Guitar Maintenance

Finish

Many new guitars have a bullet-proof two-part finish that needs practically no attention. Over time your guitars finish may dull. You can restore the glossy luster with McGuire‚s #5 or #7. You can pick up more than you need at an auto supply store.

Humidifiers

Humidifiers are an essential for solid wood acoustics in climates that regularly have relative humidity readings in the 30 percentile and lower. Here in Minnesota, I'll begin using my Keyser Lifeguard in November. It's the best for keeping your acoustic from cracking and going crazy when the weather‚s dry. The Keyser Lifeguard covers the sound hole--it comes in two sizes for six- string and classical--and it keeps action consistent from season to season. All my guitars go out the door with a Lifeguard in the sound hole.

Strings

Strings should be changed regularly, depending on
how much you play. Many guitarists hear their strings going dead after only a few days. If you play daily, you can lengthen the time between changes by wiping your neck and strings with a clean cloth after sessions. Old strings become fatigued and impart much more tensile strain on the bridge and neck, and in time can ruin a guitar.
Coated strings are twice as expensive as regular strings, but still must be changed regularly. They should definitely not be left on the guitar until they go dead. Seasoned guitarists know that new strings can improve your life.

Shipping

Shipping your guitar can be a big job, but if you need to have it arrive at its destination intact, pack it well: hardshell case inside a carton with plenty of crumpled newspaper inside and outside of the case. If you insure it for more than the minimum, the shipper will check it at the point of origin to see that you have things solidly packed.