Cracks in the WoodGeneral Maintenance
Cracks in the wood are typically caused by changes Clean the instrument after each use, making sure to
in temperature and humidity. While a crack maywipe the fingerboard and strings, as well as any of the
initially be alarming, if it is taken care of promptly itplated parts, i.e. machine heads, pickups, etc. with a
shouldn't be a cause for undue concern. Cracks maysoft dry cloth.
easily be repaired without compromising structural or For gloss finishes, use a non-silicone based guitar
tonal integrity.polish. For satin finishes, use only a soft dry
If the crack is in the top, near the bridge, loosen allpolishing cloth. For hand-rubbed finishes, use a soft,
the strings to reduce tension, (which could potentiallyslightly damp cloth and follow with a dry cloth.
exacerbate the problem), and have the crack repaired When not playing the instrument, keep it tuned to
as soon as you can. Please note: Cracks in thepitch and in its case. However, if you plan to store the
wood, which occur as the result of exposure toinstrument for long periods of time, loosen the strings
temperature or humidity changes will not bea bit to relieve the tension, but do not remove them.
covered under the Guild warranty. The natural oils in Rosewood and Ebony
fingerboards may dry out over time. Rough, exposed
Finish Checkingfret edges are evidence of dry, shrunken wood. It is a
good idea to give your fretboard a drink of raw
Finish checking, (very small splits in the finish),linseed oil periodically to preserve its integrity and
usually occurs in winter and is typically the result ofnatural beauty. Remove the strings first; then apply
suddenly exposing a cold instrument to the shock ofthe oil to a clean lint free cloth. Rub into the wood,
warmer temperatures.let it soak in, and then wipe to dry any excess oil.
All of the materials that make up a guitar expand Be careful when using vinyl, plastic or synthetic
and contract with changes in temperature andleather guitar straps, guitar stands and wall hangers
humidity. Wood expands as it warms, and it does sousing surgical rubber tubing, as these materials may
faster than the finish. When this happens, the finishreact with the finish of your instrument. Please note:
may split and fracture in little lines over the wood.Damage caused to the instrument by the use of
Although it does not affect the tone of thenon-Guild-approved polishes, cleaning materials
instrument, finish checking mars its appearance. Byor accessories, will not be covered under the Guild
avoiding sudden temperature and humidity changes,warranty.
you should not have any finish checking problems.
When an instrument has been brought into a7
building after it has been out in the cold, allow plenty
of time for it to become acclimated to the new
temperature before you open the case. Please note:
Finish checks, which occur as the result of
exposure to temperature or humidity changes will
not be covered under the Guild warranty.
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