Ask the Expert | Acoustic Guitar

Here are answers to many questions about acoustic guitar care and repair.

Uncertain about guitar care and maintenance? The ins-and-outs of guitar building? Or another topic related to your guitar? Ask Acoustic Guitar’s repair experts by sending an email with the subject “Repair Expert” to editors.ag [at] stringletter.com. If AG selects your question for publication, you’ll receive a complimentary copy of our Acoustic Guitar Owner’s Manual.

Why Isn’t My Acoustic Guitar Intonating Well, and What Can I Do About It?

Here are some things to check if you notice something is outside of the reasonable range of intonation on your guitar and it’s off enough to bother the ear.

ruler checking action (string height) at the bridge on an acoustic guitar

How to Fix Problems Caused by Incorrect Neck Angles on Acoustic Guitars

Neck angle is probably the single most crucial variable for the playability of a flattop guitar. Here's how to fix it if it's off.

Ask the Expert: The Delicate Art of Fretwork—and Why It’s Best Left to a Professional

Whether building an instrument from scratch, restoring a collector’s item, or setting up a brand-new guitar, it’s likely that some amount of fretwork will be required.

closeup of open back tuners on an acoustic guitar headstock

How to Keep Acoustic Guitar Tuners Moving Smoothly

Here's how to keep the tuning components on your acoustic guitar moving smoothly, from cleaning to proper lubricant selection for both modern and vintage guitars.

acoustic guitar sound hole humidity hygrometer

How to Take Care of Your Guitar in a Very Humid Environment

For those living in an overly humid environment, acoustic guitars can take on serious damage from the air around them. Here's how to take care of guitars in an extremely humid environment.

Ask the Expert: How to Shop for a Used Guitar

With a few tricks and tips, you can feel confident heading out into the world of used-guitar shopping.

Ask the Expert: Is There a Correct Way to Position a Saddle on an Acoustic Guitar?

Although guitar tuning is something that can be easily measured, there are many differences in saddle/bridge position and treatment between popular makes.

collage showing three different packages of nylon guitar strings

Ask the Expert: What’s the Deal with Nylon Guitar Strings?

Guitar repair expert Martin Keith explains the differences between steel and nylon guitar strings and shares some useful terminology.

Finding and Fixing Rattles and Buzzes on Acoustic Guitars

Here is an end-to-end approach for for finding and fixing those annoying rattles and buzzes on your acoustic guitar.

guitarist holds a resonator guitar and cleans it

Ask the Expert: Caring for Your Guitar Over the Long Haul

Guitar repair expert Mamie Minch gives a rundown of some basic things a guitar owner can do, and not do, to maintain the health of their guitar.