For questions about keeping an instrument or related gear in playable condition.
Questions tagged [maintenance]
348 questions
71
votes
21 answers
How often should I replace the strings on my guitar?
When and why should you replace your guitar strings?
gak
- 1,915
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68
votes
21 answers
Changing the strings: one by one, or by taking all strings off at one time?
The title says it all. Should I change strings one by one, or take them all at once? Does this matter at all?
If I take all strings off, will it damage my neck in any way, because the pressure is released?
Silver Light
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33
votes
7 answers
How do I know when it's time to change a tube on my amplifier?
I think this would be a wonderfully instructive question to people who are new to tube amplifiers. In short, how do I know that it's time to change a tube, and what's a good strategy for figuring out which one to change (preamp vs power vs…
Jduv
- 11,455
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32
votes
10 answers
What is intonation and how can I find out if my guitar has correct intonation?
What is intonation?
What is the best way to check my intonation and fix it if necessary?
bn01
29
votes
7 answers
What tools should every guitarist have?
What tools should every guitarist have to do most small/medium projects for their guitars? (change strings, tuners, knobs, pickups)
brian
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29
votes
6 answers
Do guitar strings wear when not used?
Do strings wear because of the pressure applied to them or any other factor, or do they stay in quite the same shape as long as you don't use them?
Alexandre Nizoux
28
votes
8 answers
Cleaning the fretboard of an electric guitar
I have had my electric guitar for several years and I noticed that there is some "sweat dirt" on the fretboard of the guitar, so the inlay is less shiny.
I'd like to clean that without taking the risk of damaging the neck's wood or the fretboard's…
Julien N
- 1,958
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23
votes
4 answers
What should I consider when I see a loose hair in a violin bow?
This drawing should do:
These are the hairs of a brand new bow. Straight, clean, etc.
I noticed this:
As you can see, it seems like a certain hair is a bit loose.
Is this bad? (I.e., does it affect performance, produced sound, etc.)
Should I try…
Saturn
- 1,389
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23
votes
8 answers
What's the best way to fly commercially with a guitar?
I've heard horror stories about guitars being damaged on commercial airline flights. Is there a safe way to fly with a guitar?
skinny peacock
- 7,712
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23
votes
4 answers
When should I be concerned about calibrating the bias of vacuum tubes in an amplifier?
I think it would be useful to discuss the concept of bias as it pertains to guitar amplifiers. I have read some articles saying that you should always rebias your amplifier when you change the power tubes--and some even say you should do this even…
Jduv
- 11,455
- 7
- 42
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22
votes
3 answers
How does one change bow hair?
What are the steps to follow to unmount the hair from a bow and install a new set ?
What kind of tools and products do you need beside a new set of bow hair ?
How do you measure/adjust the length before mounting ?
ogerard
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22
votes
12 answers
How do I properly stretch my newly strung strings?
I came across this string stretcher device.
It's called The Stretcha.
It claims to properly and evenly stretch new strings and maintain tuning.
I never really made a point to properly stretch newly strung strings. Can anyone comment on the…
topwik
- 361
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21
votes
6 answers
Cleaning a tarnished flute
My flute is tarnished and needs to be cleaned... I was afraid if I polished it, I would break something on it. I read online that it's a bad idea to remove tarnish on a flute yourself as you can ruin the pads. I have some questions regarding…
Melanie Shebel
- 1,173
- 4
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21
votes
6 answers
Will my wind instrument be damaged if I leave it assembled?
Almost every teacher, expert, and book has informed me that I should disassemble my (clarinet / recorder / saxophone) each time after I practice.
However, it is difficult for me to see how this would prevent damage to the instrument, after I…
David LeBauer
- 1,299
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21
votes
3 answers
How do I set up an electric guitar?
How do I set up the pickups, neck, etc. in an electric guitar? I'm not concerned with producing a particular sound as I am with keeping the neck from warping, prevent string buzz, improving playability, and that sort of thing.
user28