How do I care for and clean my acoustic guitar?

An acoustic guitar is more than just an instrument - it is a companion that grows and matures with you. To ensure that your guitar not only sounds good, but also lasts a long time, regular cleaning and care is essential. This guide will provide you with practical tips and best practices to keep your acoustic guitar in top shape. Whether you're an experienced guitarist or a beginner, with the right care your guitar will serve you faithfully for many years to come.

Materials & tools:

Capo to pinch off the strings
String crank
Microfiber cloth or soft cotton cloth
Guitar cleaner or special guitar polish

Know-how
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Preparation

Before you clean your acoustic guitar, prepare everything you need and choose a clean, well-lit workspace. For a thorough cleaning, it is helpful to remove the strings or combine this process with a string change.

Clamp the strings

If you want to continue using the strings, you can simply remove them from the bridge and clip them off with a capo. This way they won't get in the way during cleaning and you can work without any problems.

Loosen the strings

Start by reducing the string tension at the headstock. This is particularly quick and easy with a string crank.

Remove the strings from the bridge

Then remove the strings from the bridge. For a western guitar, you can use a practical capo with bridge pin remover.

The fretboard

Cleaning the fretboard is important to remove dirt and oils that can impair playability and dry out the wood. This keeps the fretboard supple and the guitar always sounds its best.

Cleaning the frets

The frets of your guitar can be easily cleaned with an eraser. Rub it gently over the frets to remove deposits and oxidation. This keeps the frets smooth, which improves playability and reduces string wear.

Oiling the fretboard

Apply fretboard oil to the entire fretboard. This cares for the wood and prevents it from drying out.

Work in the oil

Rub the oil evenly into the fretboard. Leave the oil to work in for a few minutes and then wipe off any excess oil with a dry cloth.

The body

Cleaning the guitar body preserves the sound and appearance. Dirt and sweat can damage the varnish and the wood, so regular cleaning ensures that your guitar sounds and looks its best.

Cleaning with polish

Apply some polish to a cloth. If the care product is applied directly to the guitar, it can penetrate sensitive areas such as joints or electronics and cause damage. Applying it to a cloth allows for a controlled and even application.

Wipe down the body

Wipe down the entire body with a soft, lint-free cloth and the guitar cleaner. This removes dust and fingerprints that accumulate over time and protects the wood at the same time.

Cleaning the bridge

Use a soft, slightly damp cloth or paper towel to carefully wipe the bridge. Make sure to clean the small gaps and corners thoroughly, as dust often collects there.

Further steps

These further steps ensure that your guitar is set up and maintained correctly and guarantee you greater playing comfort and a better playing feel.

Attaching the strings

Once you have cleaned your guitar, it is important to attach the strings correctly to the bridge. For a western guitar, insert the strings into the holes provided and secure them with the bridge pins. On a classical guitar, tie the strings firmly to the bridge. Make sure that the strings are secure and do not slip.

Adjusting the neck

Optionally, you can adjust the truss rod of your guitar with a truss rod wrench to control the neck bend. If in doubt, you should consult a specialist to avoid damaging the guitar.

Tightening the mechanics

Use a small wrench to carefully tighten the mechanics. Be careful not to overtighten to avoid damage. Regularly checking and retightening the mechanics will ensure that your guitar remains in tune and playable.

Changing the battery

Changing the battery in an acoustic guitar with a built-in pickup is simple and requires only a few steps.

Removing the battery

In an acoustic guitar with pickup, the battery is usually located in a special battery compartment that is integrated near the guitar output jack, in the preamp or inside the guitar body.

Replace the battery

Carefully pull the old battery out of the compartment. Note the orientation of the battery (positive and negative poles) in order to insert the new battery correctly. Insert the new battery in the same orientation as the old one. Make sure that it is firmly seated and that the contacts are correctly connected.

Store the battery safely

Stow the battery safely in the compartment or battery bag provided and check that the pickup is working correctly by plugging in the guitar.

Care of the acoustic guitar

Cleaning and oiling the fretboard

In our how-to video, Björn shows you what you should consider when cleaning and caring for the fretboard of your acoustic guitar.

It's going like a well-oiled machine!

If you love your guitar, you should take good care of it. To get you started right away, we have put together the most important cleaning and care products for you here.

Guitar/Bass Cleaning and Care Big Bends AXS With Microfiber Cloth