Music
Taking Care of Your Classical Electric Guitar
By Deen Jonse
Jan 19, 2007 - 6:18:06 AM

Guitars normally require very little maintenance. However, a little care in handling and storage will protect your investment for many years to come.

• Guitars normally require very little maintenance. However, a little care in handling and storage will protect your investment for many years to come.

• Never expose your guitar to high temperature and humidity. For example, don't leave your guitar in a hot car or in direct sunlight. Typical heat damage consists of warped soundboards and unglued (detached) bridges.

• Never lean the guitar on furniture or the wall. The guitar is unstable (the lower bout is round) and can easily fall and be damaged. Always store your guitar in a case or on a guitar stand.

• Wash your hands before playing. Dirt and oil will clog and corrode the strings and diminish considerably the sound and life of your strings. To provide best protection use a guitar cover in order to avoid dirt and scratches.

• Handle the guitar only by the neck. Squeezing the top and body will damage the delicate soundboard bracing.

• Wipe your guitar off with a soft cotton or mircofiber cloth after playing. Clean and polish your guitar occasionally with a light polish. Do not use heavy paste waxes as they eventually build up into a thick, vibration muffling coating.