Guitar Care And Maintenance Tips

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By Kevin Sinclair

Every good guitarist will want to take care of their guitar in order to keep it in the best condition. A large part of caring for your guitar is by cleaning it on a regular basis. And as a guitarist, it is your solemn duty to ensure that your guitar it maintained to the best of conditions, in order for it to deliver a quality sound. No matter whether you are a professional guitarist or a beginner, it is essential to undertake the care and maintenance of your guitar.

Your guitar will become dirty with sweat and dust just by playing it. Using a soft cloth is the best way to clean it. Special cloths can be purchased in music stores, or you can simply use an old t-shirt, providing that it is 100% cotton. It is imperative however, that if the t-shirt contains a logo, you firstly remove it, as this can cause damage by scratching the surface of your guitar.

If the surface of your guitar is French polished or lacquered, then cleaning items such as paper towels must be avoided at all times, as these will also cause scratches. If you feel that it is necessary to clean your guitar with paper towels, then it is advised to purchase non-woven shop towels which are available on a roll. These do cost a little more, but they will not scratch your guitar.

You will find that dust accumulates under the strings. Therefore particular attention should be paid to this area of your guitar. Do not be hesitant in inserting a cloth behind the strings and giving it a good rub, at the same time as you are wiping the entire body of your guitar. If you pay close attention to cleaning the strings of your guitar, then their life will be extended. In addition to a normal cleaning routine, it is advised that after every jam session with your guitar, you give the strings a good wipe by holding them firmly through a cloth and rubbing the cloth up and down their length. This will remove any dust, grease from your fingers, perspiration build-up, and skin cells etc.

If you find that you are having difficulty in removing finger prints on your guitar, then you can blow a gentle breath, just as you would with spectacles, to create a little moisture. You will then find that by rubbing your guitar vigorously that the finger prints will be removed. It is also possible to use a slightly moistened soft cloth and a small amount of mild detergent. However, do not overdo it. It is essential that you avoid at all times, getting moisture into the small spaces on the guitar surface. However you choose to remove finger prints from your guitar, it is advised to rub it well afterwards with a soft dry cloth. It is also recommended to change to a clean cloth on a regular basis, to avoid rubbing the dirt from an old cloth back on to the guitar.

There are also various types of commercial guitar cleaners available to purchase, most of which are good products. When purchasing such products, it is essential that you primarily read all instructions on the bottle carefully, and use a water-based product for water-soluble dirt. There are creamy polishes available on the market, but they do have a tendency to be slightly abrasive. Therefore, if your guitar has a matte finish, then it is recommended not to use a cream product.

If your guitar should have a sticky residue from tape or stickers on it, then this will need to be removed by using mineral spirits. It is also possible to use lighter fluid, which is otherwise known as naphtha. Neither of these products will cause any harm to the finish of your guitar. However, you will need to remove the solvent with a damp cloth to buff your guitar clean after removing tape or stickers. Ensure that you are careful when cleaning sticky residue off your guitar, as you do not want to spread it around the rest of the guitar.

The fingerboard of a guitar, along with the strings and the fret wire are subject to acidity in the player’s hands. Therefore it is advised to completely remove the strings and rub up and down the fingerboard with a piece of extra fine grade steel wool. When rubbing the frets, it is essential that you take care not to catch the ends of them with the steel wool. The steel wool does not need to be wet before undertaking this process. It is after a few motions that the frets should be shiny. Obviously this depends on how dirty the fingerboard initially is. If the surface of the fingerboard is not cracked or damaged, then you can apply a little lemon oil to prevent the wood from cracking, which is caused by temperature and humidity.

Kevin Sinclair is the publisher and editor of MusicianHome.com, a site that provides information and articles for musicians at all stages of their development. http://www.musicianhome.com/

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How To Properly Clean And Maintain Your Guitar

Cleaning your instrument is probably the hardest thing to remember to do. Proper maintenance is important for any piece of equipment, and the guitar is no exception to that.

Keeping your guitar cleaned and maintained prevents any type of buildup or grime that can occur. Forgetting or just failing to clean it can result in a distorted sound or even damage if you go too long in between cleanings and maintenance.

Safeguarding your guitar can depend on the type of guitar you have, acoustic or electric, but there are basics that should be followed for both. For instance, you should give attention to the frets of your instrument. The body produces natural oils that can build up in the strings, not to mention dirt and other outside filth, and this can make a difference in the sound that comes from your guitar if you don’t pay close attention.

You should make a point to tighten all of the screws, strap-pins, and tuning machines. Tightening all of the necessary parts can prevent unwanted background rattling while you play. Also, you should try your hardest not to scratch, bump, or ding your guitar. Simple things like wearing a belt buckle when you have a strap on your guitar can scratch up the back and take the value of your instrument down.

To preserve the strings on your guitar, it is important to wipe them down periodically with a cloth. This not only keeps your instrument producing the sound that it should, it also makes it last longer. Cleaning the metal parts of your guitar is also important.

You can pick up a cleaning solution specially made for this at your local music store. Failure to properly clean the mechanisms and the metal can cause expensive damage to your equipment. Amplifiers are also important to the sound of your guitar. You can keep your amplifier sounding good by storing it in a closet whenever you are not using it.

Acoustic guitars may need a little more attention. You should come up with a wiping, and polishing regime for these guitars. Set aside a certain time of the week, or a couple of times a month, to devote to cleaning your instrument so you can keep it as an investment and avoid frequent replacements.

