Guitar Care and Repair | Acoustic Guitar https://acousticguitar.com lessons, music to play, and how-tos for all guitarists Tue, 26 Aug 2025 21:24:03 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://i0.wp.com/acousticguitar.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/AG_Favicon.png?fit=32%2C32&ssl=1 Guitar Care and Repair | Acoustic Guitar https://acousticguitar.com 32 32 103806923 Why You Don’t Need to Worry About Removing All Your Guitar’s Strings at Once https://acousticguitar.com/why-you-dont-need-to-worry-about-removing-all-your-guitars-strings-at-once/ https://acousticguitar.com/why-you-dont-need-to-worry-about-removing-all-your-guitars-strings-at-once/#comments Wed, 27 Aug 2025 13:00:00 +0000 https://acousticguitar.com/?p=148206 loose guitar strings on soundboard with bridge pins pulled from bridge Never fear. Slacking all the strings at once is something every guitar technician needs to do every day.]]> https://acousticguitar.com/why-you-dont-need-to-worry-about-removing-all-your-guitars-strings-at-once/feed/ 4 148206 Ask the Expert: Which Guitar Polishing Products to Use—and Which to Avoid https://acousticguitar.com/which-guitar-polishing-products-to-useand-which-to-avoid/ https://acousticguitar.com/which-guitar-polishing-products-to-useand-which-to-avoid/#comments Sun, 18 May 2025 13:00:00 +0000 https://acousticguitar.com/?p=147750 Photo: Bill Evans I recently purchased a Martin DX Johnny Cash, which is made of laminated material. What are my options for cleaning the body, neck, and fretboard?]]> https://acousticguitar.com/which-guitar-polishing-products-to-useand-which-to-avoid/feed/ 1 147750 How to Choose the Right Repairperson for Your Guitar https://acousticguitar.com/how-to-choose-to-the-right-repairperson-for-your-guitar/ https://acousticguitar.com/how-to-choose-to-the-right-repairperson-for-your-guitar/#respond Fri, 11 Apr 2025 13:00:00 +0000 https://acousticguitar.com/?p=147272 An acoustic guitar rests on a workbench. Photo: Jonny swales Not every shop is suited for every job, and that is perfectly fine and reasonable.Take the time to find the right fit for you and your guitar—you’ll be glad you did.]]> https://acousticguitar.com/how-to-choose-to-the-right-repairperson-for-your-guitar/feed/ 0 147272 Why Your Guitar Won’t Play Perfectly in Tune—and Why That’s OK https://acousticguitar.com/why-your-guitar-wont-play-perfectly-in-tune-and-why-thats-ok/ https://acousticguitar.com/why-your-guitar-wont-play-perfectly-in-tune-and-why-thats-ok/#comments Sun, 12 Jan 2025 14:00:00 +0000 https://acousticguitar.com/?p=146230 close up of a hand tuning an acoustic guitar It’s time to face the elephant in the room: there is a compromise built into the tuning of every fretted instrument.]]> https://acousticguitar.com/why-your-guitar-wont-play-perfectly-in-tune-and-why-thats-ok/feed/ 9 146230 Ask the Expert: Flying with Your Guitar https://acousticguitar.com/ask-the-expert-flying-with-your-guitar/ https://acousticguitar.com/ask-the-expert-flying-with-your-guitar/#respond Fri, 06 Dec 2024 14:00:00 +0000 https://acousticguitar.com/?p=146581 Measuring a a guitar case with a tape measure, with suitcase in background. When flying with guitars, it’s important to think outside the case. Even with careful preparation, there are many potential dangers that lurk throughout the process.]]> https://acousticguitar.com/ask-the-expert-flying-with-your-guitar/feed/ 0 146581 Ask the Expert: What’s the Best Way to Maintain My Guitar’s Fretboard? https://acousticguitar.com/ask-the-expert-whats-the-best-way-to-maintain-my-guitars-fretboard/ https://acousticguitar.com/ask-the-expert-whats-the-best-way-to-maintain-my-guitars-fretboard/#respond Fri, 15 Nov 2024 14:00:00 +0000 https://acousticguitar.com/?p=145736 close up of a guitar fretboard Products designed to improve the look and feel of your fretboard are plentiful, but some can lead to unintended problems.]]