To keep an electric guitar performing its best, as well as lasting for many years, it’s essential that you care for it. Regardless of whether you play a Stratocaster, a Telecaster or any other model, the guitar will sound better and feel better if it is kept properly. Proper care is even more important for those with telecaster pickups or other systems to preserve the unique tonal qualities. In this guide, we’re going to cover everything you need to know about maintaining an electric guitar.
Regularly Clean Your Electric Guitar
Regular cleaning is one of the most basic yet most important aspects of guitar care. A clean guitar looks better and plays better. Dust, dirt, and oils from your hands can become stuck on the body, neck, and pickups, ruining the aesthetics and curbing functionality at the same time.
Wipe Down After Every Play
After each session, wipe down the body, neck and fretboard with a soft cloth. The best is a microfiber cloth, which won’t scratch the finish and remove any moisture or fingerprints that have built up during play. It’s a simple habit that will prevent dirt buildup and keep the finish in good shape longer.
Use Guitar-Specific Cleaners
To maintain the finish and protect the wood, use a specialized guitar cleaner or polish every few weeks. Don’t use household cleaning products, as they can damage the lacquer. To keep the fretboard from drying out, use a fretboard oil or a fretboard conditioner.
Keep Your Guitar’s Strings in Top Condition
An electric guitar is made up of a lot of components, but strings are one of the most important. Regular string maintenance is key to preserving your guitar’s tone, as it affects both sound and playability.
Change Strings Regularly
You should change your guitar strings every 1-2 months, depending on how often you play. If you’re a frequent player, you may have to change strings more often, especially if they’re starting to sound dull or feel rough. When you change strings, clean the fretboard and pickups.
Clean Strings After Use
After each session, wipe down your strings with a cloth. It removes sweat and oils that can cause rust and shorten their lifespan. If you play a lot, it’s worth it to invest in a string cleaner.
Adjust the Action and Intonation
Maintaining proper action and intonation is essential for ease of play and good sound quality.
Set the Action Correctly
The height of the strings above the fretboard is called action. If it’s too high, it can make playing difficult, and if it’s too low, it can cause fret buzz. Both comfort and tone can be improved with adjustment of the action to match your playing style.
Intonation Adjustment
With proper intonation, your guitar stays in tune across the fretboard. If your guitar sounds out of tune even when tuned at the open strings, then your intonation may need adjusting. It needs to adjust the saddles on the bridge. If you’re not sure, ask a professional technician for help.
Maintain Your Pickups
Your electric guitar’s sound depends on the pickups. They need proper care to ensure your sound stays consistent.
Keep Pickups Clean
Dirt and dust can accumulate on your pickups over time and reduce their ability to pick up vibrations. Wipe them gently with a dry cloth, being careful not to damage the wiring or magnets. You can also use a soft brush to remove any debris.
Check Pickup Height
The balance of your sound can be affected if your pickups are too high or low. Try different heights for the pickups to find your ideal tone for your playing style. But be careful, don’t change too much.
Store Your Guitar Properly
Proper storage is essential to maintaining your electric guitar’s condition, especially when it’s not in use.
Use a Guitar Stand or Hanger
Don’t leave your guitar lying around or propped up against something. When you’re not playing your guitar, use a stand or hanger to store it safely. It prevents accidental falls or damage by leaning it on unstable surfaces.
Avoid Extreme Temperatures
Keep your guitar in a stable environment. Wood can warp or crack under extreme temperatures and humidity. It’s best to store your guitar in a room with consistent temperature and humidity. Don’t leave it in your car, where temperature fluctuations can be very extreme.
Regularly Check the Electronics
The wood and strings are only part of the story for electric guitars, the electronics — pots and wiring — are every bit as important. This will keep the sound smooth.
Inspect the Wiring
Inspect your guitar’s wiring and controls every few months for signs of wear or corrosion. If you hear any strange buzzing or lose signal, check the wiring and connections. Sometimes a simple cleaning or re-soldering of connections is all that is needed.
Ensure Proper Jack Function
The input jack of your electric guitar is also important. You may have sound issues if it becomes loose or worn out. Check for any damage and tighten the jack when necessary. Replace it if needed to avoid performance issues.
Care is Key for Longevity
If you take proper care of your electric guitar, your electric guitar will stay a high quality instrument for many years. Keeping your guitar in good condition requires regular cleaning, string maintenance, and careful storage, plus attention to adjustments and electronics. Taking the time to keep your guitar in tip-top condition not only extends the life of your guitar, but also helps to make sure that every performance sounds its best.
