Introduction
There is a significant amount of thought and decision making required when it comes to purchasing an acoustic guitar. Deciding on criteria and specs that match your preference can be a daunting task. When you finally do settle on that perfect mahogany, single-cutaway acoustic-electric, with the pearl dot inlays resting beautifully amongst a rosewood fretboard, it’s important to take care of that guitar to the best of your ability in order to get the most out of it. This Acoustic Guitar Care Guide will cover all the essentials of guitar maintenance, from proper humidity control to exactly what type of oil you want to use on a rosewood fretboard, (spoiler alert: it’s Lemon). Just by coming to this page you’ve already taken a step in the right direction.
Humidifiers
Dry conditions can lead to guitar damage, but the good news is that this can be easily prevented. With a guitar humidifier you can protect your instrument and ensure quality for years to come. It is essential to keep a suitable moisture level in order to prevent adverse effects such as string buzzing, protruding fret ends, cracking, top-sinking and other damages to your guitar. Planet Waves Humidipak is the ideal option due to its ability to provide two-way humidity control, meaning it can either release or absorb moisture to consistently maintain a predetermined relative humidity (RH) level of 45-50%. Patented technology features disposable, moisture-filled packets with a breathable membrane making it simple to maintain your instrument and ensure proper moisture-levels.
Planet Waves Humidipak Humidity Control System
Music Nomad MN305 The Humireader
Music Nomad The Humitar Acoustic Guitar Humidifier
Kyser SKLHA Lifeguard Acoustic Guitar Humidifier
Martin 18AHG Guitar Humidifier
Polish
One of the easiest ways to maintain and improve your guitars appearance and health is to give it a thorough cleaning. The more you play, the more frequent you should clean and polish your guitar to relieve it of any dirt, grease, or grime that may have accumulated over time. Make sure to choose the proper polish depending on the make and finish of your guitar, for example Martin and Gibson guitars are treated to several coats of a high-quality nitrocellulose lacquer, so using each brands respective cleaner for maintenance would be your best bet. One thing to remember when applying polish, the more you put on, the more you must take off. A little goes a long way.
Dunlop 6516 Formula 65 Guitar Polish and Cleaner
Gibson Pump Polish for Nitro and all Finishes
Martin 18A0073 Guitar Polish and Cleaner 6oz
Music Nomad Guitar One All in 1 Cleaner
Dunlop 6500 System 65 Guitar Maintenance Kit
Polish Cloth
One of the best things you can do for your guitar is to take a cloth and run it over your guitar after each time you play it. Sweat and oils can cause a finish to deteriorate, especially where you rest your arm; because of this, anywhere your body touches you should wipe down. A polishing cloth is inexpensive and essential to proper guitar care, always be sure to use a clean cloth to avoid scratching your instrument.
Ernie Ball 4220 Polishing Cloth
Fender Factory Microfiber Polish Cloth
Music Nomad Microfiber Suede Polishing Cloth
Gibson Polish Cloth for Nitro and all Finishes
Fingerboard Care
Lemon Oil and fingerboard conditioners are bare essentials when it comes to maintaining rosewood fingerboards. Put simply, if the wood gets too dry it will crack, lemon oil adds moisture in order to prevent that from happening. A little goes a long way with this product, dab a thin coating over the fretboard and wipe away any gunk with a clean polish cloth and enjoy a clean, good looking neck.
Dunlop 6554 Fretboard 65 Ultimate Lemon Oil
Music Nomad F-ONE Fretboard Cleaner and Conditioner Oil
Dunlop 6502 Guitar Fingerboard Care Kit
String Cleaner
Don’t let rough strings deter your sound. A good string cleaner can help remove crud, grime and dirt from your strings; increasing longevity and playability. Guitar players use lots of movements – slides, bends, pull-offs and much more; all of which leave behind residue that will eventually lead to oxidation and rust. Running a string cleaner over your strings after playing extends the strength and tone of your strings significantly more than an untreated set. Longer lasting strings means less time re-stringing your guitar, and more time playing it.
GHS A87 Fast Fret
Chem-Pak TONE Fingerease Guitar String Lubricant
Dunlop 6582 Ultraglide 65 String Conditioner
Music Nomad MN109 String Fuel
Maintenance
As you’ve probably learned by now, guitar care is an incredibly important aspect when it comes to proper maintenance and upkeep for your instrument. When caring for your guitar, it’s just as important to do it in the right environment. With the proper workstation, headstand or maintenance table you can safely work on your instrument without risking accidental damage or mishaps. A padded mat or headstand is certain to keep your guitar securely in place as you clean, restring and care for it. Pair a well-built work station with CruzTools tech kit which includes all of the tools necessary to properly care for your instrument, as well as both a manual and electronic drill winder.
Grundorf GMT003B Portable Guitar Maintenance Table Carpet CruzTools MusicNomad Guitar Care Kit
Ernie Ball 4114 Musician's Tool Kit
Music Nomad MN207 Premium Instrument Work Mat and Cradle Cube
Dunlop NC65 Maintenance Station Neck Cradle
Planet Waves Headstand String Changing Stand