Most, if not all, instruments made of wood (Guitar, Bass, Banjo, Mandolin, etc.) will require various adjustments throughout their lives to remain at their playing best and, in turn, keep you at your playing best. Whether you spend $100 or $1000 on an instrument, it will still require maintenance. Wooden instruments should be adjusted twice a year (especially in our area with the turn of the seasons and temperatures). Usually the best time to have your guitar adjusted is at the end of spring (May or early June) and then again in late fall (late October or November). These are the two times of the year in which temperature and humidity levels change quickly and dramatically.
The following is a list of items that generally need attention every so often:
For electric guitar, the rotary controls and switches will need to be cleaned and lubricated. These adjustments and maintenance requirements usually cost between $35 and $65. If you enjoy playing and care about your instrument and its playability, these charges will be money well spent and the improved playability will give you and your instrument a lifetime of enjoyment together.
Caring for your guitar is not “rocket science”, but keeping these few tips in mind can help prolong the instrument’s life and keep it in good playing condition.
Just as extreme temperatures and drastic humidity changes make people uncomfortable, the same holds true for guitars and all wooden instruments.
Perry’s rule of thumb:
If you are uncomfortable, chances are your guitar is uncomfortable too! (Extreme temperatures and humidity are your guitar’s worst enemy!)
If your instrument should develop a problem or become hard to play, don’t fret, the expert guitar technicians at Perry’s Music can repair most any problem.