Sunday, February 19, 2012

Proper Care Advice For Used Guitars

By Lance Sermons


You can find a myriad of reasons for why guitarists buy used guitars. But whether you've bought one for your beginner instrument or as a valuable collection, you've got to do occasional maintenance and cleaning routine to keep it in good condition and sound.

Used guitars, particularly the vintage ones from premier brands or those that were once played by well-known music artists and guitarists are usuallyy considered an investment. A particular guitar model that's no longer produced or those on limited production models may become rare as they age, such instruments may be worth many folds than their original price. These high value instruments can still look and sound good with good care and maintenance.

Since guitar consists of a couple of vital components which happen to be usually constructed from metal and wood materials, each one should be cleaned differently by using appropriate cleaning agents. Listed below are some tips about the proper care and upkeep of your priceless stringed instrument.

1. Body
The perfect time to clean up your guitar is when you're changing the guitar strings. Without the presence of strings, now you can polish the body of the instrument from the inside out. Cleansing the interior part from dust balls can be performed using a vacuum cleaner. This lets you clean the entire inner portion of the body. Clean the outside part with a damp cloth and follow it up with a dry cloth. The dust on not easy to reach areas are better blown off by an air compressor or by an aerosol air duster can.

2. Fingerboard
Lemon oil or mineral oil may be used to treat a dry fingerboard. But you can find commercially formulated oils made particularly for guitar fingerboards. Work with an oiled cotton cloth and spread it on the fingerboard, then wipe off excess oil after 5 minutes with a clean, dry cotton cloth. Wipe it in a circular motion. It's always best to try this once in six months.

Do not forget that oiling is no longer necessary if your guitar is painted or coated with a clear finish.

Protect the finish and give a brand new look to your instrument by utilizing a polish. Use polishing agents specifically intended for guitars and adhere to the manufacturer's recommended instructions correctly. Work with a different clean, dry cotton cloth to polish and never utilize the same cloth used to clean it.

3. Strings
Finally, make everything fresh on your own guitar by sporting a brand new pair of strings. Tune it and you'll be happy to play it again.

With good care and storage, used guitars could be more valuable as time passes.




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