> https://acousticguitar.com/ask-the-expert-whats-the-best-way-to-maintain-my-guitars-fretboard/feed/ 0 145736 Ask the Expert: Modifying a Standard Flattop for Lap-Style Playing https://acousticguitar.com/ask-the-expert-modifying-a-standard-flattop-for-lap-style-playing/ https://acousticguitar.com/ask-the-expert-modifying-a-standard-flattop-for-lap-style-playing/#comments Wed, 02 Oct 2024 13:00:00 +0000 https://acousticguitar.com/?p=145180 acoustic guitar with steel slide I'm thinking about converting an instrument for lap-style playing. Will I be putting the guitar at risk if I raise the nut and saddle high enough to play it with a bar?]]> https://acousticguitar.com/ask-the-expert-modifying-a-standard-flattop-for-lap-style-playing/feed/ 4 145180 A Primer on DIY Finish Touchup for Acoustic Guitar Repairs https://acousticguitar.com/a-primer-on-diy-finish-touchup-for-acoustic-guitar-repairs/ https://acousticguitar.com/a-primer-on-diy-finish-touchup-for-acoustic-guitar-repairs/#respond Wed, 24 Jul 2024 14:00:00 +0000 https://acousticguitar.com/?p=144664 Testing a finish product on a piece of scrap wood before applying it to your guitar can help avoid pitfalls. Photo: Ono Kosuki How can you determine what type of finish was originally used? And how can you best match it to complete the repair?]]> https://acousticguitar.com/a-primer-on-diy-finish-touchup-for-acoustic-guitar-repairs/feed/ 0 144664 All About Nylon Strings and Modern Steel Sets https://acousticguitar.com/all-about-nylon-strings-and-modern-steel-sets/ https://acousticguitar.com/all-about-nylon-strings-and-modern-steel-sets/#respond Wed, 26 Jun 2024 13:00:00 +0000 https://acousticguitar.com/?p=144549 Nylon guitar strings Finding the right match between string and guitar can have a very rewarding result.]]> https://acousticguitar.com/all-about-nylon-strings-and-modern-steel-sets/feed/ 0 144549 Where to Place a Strap Button, Bolt-on vs. Dovetail Neck Joints, and More Guitar Advice from Luthier Frank Ford https://acousticguitar.com/where-to-place-a-strap-button-bolt-on-vs-dovetail-neck-joints-and-more-guitar-advice-from-luthier-frank-ford/ https://acousticguitar.com/where-to-place-a-strap-button-bolt-on-vs-dovetail-neck-joints-and-more-guitar-advice-from-luthier-frank-ford/#respond Fri, 10 May 2024 13:00:00 +0000 https://acousticguitar.com/?p=143864 Frank Ford repairing guitar neck Ford contributed many articles in the early to mid-2000s, and here is a sampling of the sage advice he offered.]]> https://acousticguitar.com/where-to-place-a-strap-button-bolt-on-vs-dovetail-neck-joints-and-more-guitar-advice-from-luthier-frank-ford/feed/ 0 143864 Are Some Guitars Better Suited for Certain Climates? https://acousticguitar.com/are-certain-guitars-better-suited-for-certain-climates/ https://acousticguitar.com/are-certain-guitars-better-suited-for-certain-climates/#comments Sun, 04 Feb 2024 14:00:00 +0000 https://acousticguitar.com/?p=143355 Close-up photo of an acoustic guitar’s interior kerfing With proactive maintenance, your guitar should be able to work for you in whatever climate you call home.]]> https://acousticguitar.com/are-certain-guitars-better-suited-for-certain-climates/feed/ 3 143355 13 Easy Ways to Troubleshoot Your Ax https://acousticguitar.com/13-easy-ways-to-troubleshoot-your-ax/ Fri, 12 Jan 2024 15:17:08 +0000 https://acousticguitar.com/?p=119227 13 Easy Ways to Troubleshoot Your Ax Sometimes it’s the little things that keep you from enjoying your guitar. Here are 13 common problems and their typical solutions.]]