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[T1369]Tuning Your Acoustic Guitar
by Fredrik Roaldset, Fre

The guitar is possibly the world's most popular instrument in rock, pop or light western music today. The guitar's fame is largely owed to Elvis Presley, whose iconic images almost always show him singing with a guitar in his hands. So never mind if your voice doesn't match Elvis – don't sing, strum a guitar and make good music!

Acquiring and wrapping your fingers around your own, personal guitar to get its ‘feel' is always a good idea. We recommend you to go in for a used acoustic guitar. Here's what, why and how …

Unlike, say, an electric guitar, an acoustic guitar neither needs nor uses any external devices to enhance its sound volume and quality. Remember, guitars are seldom played solo. They're played along with other, often noisy, instruments. Naturally, if you're the guitarist you want to be distinctly heard by and be properly audible to the audience. You might not be blasting away like the trumpeter but, nevertheless, you want the melody of the music you're making to be picked up straight away.

It is to help you fulfill this perfectly legitimate aspiration that we suggest you begin your music-making with not just an acoustic guitar but specifically a used acoustic guitar. Why? Because thanks to its earlier use by another guitarist, whether professional or amateur, the used acoustic guitar is more likely than not to have already ‘found' its fully formed voice. With the passage of time a wood-based musical instrument like a guitar (or violin, for that matter) sheds the brittleness of its timber and becomes soft and mellowed with the cleaning up and rubbing with oil that comes with its proper maintenance. In a used acoustic guitar somebody else has already done the rubbing up for you! Besides, you're likely to spend only half the cost of a brand new instrument – so it's a bargain all the way!

Fine, so where can you find cheap acoustic guitars? To start with, you'll have to be certain that the acoustic guitar for sale won't land you conned into buying an instrument you wouldn't want. Generally, the used guitar could be one of four kinds: old used, new used, refurbished and needs work.

Your best choice would be in finding an old used acoustic guitar for sale that's ten years old or even older. A new used one would be fewer than five years old. If you're lucky, you'll find factory seconds or refurbished guitars on recent models. You must know what you're buying: Is the neck twisted or bent? Is the neck joint flush to the body of the guitar? (It ought to be so.) Is it plastic or wood? (Wood is definitely better.) Do you have to change the strings? (If so, you can't test the sound.)

Online,you'll find great bargains on acoustic guitars for sale of all categories. Look for sellers who have sold acoustic guitars before and have positive feedbacks. So now you know your what, why and how. Happy strumming!


Let's consider some potential threats to your acoustic guitar. Some of these threats may be glaringly obvious while others may be a bit more obscure. While it would be impossible to include every scenario or potential threat element in one article, perhaps the items mentioned in this article will prevent a new guitar owner from experiencing the certain regret associated with a damaged instrument.

Here is a list of things to be aware of that could be a potential threat to your acoustic guitar:

1. Stage Damage
2. Climate and Element Effects
3. Improper Storage
4. Children and Pets

Let us address these potential threats in the order they are listed above.

1. Stage Damage

I mention stage damage first because it is the most common factor I have seen regarding damage to acoustic guitars. Countless guitarists have severely or irreparably damaged their acoustic guitar by failing to take extra precautions on stage. When setting up on stage, it is necessary to have a solid and secure guitar stand. Quality acoustic guitar stands are designed to stabilize your instrument. Be sure to buy a sturdy stand that has a low center of gravity. You will be well advised to spend the extra money required to obtain a higher quality guitar stand.

Also, set your guitar on the stage in an area where it is less likely to be upset by anyone passing by the instrument. Be sure to do the best you can to set the instrument away from cords and cables. This may prove to be easier said than done, especially in a tight stage setting, but the bottom line is to do your best.

Finally, whenever possible, place your guitar on stage as one of the last items to be set up. The less time the instrument is on stage, the less risk there is for accidental damage.

2. Climate and Element Effects

One might be surprised to note the statistics related to acoustic guitar damage which are caused by the elements. Some of the scenarios associated with this damage are very obvious while others may not be so easily recognized.

A. Heat and Sun Damage:
Be very careful not to leave your guitar in a closed automobile in the summer months. Extreme heat can severely damage the instrument and may void your manufacturers warranty. Be very careful not to leave the instrument in direct sunlight for extended periods of time. This rule applies even if there is sufficient ventilation in the area.

B. Rain and Water Damage:
Be careful not to leave your acoustic guitar outside during wet weather. Also, be very cautious when you are playing around a pool or fountain. Be mindful of the wind if you are playing outdoors near a fountain or waterfall.

C. Humidity Effects:
If you live in a very dry climate such as Arizona, you are well aware of the effect that extreme dry conditions can have on many objects. Your guitar is not exempt. However, you do not have to live in Arizona or any other extremely dry climate to be mindful of the effects dry air can have on your guitar. This is especially true over long periods of time.

TIP: Here is a great tip that will prolong the life of your guitar. Also, over time it will help the instrument to age with mellow tonal qualities:

Get a zipper style plastic sandwich bag. Create perforations in one side of the bag (15 to 20 holes with a hole punch). Get a small household sponge, one that fits easily into the sandwich bag. Make sure you get a clean, new sponge. Saturate the sponge thoroughly, but NOT dripping. Place the sponge in the sandwich bag. Close the zipper. Place the sandwich bag in your guitar case with the perforated side of the bag facing up. This practice will keep your acoustic guitar from drying out in any climate. Over time it will also help prevent your guitar finish from crazing (cracking). This simple tip will add life to your guitar.

3. Improper Storage

During the life of your guitar you may find it necessary to place the instrument in storage. If you find you need to store the guitar for an extended period of time, consider these simple tips.

A. Store In A Snug Fitting, Plush Lined, Hard Shell Case
B. Remove The Strings
C. Clean And Polish The Instrument (Using Protective Wax Or Wood Preserving Oil)
D. Place The Plastic Baggie Containing Wet Sponge In The Case (TIP: Mentioned Above)
E. Store In A Cool, Dry Place
F. Loosen The Truss Rod (If Applicable)

Taking the time to properly prepare your acoustic guitar for storage will extend the life of the instrument. It will also help to ensure your guitar is unaffected by its time in storage.

4. Children And Pets

This category is obvious. Keep your guitar protected from damage and abuse by keeping it out of the reach of children. This will not only protect your guitar, it will also protect a small child from being injured by the instrument. A falling guitar can be dangerous to a small child. The guitar also has sharp string ends that can puncture the skin. If your child is old enough to have an interest in the instrument, by all means provide the child with an inexpensive entry level guitar of their own.

Finally, many times Fido loves to chew or Felix loves to scratch. Keeping your acoustic guitar out of the reach of your pet is safe and beneficial for everyone involved, especially your guitar.
Article Source : Pg. 51

About Author
Both Fredrik Roaldset & Al Wielder are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.

Fredrik Roaldset has sinced written about articles on various topics from Home Management, Watches Reviews and Guide Guitar. Fred R runs an online guitar store, which features and. Fredrik Roaldset's top article generates over 12100 views. to your Favourites.

Al Wielder has sinced written about articles on various topics from Guide Guitar. Al Wielder is a host and instructor at . Contact Al Wielder at Riff TV.com, your source for. Al Wielder's top article generates over 12100 views. to your Favourites.
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