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.

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.

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.

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.

closeup photo of a guitar tech measuring the action on an acoustic guitar

Ask the Expert: Why Is My Guitar Buzzing?

Is your acoustic guitar making an unwanted buzzing sound? Here our resident expert offers some possible causes and solutions.

Ask the Expert: Vintage Guitars and Aging Plastic Parts

From the August 2017 issue of Acoustic Guitar | BY MAMIE MINCH Hello gentle readers. Lately, I’ve received lots of questions about issues stemming f... Read More...

closeup of a vintage acoustic guitar's slotted headstock and tuners

Ask the Expert: All About Slotted Headstocks and Dead G Strings

Repair expert Martin Keith discusses acoustic guitar headstock design and how to maintain evenness and consistency of timbre on your classical guitar's thickest string.

a closeup of a solid guitar headstock with banjo tuners

Ask the Expert: What’s the History Behind Solid Headstocks and Banjo Tuners on Guitars?

In this installment of Ask the Expert, George Gruhn dives into the history of slotted headstocks and banjo tuners on acoustic guitars.

close up of vintage gibson headstock being hung on a wall

Ask the Expert: Is It Safe to Hang My Guitar on the Wall?

Will hanging my guitar on the wall alter the setup or damage it? Expert luthier Mamie Minch offers two great reasons to hang your guitar, plus some caveats to consider.