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Acoustic guitar care
Whether you play an acoustic, electric, bass, or what have you, there are things
that ought to be considered in order to maintain its value, condition, and playability.
In other words, you have to take care of your instrument if you want it to last,
if you want it to sound great for years to come. It is possible, trust me. Mainly,
I’m talking about acoustic guitars - they’re a bit more high-maintenance
than electric guitars in most cases.
Storage: If you’re not going to play for months on end, loosen or remove
the strings. This will keep the bridge, nut, neck, and body from warping, bending
out of shape, or even snapping - yes, they can snap. I’ve seen bridges snap
clean off because the strings were left tight for months at a time. Don’t
let this happen to the instrument you paid so much money for.
Also, you might want to consider a humidifer if you’re the proud owner of
any acoustic guitar. Humidifiers are generally placed in the sound hole of your
guitar so that the wood can maintain a proper humidity level. This keeps the wood
in shape - especially in wintertime, when you’ve got space heaters annihilating
every drop of moisture in the room your guitar calls home.
If your guitar is stored in high-traffic areas, you might want to invest in a
hard body case, or a rack so that the instrument can be safely stored in the corner
or on your wall. The hard body cases are made of a tough plastic which prevents
damage to the case and to the instrument in the event that someone should step
on it, drop it, or spill something. Yes, the case will cost you almost as much
as your cherished guitar did, but isn’t it worth it?
As for soft shell cases - the standard, flimsy cardboard - they’re a whole
lot better than having nothing at all. Not only do they make your guitar a lot
easier to carry, they also prevent damage done to the instrument through spilled
liquids, cats walking all over it, and other such mishaps that occur in our everyday
lives. The twenty to thirty dollars you spend now could save you a whole lot of
money later.
Racks - either floor stand models or hooks that you screw into your wall - are
worth the ten bucks or more that you can spend on them. This way you can display
your instrument in a fairly safe place as well as save some money on storage options.
If you decide to hang your guitar on the wall, please select a rack that is padded
to prevent damage to the instrument’s neck. Also, be sure to install it so
that the screws are through wall studs - if they aren’t, your instrument
could very well fall without warning.
Transportation: Don’t forget, hot cars and other extreme climates can mean
the death of your instrument! Don’t leave them in your car - or anyplace
where they could be stolen.
Also, should you decide to use a case, remember to check all the latches before
you move it. There have been plenty of times when musicians - new and expert -
haven’t done this. Their instruments fell out of the case because it wasn’t
latched - the guitars have hit everything from asphalt to grass.
Insurance: Yes, you can insure your guitar. Just think: If something unexpected
happens - such as a flood or tornado - your prized instrument is covered! Many
musicians - serious and casual - have purchased insurance policies for their instruments.
It may cost a little now, but think of how much time, money, energy, and care
you’ve invested in your guitar. Isn’t it worth at least thinking about?
Instrument care: You have to take care of your instrument if you want it to give
you years of pleasure and entertainment. Treat your guitar with care. Don’t
drop it, leave it out where it can be abused, neglect it, or fail to replace broken
or worn parts (such as bridge pins or strings).
Maintain your guitar. Keep it tuned - unless you’re not going to play it
for a long period of time, that is. Keep the strings changed out regularly - not
only do the older strings sound bad and go dead quickly, they’re also not
great on the machine heads if they’re left on for too long. Keep your guitar
clean - make sure dust and other elements can’t get to it, and make sure
you’re clean before you even pick it up.
If you’re unsure about something concerning your guitar, don’t be afraid
to ask somebody who knows what they’re doing. The man who runs the music
store a few blocks away, the guitarist in the garage band playing next door to
you, or even your cousin if he or she plays - whatever the case, you’ll always
be able to find someone to help you if you aren’t afraid to open your mouth.
Take care of your instrument and it’ll take care of your musical needs for
a long time to come. Use common sense, ask questions of the right people, and
have fun playing your guitar.
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