Proper maintenance of your guitar will ensure that it remains in excellent condition, providing you with the best sound and playability for years to come. Here are some maintenance tips every that every player should know:

1. Keep Your Guitar Clean

Regular cleaning is essential to maintain your guitar's appearance and extend its lifetime. Regularly, use a soft, lint-freecloth to wipe down the strings and body, removing sweat, dirt, and oils. For deeper cleaning, use guitar-specific cleaning products, (at IMAG Music we typically use the Dunlop Formula 65 Guitar Polish and Cleaner for cleaning the body). Avoid non-guitar specific cleaning products as these can be too harsh and damage the finish.

2. Change Strings Regularly

Old strings lose their tone and are prone to breaking. Depending on how often you play, replace your strings every 2-3 months or sooner if they appear rusty or dull. Experiment with different string types and gauges to find the best fit for your playing style.

If you are not confident take your guitar to your local store (IMAG Music) for a string change but try to learn how to do this yourself. There are plenty of videos on You Tube showing how, but as a caution we are not fans of the “Luithier’s Knot” approach shown in some videos. This just makes the strings hard to remove when they need changing again. Plenty of videos show the one wind over the hole, then the rest under approach which is what we use for electric and steel strung acoustic guitars. For classical guitars check the videos on how to tie off both the bridge and tuner ends. Tools you’ll need - a decent pair of wire cutters and a string winder.

3. Store It Properly

Extreme temperatures and humidity can warp your guitar and affect its tone. Store it in a climate-controlled environment, ideally in a case or gig bag, to protect it from dust, moisture, and accidental damage. The number of used guitars I am offered that are covered in paint specs beggars belief, if you are decorating take it out of the room 😊. (Note-For storage, wall hangers are a great way of saving space and displaying your guitars, but they are susceptible to any climate changes in the room and your guitars will need dusting!).

4. Check and Adjust the Neck Relief/Action (“Set Up”) of your Guitar

The neck relief refers to the to the slight forward curve or bow in the neck that allows the strings to vibrate freely without buzzing against the frets. This curvature is essential for proper playability and is typically adjusted using the guitar’s truss rod, a metal rod embedded in the neck.

The “action” refers to the distance between the strings and the fretboard. If the action is too high, playing becomes difficult; too low, and you may hear buzzing. This is adjusted using the bridge adjustments on electric guitars or by sanding the bottom of the bridge saddle on acoustic guitars. Periodically check the neck relief and action and if you know how to adjust using the truss rod and bridge as required.

If you’re unsure, consult a professional. It is getting this set up right that is the difference between a guitar that’s nice to play and one that ends up in a skip. (Look out for a more detailed IMAGMUSINGS on guitar set up in the future).

5. Maintain the Fretboard

The fretboard can dry out over time, especially on wooden guitars. Use a fretboard conditioner or lemon oil once or twice a year to keep it hydrated. Clean the frets with a soft brush or cloth to remove grime buildup. (We have to do this on 10/10 used guitars that we buy along with the string change and set up).

6. Tighten Loose Hardware

Regularly inspect the tuning pegs, strap buttons, and other hardware. Loose parts can cause rattling sounds and instability. Use a screwdriver to gently tighten screws and ensure everything is secure but avoid over-tightening.

7. Polish the Frets

Dirty or corroded frets can affect tone and make bending strings difficult. Use a fret polishing kit or a fine steel wool to clean them, ensuring the fretboard is protected during the process. This can be achieved using machined metal plates that are readily available or masking tape.

8. Adjust the Intonation

Proper intonation ensures your guitar stays in tune across the fretboard. Test it by comparing the 12th-fret harmonic with the 12thfret fretted note. If they don’t match, adjust the bridge saddles until they are in harmony.

9. Protect Your Guitar During Travel

Invest in a sturdy case if you travel frequently with your guitar. The very light canvas gig-bags that come with starter guitar sets are really just dust-covers. Use padding to secure it and prevent shifting inside the case. When flying, loosen the strings slightly to accommodate changes in air pressure.

10. Schedule Regular Professional Checkups

Even with diligent care, a proper setup can make a world of difference. Visit a guitar shop for a tune-up, including action, truss rod adjustments, and overall inspection. You will notice a difference.

By following these maintenance tips, your guitar will not only look and sound great but will also remain in top condition. Treat your guitar with care, and it will reward you with years of enjoyment!