There are many parts on the electric guitar which play an important role in the guitar's tone and playability. In this guitar repair tip, I will show you how to maintain each guitar part.
1.) Tuning Keys
These are the knobs on the headstock which you turn to tune each string. If you have avintage guitar with old-style Kluson Tuners, you might have to lubricate them from time to time. You can check with a qualified guitar repair man for his lubricant of choice.
2.) Nut
A high-quality, well-cut nut is very important for the guitar's tone and it's ability to stay in tune. Keep the nut slots ( the groove where the string sits) well lubricated with soap. I do this every time before I play. Lightly dampen the edge of a bar of soap and rub it over each groove (pull the string out first).
3.) Frets
Frets are the part of the guitar that get the most wear and tear! Depending on how much you play, you will need to have your frets dressed from time to time.Over time, the spot on the fret where the string touches gets worn from pressing and bending the string on the fret. This causes buzzing and intonation problems.When a repairman dresses a fret, he lightly files it, shaping the fret until it has the proper crown and shape.Don't try to file the frets yourself unless you have experience doing so. If you would like to learn how, you should buy the Guitar Player Repair Guide.
4.) The Strings and Fingerboard
These two go hand and hand. If you don't wipe down your strings after you play, the dirt that builds up on the strings, gets on the fingerboard, especially next to the frets .After you wipe down the strings, run the same soft cloth over the fingerboard (between the strings)moving the strings out of the way a bit so that you are sure to cover all the spots.If you don't play the guitar very often, A couple of times per year apply some lemon oil with a soft cloth to the fingerboard which moisturizes and prevents cracking.
5.) The Bridge
Keep the bridge slots ( the groove where the string sits) well lubricated with soap. I do this every time before I play. Lightly dampen the edge of a bar of soap and rub it over each groove (pull the string out first).
6.) Body
The body of your guitar does get dirty over time with dust, sweat, and other various things that fingers put on it. If your guitar isn't too dirty you can clean it with a clean, soft cloth (an old sock will work fine). Before you wipe, breathe on the area first ( fog it ), then wipe gently in small circles until the dirt is gone.
7.) Volume and Tone Knobs
There shouldn't be too much maintenance needed for these. However, over time dirt and dust can build up inside the pot (potentiometer - what the know is connected to). You should be able to get rid of it by turning the knob very fast back and forth. If this doesn't work, you can get some tuner cleaner at Radio Shack and spray it into the pot. *To do this, stick the cleaner's hose tip into the opening in the side of the pot's case, and spray it liberally. Tilt the piece, so the cleaner can run back out as it flushes the pot while you turn the shaft on and off to clean the contacts. If your guitar has sealed pots with no hole to spray into, remove the knob and pull up lightly on the shaft. Spray it here.
8.) Pickups
Guitar Pickups require little maintenance. Once they are installed correctly and set to the proper height, the only thing you might need to do is adjust the pickup height. Most pickups are held in position by two screws and two small springs which allow you to raise or lower the pickup. Pickups need to be at the right height in order to pick up the vibration of the string without adversely affecting the string vibration. If the pickup is too close to the string, the strings that are above the pickup might not sound in tune.
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