Questions about guitar care

corey · Post by **corey** » Thu Oct 25, 2001 6:44 am

I've had my Ric 2000 360/6 VP Mapleglo since late August 2001. I'm just about to take it in to get some Dean Markley 11's put on it and have them adjust the truss rods or anything that needs to be done going up from the factory 10's that are on there now. I'm just wondering, how many times in a calendar year should I take the Ric in to get "tuned up"? I've heard twice a year is okay, but I'm not sure.

Also, I wipe down my guitar COMPLETELY after every session of playing with the Ric wipe cloth. Is there anything else I should be doing besides just wiping it down? I'm going to pick up another few wipe cloths when I'm at the music store, but I'm just wondering if oiling or washing the finish with some type of cleaner/polish is better than just wiping off sweat and fingerprints. I want to do everything possible to take care of the finish - I'm just not sure what the best route is since this is my first Rickenbacker.

Thanks,

Corey

dannyboy · Post by **dannyboy** » Fri Oct 26, 2001 2:42 am

you'll find some of your answers in the "Nu-finish" rubrick in the "ask a luthier" section!!

rkbsound · Post by **rkbsound** » Fri Oct 26, 2001 3:04 am

I've never done a thing (not touched it with anything but fingers)to the finish of my '66 335 since I purchased in in 1985. The finish still looks great! Perhaps I should be!

leftybass · Post by **leftybass** » Fri Oct 26, 2001 4:18 am

It may depend on WHO you let handle it; there are individuals with a higher content of acidity in their sweat that may harm bright work on an instrument. This is more of a concern if you would have something like a saxophone, but I guess it is worth mentioning. Some people are more particular than others when it comes to keeping their guitar clean--As a rule, it wouldn't hurt to wipe it down every time before you put it to bed....

corey · Post by **corey** » Fri Oct 26, 2001 5:24 am

Cool. Thanks for the advice, guys.

I'm glad I seem to be doing everything I should be - and the guitar tech who gets my business has a gentle touch.

Re. the "Nu-Finish" thread, I may pick up some liquid turtle wax at some point down the road.

markthemd · Post by **markthemd** » Mon Oct 29, 2001 11:00 am

I have suggested to my customers ,that the times for adjustment arrive ; when you turn on the heater for weeks/months at a time ,or
when you turn off the heater .

You should also be aware of the humidity .I suggest purchasing a Hygrometer .This will give you all the info you need .They tend to be pricey for a good one .

ann · Post by **ann** » Mon Nov 05, 2001 12:04 pm

So Mark, does your suggestion apply to any guitar? Electric vs. acoustic, Ric vs. non-Ric?

markthemd · Post by **markthemd** » Mon Nov 05, 2001 4:57 pm

YES !!! ANY guitar

the older they are and the more stable they are the less you have to adjust .

With a refret ,the first year after it ,requires two to three adjustments (on the average).

Acoustics are generally the most stable .As far as staying put and as long as tyou take care of them concerning humidity and heat.

Ricks with the old truss rods and the 'R' tailpiece are the quirkiest ,along with Floyd Rose systems.

I realize that this is a generalization .

But if you gig two or three or more days per week ,this info is not enough.

For the casual player who sits in his/her home ,or with one or two friends once in a while ,or plinks with a CD/Tape/LP and has a good time on their own .Then this is too much !

I maintain my own guitars to top notch condition as they are show pieces for customers.That is one reason why I have so many and many brands.Pluss there are the ones that I have made .I get plenty of repair or custom orders from them .