures or direct sunlight, as these can cause damage to the wood and warp the neck. The hard-shell case can provide you with the best protection while storing the guitar.
4. Keep An Eye On The Temperature Change:
When traveling with the guitar, give it some time to acclimate to the temperature of its new environment by unlocking the case and letting it adjust. And when storing, make sure to keep it in a safe place away from extreme heat or cold. Sudden temperature changes can wreak havoc on your instrument, causing damage and warping vulnerable parts, such as the neck.
5. Change Strings From Time To Time:
When it comes to replacing your guitar strings, the frequency can depend on how much you play. If you play for an hour every day, I suggest changing the strings every 6-8 weeks. Keep an eye (and ear) out for any dull or off-tone sounds; consider it as the signal to change. Plus, old strings can affect the intonation, making it more challenging to tune the guitar.
6. Adjust Your Truss Rod:
Adjusting the truss rod allows you to change the curvature of the neck and customize your guitar’s setup to suit your playing style. Over time, it can become misaligned, affecting your guitar’s intonation and overall playability. Use an Allen wrench to either loosen or tighten the truss rod until the guitar’s neck is in a straight line with the strings.
7. Take It To A Technician:
If you plan on keeping your guitar for the long haul, take it to a technician for an annual tune-up. A guitar technician can assess your guitar’s neck alignment, adjust the action to your preference, check for loose or lifting frets, and so on. Visiting a technician once in a while can help your guitar remains in pristine condition.
Final Words
Maintaining your guitar’s condition and taking extra care can preserve its longevity and enhance the overall sound quality. You can retain your beloved instrument’s value by following these tips on taking extra care of the guitar. If you plan on selling your guitar or passing it down to future generations, keeping it in excellent condition will ensure that it retains its value and remains a treasured instrument for years to come. So, take the time to give your guitar the extra care it deserves, and have a wonderful musical experience.