> 119227 How to Clean a Guitar Fretboard the Proper—and Safe—Way https://acousticguitar.com/how-to-clean-a-guitar-fretboard-the-proper-and-safe-way/ https://acousticguitar.com/how-to-clean-a-guitar-fretboard-the-proper-and-safe-way/#comments Sun, 26 Nov 2023 14:00:00 +0000 https://acousticguitar.com/?p=142516 a toothbrush being used to clean a guitar fretboard Cleaning and maintaining your fretboard can be fun and satisfying. Here are some expert tips on how to do the job the right way.]]> https://acousticguitar.com/how-to-clean-a-guitar-fretboard-the-proper-and-safe-way/feed/ 11 142516 How to Set Up a Single Guitar for Use in Multiple Tunings https://acousticguitar.com/how-to-set-up-a-single-guitar-for-use-in-multiple-tunings/ https://acousticguitar.com/how-to-set-up-a-single-guitar-for-use-in-multiple-tunings/#comments Sun, 01 Oct 2023 13:00:00 +0000 https://acousticguitar.com/?p=141815 closeup of a guitarist turning the tuning pegs on an acoustic guitar headstock. When setting up a guitar for a player who uses many alternate tunings, I take a slightly different approach from the usual setup job.]]> https://acousticguitar.com/how-to-set-up-a-single-guitar-for-use-in-multiple-tunings/feed/ 2 141815 Should You Repair the Crumbling Celluloid Binding on a Vintage Guitar? https://acousticguitar.com/should-you-repair-the-crumbling-celluloid-binding-on-a-vintage-guitar/ https://acousticguitar.com/should-you-repair-the-crumbling-celluloid-binding-on-a-vintage-guitar/#comments Fri, 18 Aug 2023 13:00:00 +0000 https://acousticguitar.com/?p=141045 old Gibson guitar binding Binding replacements on vintage guitars are becoming increasingly common as more and more old celluloid turns to dust]]> https://acousticguitar.com/should-you-repair-the-crumbling-celluloid-binding-on-a-vintage-guitar/feed/ 1 141045 Ask the Expert: Is it Possible to Improve a Guitar’s Tone by Changing Tuners? https://acousticguitar.com/ask-the-expert-is-it-possible-to-improve-a-guitars-tone-by-changing-tuners/ Sun, 23 Jul 2023 13:00:00 +0000 https://acousticguitar.com/?p=138666 closeup of a guitar headstock with a c-clamp attached to it Considering the physics of sound in stringed instruments, let's explore the impact that tuners can have on the tone of an acoustic guitar.]]> 138666 How to Keep Acoustic Guitar Tuners Moving Smoothly https://acousticguitar.com/how-to-keep-acoustic-guitar-tuners-moving-smoothly/ https://acousticguitar.com/how-to-keep-acoustic-guitar-tuners-moving-smoothly/#respond Thu, 08 Jun 2023 21:08:00 +0000 https://acousticguitar.com/?p=125761 closeup of open back tuners on an acoustic guitar headstock Here's how to keep the tuning components on your acoustic guitar moving smoothly, from cleaning to proper lubricant selection for both modern and vintage guitars.]]> https://acousticguitar.com/how-to-keep-acoustic-guitar-tuners-moving-smoothly/feed/ 0 125761 How Guitar Strings Age—and How to Know When to Change Them https://acousticguitar.com/how-guitar-strings-age-and-how-to-know-when-to-change-them/ https://acousticguitar.com/how-guitar-strings-age-and-how-to-know-when-to-change-them/#comments Thu, 25 May 2023 15:02:00 +0000 https://acousticguitar.com/?p=135592 Guitar string winder in use When to change strings is an age-old question with no clear answer, and one that I still field regularly from repair clients.]]> https://acousticguitar.com/how-guitar-strings-age-and-how-to-know-when-to-change-them/feed/ 4 135592 Do Pickguards Impact Guitar Tone? https://acousticguitar.com/do-pickguards-impact-guitar-tone/ https://acousticguitar.com/do-pickguards-impact-guitar-tone/#comments Thu, 18 May 2023 13:00:00 +0000 https://acousticguitar.com/?p=137965 acoustic guitar body Whether or not pickguards affect guitar tone is an interesting topic, and opinions vary in the field of guitar makers.]]