Guitar Care instructions
Thank you for your purchase of a LastingBuild Luthiery, LLC Instrument. Your instrument has been constructed with the finest of Tonewoods, Glues, Components and Finish. With proper care your instrument will perform at its best for many years to come.
Your instrument was built in a temperature and humidity controlled shop environment. We recommend that you keep your instrument in an environment of 45-55% humidity and temperature between 70-77 degrees Fahrenheit. Avoid rapid changes or fluctuations in temperature in your instruments environment as this can cause checks or small cracks in the finish. We recommend that you use a hydrometer/thermometer to monitor the relative humidity and temperature surrounding your instrument.
Avoid rapid changes in the humidity around your instrument. Sources of heat near your instrument can rapidly drop the humidity and cause damage. Avoid hanging your instrument on exterior walls as temperature fluctuations can damage your instrument.
If you must take your instrument into a warm or cool environment keep it in its case and let it gradually acclimate back to its recommended temperature and humidity range.
We recommend you store your instrument in its hard case. The case provides protection from scratches and dents and dings but also helps control its temperature and humidity level. The case also supports the peg head and neck area.
If your instrument requires repairs please contact us or send us a private message on Instagram at LastingBuild.
The best way to clean your instrument is to lightly wipe down with a moist rag. The lacquer finish is sensitive and any type of solvent, especially found in plastic, vinyl and leather straps will mar the finish, as will alcohol, citric acid, aftershave lotion, insect repellent and a number of related substances. Perspiration can also damage your instrument, so keep it dry. Do not polish satin instruments. For gloss instruments, you may clean and polish with a high quality silicone free guitar polish which is formulated for use no nitrocellulose lacquer. Wipe down your instrument with a soft, dry cloth before storage to remove oils. Do not use products containing silicone on your instrument.
Unless your instrument was custom ordered otherwise, it was set-up for light strings. Changing the string diameter from light strings may damage your instrument and will void your warranty.
Tuning machines usually require little maintenance. For enclosed tuning machines, you just need to check the screws and tuner post threaded bushings periodically to assure snug. Do not overtighten. For open tuners, we recommend you place a drop of machine oil into the gears once or twice per year. Avoid the oil coming into contact with the guitar finish. Check the screw in the middle of the gear periodically and make sure its snug. Not much tension is needed so do not overtighten or it may be difficult to turn the tuner.
An appropriately sized Neck bolt wrench is included and in your case. Warning: Do not loosen neck bolts while the neck is under string tension as catastrophic damage to the instrument or injury could occur. We recommend only a trained luthier or guitar technician to modify the neck bolt tension.
The strings are held in the bridge by a small notch in the front of each bridge pin. It is important that the bridge pin slot be facing straight forward so the string is properly aligned on the bridge saddle. Make sure the ball end of the string is pulled up tightly against the inside of the top (bridge plate) before inserting the bridge pin. Each bridge pin is made of bone and slightly vary in size and each is custom fit so keep the pins in order when changing strings. Do not hammer the bridge pins as this could crack the soundboard or bridge. They should be press fit only. The bridge pins are held in by friction only. Check the bridge pins frequently to assure they have not worked loose.
Changing your guitar strings is a regular part of maintenance. When changing strings be sure to change all 6 strings. Not changing the entire set can cause unbalanced sound. Your instrument was designed for use with light gauge strings unless custom ordered a different string diameter. LastingBuild Luthiery, LLC does not accept responsibility for damage caused by use of strings which are heavier than recommended.
Your instruments action will change over time do to multiple factors including temperature, humidity and constant string tension. Periodically, your instrument will require an adjustment of the truss rod, nut or saddle height. LastingBuild Luthiery, LLC recommends these adjustments only be made by a trained Luthier or guitar technician. LastingBuild Luthiery, LLC cannot accept responsibility for damage caused by improper or negligent adjustment. If you would prefer we make those adjustments you may contact us or PM on Instagram. A properly sized truss rod wrench is included in your guitar case.
If you travel with your instrument be sure to keep it in its case. Do not place your instrument in the trunk of your car as temperature will vary there dramatically. If you fly on an airplane with your instrument consider purchasing a flight case for your instrument and check with the airline prior to your trip for any recommendations or accommodations for your instrument. It is recommended you loosen the strings and use soft cotton packing material around your instrument to keep it tight in its case. It is impossible to eliminate all risks due to traveling therefore LastingBuild Luthiery, LLC will not be responsible for damage that occurs to your instrument while traveling.
Your instrument is coated with high quality nitrocellulose lacquer finish. It is applied in multiple very thin layers to avoid choking the tone of the instrument. It is a durable finish for regular use on your instrument but it can be adversely affected by solvents found in many guitar straps and other items. Do not allow such straps to contact the finish and remove the strap after use and store separately. Also, removed clip on tuners and capos after use to avoid damage to the finish.
