Adjustment and Care

We recommend that a new instrument is checked and set up if necessary, after about 6 months or after a summer and winter. Usually this might involve a slight adjustment of the truss rod and possibly saddle height. Climate conditions, string gauges, altered tunings, and playing style are all factors that might be taken into account during these adjustments. Subsequent adjustments may be needed if any of these factors change.

Most instruments will need some adjustment from time to time, particularly if they are moved to a different climate.

Extremes of climate are the biggest enemies of a solid wood instrument. Dryness will cause shrinkage, which can cause low action and rough frets, possibly even cracks in the timber. Higher humidity can cause timber to swell, resulting in increased action height and distortion of the timber.

Winter is the driest time of year; summer is the dampest.

The best conditions for your guitar are 40-55% RH (relative humidity) and a temperature of 18- 25°C.  Extreme heat, particularly while the strings are under tension can cause permanent damage. Keep the instrument well away from hot radiators and damp walls.

Humidifiers are NOT recommended unless the conditions are extremely dry. 

Dehumidifiers can be used in a climate with high humidity.

We put a lot of effort into drying and seasoning the timber we use to make our instruments, , and into the workshop environment where they are made. Adding or removing moisture without good reason WILL cause problems.

Our instruments are made in a climate-controlled workshop, and the front and back panels are built with a slight arch, which increases physical strength, and also increases the range of movement that is acceptable before permanent damage occurs. 

The truss rod in the neck is used only to maintain correct straightness. Adjustments to the action should be made by modifying the height of the saddle and bridge. The adjusting nut on current models is 7mm A/F. Adjustments should only be carried out by an experienced person.

Cleaning can be done with a slightly damp cloth, and occasional (maybe once or twice a year), application of acoustic guitar polish and fingerboard oil. We do not usually recommend using "Lemon Oil", as some varieties are acidic and actually attack the wood. We use "Teak Oil"

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