Caring for your instrument is very important. With the right care and the right environment, work and repairs can be kept to a minimum. Here are a few easy steps we here at Geddy's Guitars suggest you should take to ensure your instrument will last and help prevent future repairs from being required.

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1. Do not store your instrument in direct sunlight. This can cause yellowing in the finish.

2. Do not store your instrument in the wrong or dangerous temperatures. Extreme and fluctuating temperatures can affect the wood and cause several issues like cracks and warps. It is recommended to keep your instruments at around 70°F (~21°C).

3. Do not store your instrument somewhere that is too humid, dry, or where humidity fluctuates. Humidity can also affect the wood similar to how temperature does. If you are storing an acoustic instrument there are options for sound hole humidifiers if you want to take extra steps to ensure your instrument's life.

4. Make sure to store your instrument safely. If you are storing it standing upright, make sure it is in a place where it won't be easily knocked over. If it is stored in a case, maybe use a hard shell case instead of a gig bag.

5. Various stands and hangers use different materials that may affect your finish. When using one with felt, it may leave imprints on your instrument, and some of the rubber grips on stands might react with the finish of your instrument. Check for your instrument's compatibility.

6. Clean your guitar regularly, and especially before storing. When playing, dead skin and oils from your hands get on the strings and instrument. This can cause corroding of the metal parts if stored, and will build up on the fretboard over time. Use a microfiber cloth and wipe down the fingerboard and strings after playing, and all the metal parts before storing.

7. Remember to change your strings. There is no set amount of time that you need to change your in. If you play more often, you will need to change them more often. When strings start to lose their resonance or start to corrode or rust, it's time to change your strings. Old strings often don't stay in tune or sound as good.

8. Don't believe everything you read online. The internet is a great resource to find information, but not all information on it is accurate or complete. There are many different and often conflicting opinions about instrument care, if you have questions reach out to a trusted professional who can answer directly.

 

As a general rule, if you think it can affect your instrument negatively, then it probably can. Be careful with your instrument, it is an extension of yourself and an outlet for your creativity. If you have any questions regarding care or anything else, please reach out to us or another trusted professional.