> https://acousticguitar.com/do-pickguards-impact-guitar-tone/feed/ 3 137965 How Plugging the Soundhole Affects an Acoustic Guitar’s Sound  https://acousticguitar.com/how-plugging-the-soundhole-affects-an-acoustic-guitars-sound/ https://acousticguitar.com/how-plugging-the-soundhole-affects-an-acoustic-guitars-sound/#respond Thu, 04 May 2023 16:33:00 +0000 https://acousticguitar.com/?p=132657 Acoustic guitar with a rubber soundhole plug Using a rubber soundhole plug is a go-to move for reducing feedback when plugging in an acoustic guitar. But what effect does it have on tone?]]> https://acousticguitar.com/how-plugging-the-soundhole-affects-an-acoustic-guitars-sound/feed/ 0 132657 How to Deal with Bulging Soundboards and Moldy Cases https://acousticguitar.com/how-to-deal-with-bulging-soundboards-and-moldy-cases-plus-do-pickguards-impact-guitar-tone/ https://acousticguitar.com/how-to-deal-with-bulging-soundboards-and-moldy-cases-plus-do-pickguards-impact-guitar-tone/#respond Wed, 19 Apr 2023 13:00:00 +0000 https://acousticguitar.com/?p=134938 open guitar case showing mold and mildew on the plush interior AG's repair expert weighs in on a common playability issue and the only sure way to cure the moldy case blues]]> https://acousticguitar.com/how-to-deal-with-bulging-soundboards-and-moldy-cases-plus-do-pickguards-impact-guitar-tone/feed/ 0 134938 Ask the Expert: How To Diagnose and Eliminate Common Nut Problems https://acousticguitar.com/ask-the-expert-how-to-diagnose-and-eliminate-common-nut-problems/ https://acousticguitar.com/ask-the-expert-how-to-diagnose-and-eliminate-common-nut-problems/#respond Thu, 13 Apr 2023 17:31:00 +0000 https://acousticguitar.com/?p=112647 closeup of an acoustic guitar's nut Here's a guide to understanding the acoustic guitar nut, a critical area where a few thousandths of an inch can make a big difference in intonation and tuning stability]]> https://acousticguitar.com/ask-the-expert-how-to-diagnose-and-eliminate-common-nut-problems/feed/ 0 112647 Ask the Expert: The Delicate Art of Fretwork—and Why It’s Best Left to a Professional https://acousticguitar.com/ask-the-expert-the-delicate-art-of-fretwork-and-why-its-best-left-to-a-professional/ https://acousticguitar.com/ask-the-expert-the-delicate-art-of-fretwork-and-why-its-best-left-to-a-professional/#respond Thu, 06 Apr 2023 20:44:00 +0000 https://acousticguitar.com/?p=122420 closeup of a scalloped guitar fretboard with worn frets Whether building an instrument from scratch, restoring a collector’s item, or setting up a brand-new guitar, it’s likely that some amount of fretwork will be required.]]> https://acousticguitar.com/ask-the-expert-the-delicate-art-of-fretwork-and-why-its-best-left-to-a-professional/feed/ 0 122420 Ask the Expert: Can I Use Medium Strings on My Prewar Martin? https://acousticguitar.com/ask-the-expert-can-i-use-medium-strings-on-my-prewar-martin/ https://acousticguitar.com/ask-the-expert-can-i-use-medium-strings-on-my-prewar-martin/#respond Thu, 23 Mar 2023 15:54:00 +0000 https://acousticguitar.com/?p=111757 1936 Martin D-18 acoustic guitar Will using medium strings on a 1936 Martin D-18 put too much pressure on the the instrument over time? Ask the Expert.]]> https://acousticguitar.com/ask-the-expert-can-i-use-medium-strings-on-my-prewar-martin/feed/ 0 111757 How to Take Care of Your Guitar in a Very Humid Environment https://acousticguitar.com/how-to-take-care-of-your-guitar-in-a-very-humid-environment/ https://acousticguitar.com/how-to-take-care-of-your-guitar-in-a-very-humid-environment/#respond Thu, 16 Mar 2023 16:45:00 +0000 https://acousticguitar.com/?p=131966 acoustic guitar soundhole humidity hygrometer For those living in an overly humid environment, acoustic guitars can take on serious damage from the air around them. Here's how to take care of guitars in an extremely humid environment.]]> https://acousticguitar.com/how-to-take-care-of-your-guitar-in-a-very-humid-environment/feed/ 0 131966