Frequently asked questions

​How much does it cost to...?

 

Short and simple: come visit us.

​​​​​

We can then make a cost estimate in no time. On the phone or via email it is, unfortunately, impossible to perform anything but guesswork. You can check guidelines from our price list right here.

​

Fret sprout?

 

Proper humidification is essential during the heating season. The top of an acoustic guitar can warp and even crack if it gets too dry. Rule of thumb: if the top has sunken in or the fret ends feel sharp, the guitar has been allowed to dry out.

​

→ Bring in your instrument for a fret end filing and we'll check the situation.

 

Loose jack?

 

If the guitar's jack (the hole where the cable is plugged in) is loose, do not tighten it with your fingers only from the outside: the jack will rotate inside and the wiring will break. The same applies to loose pots.

 

→ Come on over. Tightening a part with the right tools is easy enough, and you will get some additional tips for the future.

 

The strings rattle / the action is very high and playing is difficult?

 

Most likely the culprit is the truss rod, which usually takes no more than ten minutes to adjust.

 

A few spots on the fretboard produce a buzz, but not all over?

 

Loose frets. Probably a half an hour job, "bang bang and fifty bucks".

​​

Tricks and tips

​

Wash your hands before playing, and wipe the instrument with a soft cloth afterwards (an old t-shirt is fine). There are many different types of cleaning products, ask for more.

 

Store your guitar preferably in a stand or case (or in its bag under the bed, for example). Be careful not to set the guitar leaning neck against a wall, as the neck will twist over time.

 

The strings of a classical guitar are nylon, even those with a fine metal winding on the surface. They should not be replaced by steel strings, as the neck will not handle the tension.

 

Strings should be replaced frequently. If the strings are dirty, the above-mentioned cleaning may have been neglected, and the strings are clogged. A set of strings costs about a tenner, and the work a few tenners on top of that. No big deal.

 

When replacing the strings yourself, it's worth giving it some thought, and also remembering to stretch the strings to keep them in tune. Otherwise the strings will keep on stretching for weeks.

​

👉 Here are a few videos on how to change and stretch the strings.

​​​