You’ve just invested in an acoustic guitar and are ready to strum your way to stardom. Or maybe you’re looking to pick up a new skill during lockdown. Either way, you’ll want to keep your acoustic in tip-top shape to get the best sound out of it. At Andertons, we’re passionate about all things acoustic and want to share our knowledge with you.
Over the coming weeks, we’ll be bringing you everything you need to know about acoustic guitar care and maintenance. We’ll cover changing your strings, tuning, setting up your guitar, and troubleshooting any issues. We’ve also got buying guides for all budgets, skill levels, and musical tastes. Whether you’re a beginner looking for your first acoustic or a pro wanting to add to your collection, we’ve got you covered.
So grab your acoustic, get comfortable, and let the Andertons team be your guide to acoustic guitar heaven. The only thing left for you to do is start playing!
Acoustic Guitar Maintenance 101: Keeping Your Guitar in Tip-Top Shape
To keep your acoustic guitar sounding its best, regular maintenance is key. Here are some tips to help your guitar go the distance:
- Change the strings regularly. Old strings lose tone and are more prone to breaking. Aim for changing them every 3-6 weeks, depending on how often you play.
- Wipe down the fretboard and frets. Built-up dirt and grime can hamper your playing. Use a soft, lint-free cloth to gently clean the fretboard after playing. For frets, use a fretboard conditioner and rub in small circles along the length of the neck.
- Condition the wood. Apply guitar polish or lemon oil 3-4 times a year to hydrate the wood and protect the finish. Wipe on with a soft cloth, let it soak in, then buff off any excess.
- Adjust the truss rod. The truss rod controls neck bowing and relief. If your action feels high or buzzy, a truss rod tweak may help. Only make small turns, checking your progress in between. If in doubt, have a guitar tech handle adjustments.
- Protect from temperature extremes. Avoid leaving your guitar in very hot or cold environments. Temperature fluctuations can cause structural damage. Storing at room temperature is ideal.
- Have a pro handle fretwork or electronics. While regular upkeep is easy to do yourself, extensive repairs or modifications should be left to experienced guitar technicians. They have the proper tools, training, and expertise to service your guitar without damage.
With some TLC and preventative care, your acoustic guitar can provide years of playing enjoyment. Staying on top of maintenance will ensure your guitar ages gracefully and continues to sound full, rich, and resonant.
Top 5 Acoustic Guitar Care Tips From the Andertons Experts
As an acoustic guitar owner, keeping your instrument in tip-top shape is key to great tone and playability. The Andertons experts have put together their top 5 care tips to help keep your acoustic guitar sounding its best.
1. Change your strings regularly
Old strings lose tone, tuning stability, and playability over time. We recommend changing your acoustic guitar strings at least every 3-6 months, or sooner if they’re sounding dull or not holding tune well.
2. Wipe down your guitar after playing
Giving your guitar a quick wipe down with a dry, soft cloth after playing will remove built-up grime and prevent damage to the finish. Pay extra attention to the fretboard and bridge.
3. Humidify as needed
Wooden instruments like acoustic guitars can warp or crack without proper humidity control. Use a guitar humidifier during drier winter months or in arid climates to keep your guitar hydrated. Aim for 45-55% relative humidity.
4. Avoid extreme heat or cold
Extreme temperatures can also cause damage to your acoustic guitar. Avoid leaving your guitar in very hot or cold environments for long periods. The room temperature is ideal.
5. Get a professional setup periodically
Having a guitar technician perform a professional setup, including adjusting the neck, nut, bridge, and frets, will keep your guitar playing its best. Most acoustic guitars benefit from a setup every 1-2 years.
Following these simple tips will ensure your acoustic guitar provides years of playing enjoyment while maintaining its value. Your guitar will thank you for the extra TLC!
Acoustic Guitar Maintenance Products at Andertons: Our Top Picks for Cleaning, Polishing, and Protecting Your Guitar
To keep your acoustic guitar in top shape, it’s important to invest in some basic maintenance products. At Andertons, we offer a range of cleaning supplies, polishes, and protective sprays perfect for any acoustic guitar owner.
Cleaning Supplies
Basic cleaning supplies like lint-free cloths, guitar polish, and fretboard oil are essential for removing built-up grime and gunk. Microfiber cloths are great for wiping down fretboards and soundboards without scratching the wood. Our guitar polish and lemon oil are natural products that clean, condition and protect wood surfaces. For fretboards, rosewood oil penetrates the wood to prevent cracking.
Humidity Control
Controlling humidity is key to preventing structural damage. Use a guitar humidifier to add moisture to the air around your guitar. The optimal humidity range is 45-55%. We offer affordable humidifier packs that fit in your guitar case as well as hygrometers to monitor humidity levels.
Protective Sprays
Protective sprays create an invisible barrier against scratches, marks, and environmental damage. Our guitar protector sprays are non-toxic and safe for all guitar woods. Reapply every few months to maintain protection.
Whether you’re a beginner or professional guitarist, keeping your acoustic guitar properly maintained will allow it to sound its best and last a lifetime. Browse our full range of acoustic guitar care products at Andertons Music Co. today!
Conclusion
So now you have all the info you need to keep your acoustic in top shape. Take good care of your guitar and it will reward you with years of beautiful music. Remember, change your strings regularly, clean and condition the fretboard, and wipe the whole instrument down after playing. Store it in a stable environment away from extreme temperatures. Most of all, play it – a guitar loves nothing more than being played. Acoustic guitars are meant to be heard, so get picking! Treat your guitar right and you’ll have a faithful life companion. Stay tuned for more unplugged adventures from Andertons.
