How to look after a guitar?
Discussion
You have a very nice Mrs.
I wouldn't keep it in a hard case if that stops you from picking it up and playing it.
In terms of stands, a wall mount or guitar rack would be best, because it's secured. Avoid a floor stand like an A-frame, because if it falls off and cracks its headstock, you are in trouble.
In terms of location, make sure it's not too close to radiators and isn't exposed to direct sunlight. In our house, the thermostat is placed in the guitar area so the temperature is kept fairly constant throughout the year.
Since SGs are neck heavy, I would keep a strap permanently attached to it. The strap won't stop it from tipping, but it won't slide off your lap and nosedive onto the floor.
If it has a rosewood neck, I would use lemon oil occasionally to stop it from drying out and cracking. If the environment isn't too dry, then you may not need to do this every year - perhaps every 3-4 years. Don't overdo the lemon oil.
I wouldn't keep it in a hard case if that stops you from picking it up and playing it.
In terms of stands, a wall mount or guitar rack would be best, because it's secured. Avoid a floor stand like an A-frame, because if it falls off and cracks its headstock, you are in trouble.
In terms of location, make sure it's not too close to radiators and isn't exposed to direct sunlight. In our house, the thermostat is placed in the guitar area so the temperature is kept fairly constant throughout the year.
Since SGs are neck heavy, I would keep a strap permanently attached to it. The strap won't stop it from tipping, but it won't slide off your lap and nosedive onto the floor.
If it has a rosewood neck, I would use lemon oil occasionally to stop it from drying out and cracking. If the environment isn't too dry, then you may not need to do this every year - perhaps every 3-4 years. Don't overdo the lemon oil.
The replies above have it covered, but I would add that it will be a nitro finish. If you aren't familiar with nitro be aware that some stands aren't nitro friendly and can leave marks on the body/neck where it contacts the guitar. Some people put bits of cloth over the stand contact areas, or just choose a stand that is nitro friendly. Also, be very careful if you decide to give it a clean/polish for the same reasons. You should be fine with Gibson's own 'pump polish' as I use that on all my guitars including some that I've sprayed fairly recently with nitro.
What a lovely present to receive from your wife, we're still waiting for photos too. (Of the guitar of course
).
What a lovely present to receive from your wife, we're still waiting for photos too. (Of the guitar of course
).Tom1312 said:
Play it.
Change the strings when required.
If you think anything needs adjusting send it to someone who knows what they are doing....
Otherwise enjoy it, if it hasn't died in the past 50 years u reckon you'll be alright!!!
+1Change the strings when required.
If you think anything needs adjusting send it to someone who knows what they are doing....
Otherwise enjoy it, if it hasn't died in the past 50 years u reckon you'll be alright!!!
The only thing I would add is prior to re-stringing, treat the fretboard (assuming it is rosewood or such like) to some of this:-
Here it is. Plays beautifully. There's nothing wrong with my other guitars, but it this one just WANTS you to play it.
Bit more background - I'm in a band with a couple of guys (just four blokes having fun in a rehearsal studio with some covers) and our bassist Phil let me play his SG that he'd brought along. I came home raving about it - a proper "meet your heroes" thing as I've always liked the SG, but never been able to justify buying myself an expensive guitar.
Fast forward about 3-4 weeks and it turns out my Mrs has been conspiring with the guys and bought it for me - Phil's actual guitar that I played. They came round at the weekend and surprised me with it.
Bit more background - I'm in a band with a couple of guys (just four blokes having fun in a rehearsal studio with some covers) and our bassist Phil let me play his SG that he'd brought along. I came home raving about it - a proper "meet your heroes" thing as I've always liked the SG, but never been able to justify buying myself an expensive guitar.
Fast forward about 3-4 weeks and it turns out my Mrs has been conspiring with the guys and bought it for me - Phil's actual guitar that I played. They came round at the weekend and surprised me with it.
Thats a beautiful guitar, I love my SG. They just sound great!
In terms of looking after id just keep it on a stand, and give it a good wipe with a microfiber cloth when it's time to change strings. As long as it doesn't go from extremes in temperature in a short space if time you should be fine.
Enjoy!
In terms of looking after id just keep it on a stand, and give it a good wipe with a microfiber cloth when it's time to change strings. As long as it doesn't go from extremes in temperature in a short space if time you should be fine.
Enjoy!
Grrbang said:
In terms of stands, a wall mount or guitar rack would be best, because it's secured. Avoid a floor stand like an A-frame, because if it falls off and cracks its headstock, you are in trouble.
Indeed, as happened to my Son's LP which fell face-down off a stand - more info here; https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...Personally and on advice from the Luthier who repaired it, I wouldn't hang it by the headstock (especially post-repair) as it's a lot of weight hanging from a thin piece of wood.
That said my Son's has been fine since the repair but it is (hopefully kept more securely than before.
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