Taking Care of Your Guitar (or Other Wooden Instrument)

What should I do to take care of my guitar?

The first and most important thing to be aware of is subjecting it to severe weather. If it's at all avoidable, DO NOT LEAVE IT IN THE TRUNK OF YOUR CAR! Extremely hot weather can cause stress on the glue joints, and cracks in the body while cold can cause finish cracking and both can cause severe structural damage. Should it be necessary to leave the guitar in the trunk, leave it in the case when you get inside until the temperature is stable. Heat, cold and humidity are the worst enemies of your guitar.

What do I clean my guitar with?

Most guitar manufacturers as well as other companies make guitar polish. The main thing here is to not use regular furniture polish that will eventually build up on the finish. Interestingly, even though the Martin Guitar Company, in business since 1833, makes a guitar polish, they also say in their owners' manual that you can clean the guitar with a very slightly damp cloth.


Should I do anything to the fingerboard?

I usually use Gibson fingerboard conditioner about twice year on my guitars and banjos. It lubricates and cleans the fingerboard. In the winter this helps to prevent cracking from very low humidity levels.


Do I need to wipe off the strings?

Wiping off the strings after you play helps to resist corrosion and makes the strings last longer. This is a good idea if you play outside or if your hands tend to sweat.


How often should I change strings?

As mentioned in a previous post, if the strings sound dead, look nasty or won't stay in tune, it's time to change them. If you play a lot, it will be something you'll want to do more often. Some professional players change them at least once a week, some before every performance.


Beware of the guitar strap with a vinyl backing.

When you buy a strap for your guitar, check to see whether it has a vinyl backing. If it does, be sure that the backing doesn't come into contact with the finish on your guitar. Vinyl is a petroleum based product and it can eat through the finish. The same is true if you put your guitar on a stand. The parts that support the neck and the body can also damage the finish.