Guitar Maintenance You Can Do

Maintaining your guitar is essential to ensure it performs at its best.
Here are some practical tips you can follow:
  • Strings

    If you've had a professional setup before, stick with the same brand and gauge of strings to keep your intonation consistent.

  • Cleaning

    Use an earbud and metho to clean the socket and guitar lead ends. For the fretboard, I use a credit card to clean against the frets and a cloth dampened with Shellite (lighter fluid), then oil with lemon oil or a proprietary fingerboard oil.

  • Screws and Nuts

    Ensure they are tight, but be careful not to strip the wood.

  • Tuning Keys

    Avoid oiling them as it can damage the wood.

  • Scratchy Pots

    Use a cleaner & lubricant spray, but never use WD-40.

  • Action Adjustment

    Adjusting action is straightforward on a Gibson bridge but more complex on a Fender. It's often best left to professionals.

  • Pickup Balance

    Adjust the overall height of pickups without altering individual pole pieces unless you're experienced.

  • Wipe Down

    Always clean your guitar body, neck, and strings after use. Coated strings can also help reduce maintenance.

  • Temperature Changes

    Leave your guitar to acclimatise in its case if it goes through large temperature changes. Do I need to say “Never leave your guitar in a freezing cold or boiling hot car”?

Following these tips will help keep your guitar in top condition for years of enjoyment.