Guitar Care
Electric Guitar Care and Maintenance
A well maintained guitar will provide a lifetime of musical enjoyment. Electric guitars are sensitive to the environment, so it is important to make sure the instrument is periodically checked, usually whenever the seasons change. This is when humidity and weather changes occur and a musical instrument is most sensitive to these conditions. Never let your instrument linger for too long without your attention—a neglected guitar can experience many issues that can easily be fixed if noticed early.
Cleaning
Keeping your instrument clean is important—and it will always impress your friends! All music stores sell a variety of cleaning products specifically designed for guitars, along with lint-free polishing rags. If you clean and polish your instrument regularly, it will always look as good as new!
Fingerboards also need a little TLC occasionally. Clean your fingerboard with steel wool or a damp washcloth. We recommend using lemon oil periodically whenever strings are completely changed. This ensures that your fingerboard does not dry out or crack over time, and it will keep it looking its best!
Periodically wipe down your guitar hardware as well—sweat and humidity can cause oxidation over time, which may tarnish hardware. This is especially important for gold-plated hardware, as it is more susceptible to oxidation. In humid environments, this activity is crucial.
Humidity
Humidity—or lack thereof—can be any musical instrument's biggest enemy. It is important to regulate as best you can the relative humidity around the instrument. 45%-55% relative humidity is optimal. Products are available at music stores to help regulate humidity, and they are easy to use. Never store the instrument by an outside wall, window, or heating/AC vent.
If an instrument becomes too dry, the guitar may experience neck shrinkage and sharp frets along the neck. Problems like these are beyond a manufacturer’s control and are not considered warranty issues.
Do not store the guitar near temperature extremes or in direct sunlight. If kept in very hot or cold environments, store it in a case and allow it to acclimate to normal temperatures before opening.
Strings
Guitar strings should be changed frequently—at least four times a year. They become dirty and corrode over time, losing their ability to maintain proper tuning. Always be proactive with string changes.
Washburn ships with light-gauge D’Addario strings, though most acoustic instruments can accept any standard gauge. Changing string gauges may require a professional setup to compensate for different string tension.
When restringing, change one string at a time to maintain tension. Never tune higher than standard pitch—over-tensioning can damage the neck or bridge.
Fret Buzz
Fret buzz may occur due to strings or humidity conditions. It is usually caused by old strings or a backward bow in the neck. Adjustments can be made via a 2-way truss rod, but this should be performed by an experienced guitarist or technician.
String Action Adjustment
String action is the distance between the strings and the frets. This is often personal preference. Action can be adjusted via the saddles or the nut height. The truss rod is not used for this adjustment.
Electronics
Over time, guitar knobs (pots) can get dusty, causing a scratchy sound. Electric contact cleaner helps fix this. Check that the output jack and nut are secure, and ensure periodic professional setup checks.
Quick Tips!
- Have your instrument professionally set up at a music store at least four times a year.
- Be proactive with string changes.
- Never drop your instrument.
- Play it! Regular play helps catch issues early.
Acoustic Guitar Care and Maintenance
A well maintained guitar will provide a lifetime of musical enjoyment. Acoustic guitars are sensitive to the environment, so periodic checks are important, especially when seasons change.
Cleaning
Keep your instrument clean. Use guitar-specific cleaning products and lint-free rags. Clean the fingerboard with steel wool or a damp cloth, and apply lemon oil occasionally. Wipe down hardware to prevent tarnishing.
Humidity
Humidity is critical for acoustic guitars. Maintain 45%-55% relative humidity. Use a case humidifier and avoid storing near walls, windows, or vents.
Strings
Change strings frequently. Adjust string gauge carefully, and restring one at a time. Avoid over-tensioning.
Fret Buzz
Fret buzz may occur due to strings or neck issues. Adjust with a truss rod carefully, ideally by a professional.
String Action Adjustment
Adjust string action at the saddle or nut. Truss rod is not used for this.
Quick Tips!
- Have your instrument professionally set up at least four times a year.
- Be proactive with string changes.
- Never drop your instrument.
- Play it! Regular playing helps prevent issues.
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