For most guitar enthusiasts, guitars are an investment, and taking care of it properly is important for both maintaining its longevity and enghancing its tone. Proper maintenance is key to ensure that your guitar sounds as good as it did the day you bought it. Unfortunately, many people make mistakes when taking care of their guitar, which can result in costly damages. In this blog post, we will explore some of the top mistakes people make when taking care of their guitar, and how to avoid them.
Mistake 1: Not Keeping It Clean
One of the most common mistakes people make when taking care of their guitars is not cleaning it. When a guitar is not cleaned regularly, it can cause build-up of grime, dirt, and finger oil, which can affect the sound quality of your guitar. To avoid this, use a clean, dry cloth to wipe the strings and frets after every playing session. You can also use a guitar polish solution to help remove dirt and fingerprints from your guitar, while preserving the finish. Also, we highly recommend a String Sling. Not only does it help keep your guitar clean but it transforms into an awesome guitar strap within second amongst so many other cool things it does for your guitar. If you are interested in learning more about the String Sling, click here.
Mistake 2: Not Properly Storing Your Guitar
Many people leave their guitar leaned against a wall or on the couch after playing, without giving much thought to proper storage. If your guitar is not stored properly, it can cause damage and wear down the guitar string, which can impact its sound. To prevent damage, you should invest in a guitar stand, case, or wall mount to properly store it. This will keep the guitar from being knocked over or damaged, while also preventing exposure to harmful elements.
Mistake 3: Changing Strings Infrequently
Guitar strings can put up with a lot of wear and tear, and thus, require changing more often than most people think. Leaving old strings on for months at a time can lead to dull tone and difficult playability. By changing them every few weeks or months, you’ll be able to avoid deducing the life of the guitar and having uneven string wear.
Mistake 4: Exposure to Extreme Temperatures
Guitars can be damaged if exposed to extreme temperatures. High heat can warp the neck, causing string action to become higher, making the guitar harder to play. In contrast, cold temperatures can cause the glue on the fret to loosen up. To avoid this type of damage, do not leave your guitar in your car or anywhere that can get excessively hot or cold.
Mistake 5: Adjusting Truss Rod Without Proper Knowledge
Truss rod adjustment should only be done by somebody who is familiar with guitar mechanics. Attempting it without enough knowledge can cause bigger problems than a slightly warped neck. Before making any adjustments, do thorough research or take it to a professional in order to prevent doing more harm than good.
Taking care of your guitar can seem like a daunting task, but it is necessary to keep it sounding as good as possible. By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll not only keep your guitar safe and secure, but also preserve the tone that you fell in love with. Remember, if you’re unsure about the proper procedure for maintaining or repairing your guitar, bring it to a professional or do thorough research before taking any action. Happy playing!
