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A guitar requires very little attention,and most instruments will give many years of enjoyment trouble free, if the following advice is observed. All types of guitars, Classical (nylon strung), Acoustic and Electric (steel strung), are usually constructed of wood and are therefore affected by changes in temperature and humidity. A very dry room (low humidity) caused by central heating and gas or electric fires can cause the wood to dry out and crack. A cold, damp room (high humidity) can cause the wood to swell by the absorbtion of too much moisture. NEVER PLAY OR LEAVE A GUITAR IN FRONT OF ANY HEATER OR RADIATOR OR IN STRONG SUNLIGHT IN A ROOM OR CAR.
PLAYING.
Most guitars have a resiliant finish requiring little attention. However certain precautions should be taken when playing the guitar to avoid damage to the finish. Many scratches are caused by buttons and belt buckles. On some guitars the finish can be affected by perspiration from the arms. This is usually more applicable to classical guitars, especially if the instrument is french polished.
CLEANING
A wipe over with a slightly damp chamois leather and a final polish with a lint free cloth is recommended. In addition to this, an occasional clean with a suitable guitar polish is advisable.
STRINGS.
All guitars require regular string changes. How often depends on the player and how much the instrument is played. The tone of the strings is affected by perspiration from the hands. The strings will eventually lose tone and brightness and become more difficult to keep in tune. NEVER REMOVE ALL THE STRINGS FROM THE GUITAR AT ONCE. Replace each string individually and tune up to the correct pitch. Make sure to attach each string in the correct manner. ALWAYS USE THE CORRECT TYPE OF STRINGS FOR THE PARTICULAR INSTRUMENT. DO NOT FIT STEEL STRINGS TO A CLASSICAL GUITAR. THE HIGHER TENSION STRINGS WILL CAUSE DAMAGE TO THE BRIDGE AND DISTORT THE NECK. All new strings will stretch after fitting. This will cause the instrument to go out of tune and also lose pitch. This is especially applicable to nylon strings. This will stabilise once the strings settle.
CASES.
Many types of cases are available. A soft cover gives only minimum protection from knocks. A strong, good quality, fitted case is highly recommended.
DAMAGE.
If an instrument gets damaged slacken all of the strings and take the instrument as soon as possible to a reputable dealer or a qualified guitar maker. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO REPAIR THE INSTRUMENT YOURSELF. Any repair to a guitar is a highly specialised procedure.
Blackburn Guitar Studio
82 Queen Street
Great Harwood, Lancashire
Tel (01254) 889555
e mail: jackwilkinson@lineone.net
www.guitarsclassical.net
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