Maintenance

Cleaning Bodies and Neck Backs

After you are done playing your guitar, it is always prudent to clean it, with a soft polishing cloth. Concentrate on the areas where sweat most accumulates, particularly where you rest your arm on the guitar, and, the fretboard, where skin oil transfers from you to your instrument. Sweat has a negative impact on lacquer and over time, can cause the finish to become hazed. When this occurs, it can only be returned to its original look by a professional technician. Polish your guitar monthly, but do so with care, according to the manufacturer's instructions, to ensure the best care for your instrument.

We recommend using a cleaner that protects the gloss lacquer finish on your instrument. Always use a clean, dry cloth, rubbing it gently in a circular motion, and then, follow it with another dry, clean cloth to remove any excess cleaner. Never apply body cleaner to the fretboard, over the pickguard, tuning pegs, heel cap, or fingerboard extension. These products are not meant to be used in these areas and may cause dullness and be difficult to remove. You can use these cleaners on the back of the next if it does not have a matte finish, but does have a gloss finish. Also, avoid polishing around the circumference of the sound hole.

While there are many commercial cleaners and polishes on the market that tout specialty care, we do not know their formulations and therefore, cannot endorse a specific product or line of products. Understand that each will have its own result and might cause harm to your guitar's aesthetic qualities.

Caring for Fretboards and Bridges

You should also oil your guitar's fretboard and bridge to keep it looking its best and protect it from sweat, skin oil, and weather elements. While many people use lemon oil, and, it's very popular alternative to commercial oils. While commercial oils and lemon oil can be good for care of your instrument, it should not be used on the lacquer, because it can etch or soften the finish on your instrument. Necks with satin are made this way to reduce drag, or friction, along the fretboard, and, using polish, wax, or oil on satin will reduce the glide benefits.

For best care of the neck, use a scratch free, clean cloth that's been dampened with warm water. Then, use another clean, dry cloth, to collect any excess. Do not use polish or wax on areas with cracks or worn-down finish. In addition, do not use products that contain silicone because it resists the adhesion of the lacquer, which also makes any future finish repairs difficult.

You might use micromesh sanding with medium, 2400 grit, followed by 32000 grit to restore the neck's satin finish, but, unless you are skilled at this are, we do not recommend you do it yourself. We cannot take responsibility for any damage you cause by sanding your guitar's neck and it's best left up to a professional for best results