At Colemans Music in Melbourne's CBD, we understand the importance of keeping your guitar in top condition. Regular maintenance not only extends its lifespan but also ensures it always sounds its best. With these simple steps, you’ll keep your instrument looking and playing like new. Here are the essentials every guitarist needs to know, brought to you by our expert team.
1. Clean Your Strings Regularly
Strings collect dirt, sweat, and oils from your hands, which can dull your tone and shorten string life. After every playing session, wipe down your strings with a microfiber cloth to remove debris. For a deeper clean, use a string cleaner to keep them fresh and bright.
Tip: If your strings start to feel sticky or sound dull, it’s time for a change.
2. Change Strings Periodically
Old strings lose their tone and can even damage your fretboard over time. Here’s a rough guideline for string changes:
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Casual players: Every 3-6 months.
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Frequent players: Every 1-3 months.
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Performers: Before every major gig.
When replacing strings, stretch them gently as you tune up to help them settle in and stay in tune longer.
3. Clean the Fretboard
Dirt and grime can build up on the fretboard over time, especially on unfinished wood like rosewood or ebony. Use a soft brush or fretboard cleaner to gently remove buildup.
Steps to Clean Your Fretboard:
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Remove the strings.
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Use a fretboard conditioner or lemon oil (for unfinished fretboards) sparingly to hydrate the wood.
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Wipe off any excess oil with a clean cloth.
Caution: Avoid using lemon oil on maple fretboards, as it can damage the finish.
4. Check and Adjust the Action
Action refers to the height of the strings above the fretboard. If your guitar feels hard to play or buzzes excessively, the action may need adjustment.
How to Check Action:
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Press down on the first and last frets of each string.
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Observe the gap between the string and frets around the 8th fret. A small, consistent gap is ideal.
Adjusting the action usually involves tweaking the truss rod or bridge saddles. If you’re not confident doing this yourself, bring it to Colemans Music in Melbourne's CBD for professional assistance.
5. Keep Your Guitar Tuned and Intonated
Proper intonation ensures that your guitar sounds in tune all the way up the neck. If chords sound off as you play higher frets, your intonation may need adjustment.
How to Adjust Intonation:
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Compare the pitch of an open string to its 12th-fret harmonic.
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Adjust the saddle position until the two pitches match.
Regular tuning is also essential. Use a quality tuner, available at Colemans Music, to ensure accuracy and stability.
6. Protect Your Guitar’s Finish
The finish on your guitar doesn’t just look good—it protects the wood underneath. Dust, sweat, and fingerprints can dull the finish over time. Here’s how to keep it looking its best:
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Use a soft, lint-free cloth to wipe down the body after playing.
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Apply a guitar polish or cleaner designed for your guitar’s finish (e.g., nitrocellulose or polyurethane).
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Avoid household cleaners, which can damage the finish.
7. Humidity and Temperature Control
Guitars are sensitive to changes in temperature and humidity, which can cause the wood to expand or contract. To prevent warping or cracks:
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Store your guitar in a case when not in use.
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Use a humidifier if you live in a dry climate.
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Avoid exposing your guitar to extreme heat, cold, or direct sunlight.
Ideal conditions: 40-60% humidity at room temperature.
8. Tighten Hardware
Loose hardware can affect your guitar’s performance and stability. Regularly check and tighten:
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Tuning pegs
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Strap buttons
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Bridge screws
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Pickup height screws
Tip: Don’t overtighten, as this can strip screws or damage the wood.
9. Check Your Electronics
For electric guitars, ensure the pickups, knobs, and switches are functioning properly. If you notice crackling sounds or inconsistent output, it may be time to:
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Clean the input jack and pots with a contact cleaner.
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Replace worn-out cables.
If problems persist, visit our Melbourne CBD store for expert repairs and advice.
10. Store Your Guitar Safely
Proper storage prevents accidents and keeps your guitar in great condition. Here’s how to store it:
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Use a guitar stand or wall hanger to prevent tipping.
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Keep it in a hard case for long-term storage or travel.
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Avoid leaning it against walls, which can cause warping over time.
Regular maintenance is key to getting the best performance and longevity from your guitar. By following these simple steps, you’ll enjoy a consistently great playing experience and preserve your instrument for years to come.
Visit Colemans Music in Melbourne’s CBD for All Your Guitar Maintenance Needs
Looking for the best products to care for your guitar? Visit Colemans Music in Melbourne's CBD for a curated selection of strings, cleaners, humidifiers, and more. Our expert staff is here to provide personalized advice and premium products to help you keep your instrument in top shape.
Why Buy From Colemans Music?
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Conveniently located in Melbourne's CBD for in-store support and advice.
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Trusted by Melbourne’s guitar community for years.
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Stocking premium brands you can rely on.
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Expert advice and personalized service.
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Convenient online shopping and fast delivery.
