29/08/2021
How to care for your guitar
It's no secret that any instrument needs careful maintenance. This should be done regularly in order to maintain the original sound, protect the instrument from physical damage, and also extend its life. Agree, it will be a shame if your guitar turns out to be unusable as a result of improper storage or neglected condition. In this article, we'll walk you through the simple grooming techniques that will keep you enjoying your instrument for years to come, and take a closer look at specific aspects:
- taking care of the guitar after daily playing;
- cleaning the frets and fretboard;
- ways of caring for the body of the guitar;
- care that prolongs the life of the strings.
Let's start with the most important.
Daily care
Storage conditions and care after daily use are of great importance for a guitar. The latter is especially true for strings. Of course, they are not eternal, and they have to be changed quite often. However, there are remedies that can prolong the life of the strings. For example, Dunlop 6582 Ultraglide can be used after every game. It protects the strings from corrosion and cleans them from dirt. An alternative solution can be strings with a special protective coating. Elixir is the leader in this area. The strings of this company can last two to three times longer than usual. At the same time, their sound remains bright and clear for a long time - this is precisely the secret of innovative technologies used for coating. It protects against the ingress of dirt between the winding rings, and, accordingly, from corrosion.
As for the body, it is worth remembering that the wood from which the guitar is made needs a certain level of moisture. If the moisture is insufficient, the wood will begin to dry out, which can lead to cracks and render the instrument unusable. Humidifiers exist specifically for these purposes. They are usually placed in a carrying case or case. If you don't know what the relative humidity is in the room where the guitar is stored, a hygrometer will come in handy.
If in the process of playing, you notice obvious stains on the body of the guitar or on the fretboard, then try to immediately remove them with a soft cloth. Do not postpone it for a more "appropriate" moment.
How to clean your guitar properly
However, all the listed procedures are not enough. It doesn't matter if you play the guitar every day or once a month - the instrument still needs regular thorough cleaning. A lot of dirt and sweat builds up from the constant playing of the strings and fretboard. This can cause the strings to wear out quickly. In addition, dirt embedded in the pad will darken the pad and damage the frets. Guitar bodies are also susceptible to the negative effects of dirt. Scratches, smudges and fingerprints appear on varnished surfaces. At the same time, dirt eats into an uncoated body, damaging the wood. If you pick up a guitar only on a special occasion, it still needs care, because instead of sweat, dust accumulates on it. So where do you start?
Removing the old strings
It is best to clean your guitar when changing strings. First, they restrict access to certain parts of the neck and body, and second, the fretboard cleaning agents have a negative effect on the strings.
Cleaning the fretboard
Lemon oil can be the ideal solution for this step. It not only cleans the fingerboard perfectly, but also covers it with an invisible film that protects it from moisture and dust. Other fretboard cleaning products can be an alternative. However, be careful, not all of the above are suitable for maple linings!
After the funds have been absorbed into the pad, the excess should be removed with a soft cloth.
Fret polishing
The next step can be done with steel wool, or you can use a special fret polishing cloth - Planet Waves PW-FRP, which can easily remove plaque and return the pristine shine to the frets. In order to prevent damage to the wood, the cover should be covered.
Body care
Microfiber fabric is ideal for these purposes, as it does not leave fibers. In addition, several times a year it is worth using special polish products that allow you to get rid of minor scratches. They are moisture and dust repellent, protecting your tool from unwanted influences.
Please note that not all products are equally suitable for varnished and non-varnished finishes. You should read the instructions to find out if this tool is suitable for your instrument. Therefore, before using it, try to get rid of dirt and stains with a rag or special napkins.
These tips for caring for your guitar body do not apply to vintage instruments that require a very delicate finish. It is better to clean such guitars only with special napkins, without resorting to polishes and other