You should shield your guitar by keeping it in its case. Humidity is a factor when it comes to guitars and it can have a lasting effect on your instrument. There are humidifiers that are man-made that you can find directions for online, there are also capsules that you can buy and keep in your case for unwanted humidity.

Just like vehicles, guitars and other instruments need care and maintenance. Making sure that you handle your guitar properly is vital to its length of life the way it sounds. Your local music store will provide maintenance and cleaning services if you are unsure about how to do it yourself.

The best way to maintain your guitar is to keep it stored in its case when you are not using it. Leaving it out in the open or where the elements can affect it is the worst thing you can do for you instrument.

Mike Selvon owns a number of niche portal. Please visit our guitar portal at http://guitar.trustprofitableniche.com for more great tips on guitar maintenance.

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Protecting Your Acoustic Guitar by Al Wielder

Protecting the investment you have made in your acoustic guitar is very important. Here are a few tips and ideas for making your instrument last more than a lifetime.

Let’s consider some potential threats to your acoustic guitar. Some of these threats may be glaringly obvious while others may be a bit more obscure. While it would be impossible to include every scenario or potential threat element in one article, perhaps the items mentioned in this article will prevent a new guitar owner from experiencing the certain regret associated with a damaged instrument.

Here is a list of things to be aware of that could be a potential threat to your acoustic guitar:

1. Stage Damage 2. Climate and Element Effects 3. Improper Storage 4. Children and Pets

Let us address these potential threats in the order they are listed above.

1. Stage Damage

I mention stage damage first because it is the most common factor I have seen regarding damage to acoustic guitars. Countless guitarists have severely or irreparably damaged their acoustic guitar by failing to take extra precautions on stage. When setting up on stage, it is necessary to have a solid and secure guitar stand. Quality acoustic guitar stands are designed to stabilize your instrument. Be sure to buy a sturdy stand that has a low center of gravity. You will be well advised to spend the extra money required to obtain a higher quality guitar stand.

Also, set your guitar on the stage in an area where it is less likely to be upset by anyone passing by the instrument. Be sure to do the best you can to set the instrument away from cords and cables. This may prove to be easier said than done, especially in a tight stage setting, but the bottom line is to do your best.

Finally, whenever possible, place your guitar on stage as one of the last items to be set up. The less time the instrument is on stage, the less risk there is for accidental damage.

2. Climate and Element Effects

One might be surprised to note the statistics related to acoustic guitar damage which are caused by the elements. Some of the scenarios associated with this damage are very obvious while others may not be so easily recognized.

A. Heat and Sun Damage: Be very careful not to leave your guitar in a closed automobile in the summer months. Extreme heat can severely damage the instrument and may void your manufacturers warranty. Be very careful not to leave the instrument in direct sunlight for extended periods of time. This rule applies even if there is sufficient ventilation in the area.

B. Rain and Water Damage: Be careful not to leave your acoustic guitar outside during wet weather. Also, be very cautious when you are playing around a pool or fountain. Be mindful of the wind if you are playing outdoors near a fountain or waterfall.

C. Humidity Effects: If you live in a very dry climate such as Arizona, you are well aware of the effect that extreme dry conditions can have on many objects. Your guitar is not exempt. However, you do not have to live in Arizona or any other extremely dry climate to be mindful of the effects dry air can have on your guitar. This is especially true over long periods of time.

TIP: Here is a great tip that will prolong the life of your guitar. Also, over time it will help the instrument to age with mellow tonal qualities:

Get a zipper style plastic sandwich bag. Create perforations in one side of the bag (15 to 20 holes with a hole punch). Get a small household sponge, one that fits easily into the sandwich bag. Make sure you get a clean, new sponge. Saturate the sponge thoroughly, but NOT dripping. Place the sponge in the sandwich bag. Close the zipper. Place the sandwich bag in your guitar case with the perforated side of the bag facing up. This practice will keep your acoustic guitar from drying out in any climate. Over time it will also help prevent your guitar finish from crazing (cracking). This simple tip will add life to your guitar.

3. Improper Storage

During the life of your guitar you may find it necessary to place the instrument in storage. If you find you need to store the guitar for an extended period of time, consider these simple tips.

A. Store In A Snug Fitting, Plush Lined, Hard Shell Case B. Remove The Strings C. Clean And Polish The Instrument (Using Protective Wax Or Wood Preserving Oil) D. Place The Plastic Baggie Containing Wet Sponge In The Case (TIP: Mentioned Above) E. Store In A Cool, Dry Place F. Loosen The Truss Rod (If Applicable)

Taking the time to properly prepare your acoustic guitar for storage will extend the life of the instrument. It will also help to ensure your guitar is unaffected by its time in storage.

4. Children And Pets

This category is obvious. Keep your guitar protected from damage and abuse by keeping it out of the reach of children. This will not only protect your guitar, it will also protect a small child from being injured by the instrument. A falling guitar can be dangerous to a small child. The guitar also has sharp string ends that can puncture the skin. If your child is old enough to have an interest in the instrument, by all means provide the child with an inexpensive entry level guitar of their own.

Finally, many times Fido loves to chew or Felix loves to scratch. Keeping your acoustic guitar out of the reach of your pet is safe and beneficial for everyone involved, especially your guitar.

Al Wielder is a host and instructor at Riff TV. Contact Al Wielder at Riff TV.com, your source for guitar tab, guitar lessons and free video guitar training.

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