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.

Ask the Expert: How Does a Truss Rod Work?

The truss rod is a long metal rod installed in a channel running most of the length of your guitar’s neck. Here's how it works and how to tell if it needs adjustment.

Ask the Expert: When Is it Time for a Re-Fret? And What Is “Back Buzz?”

Should you keep the vintage frets on your vintage Gibson for the sake of the guitar’s authenticity? What's causing that mysterious metallic fret buzz? Ask the Expert!

Ask the Expert: Is Fingerboard Oil “Snake Oil?”

Does applying oil to an acoustic guitar's fingerboard have any benefits other than making it look nice? Our expert weighs in on fingerboard oil.

closeup of a martin acoustic guitar neck joint with the neck detached

Ask the Expert: Does My Guitar Need A Neck Reset?

Neck repairs are a common occurrence on a vintage acoustic guitar and can enhance the sound of a valued instrument. Don’t feel nervous about getting this repair done.

Ask the Expert: If Your Guitar Isn’t Playing or Feeling Right, Check for a Loose Bridge

From the September 2017 issue of Acoustic Guitar | BY MAMIE MINCH Q: Over the last few months, the action on my older Yamaha dreadnought has gotten uncomfortab... Read More...

Ask the Expert: How to Know When to Hang ‘er on the Wall

From the February 2019 issue of Acoustic Guitar | BY MAMIE MINCH I have a Takamine dreadnought that I bought used, and it has been a trusted companion... Read More...

Ask the Expert: Commissioning the Right Repair for a Vintage Guitar

From the April 2018 issue of Acoustic Guitar | BY MAMIE MINCH Q: I have a 1932 Gibson L-00 12-fret that appears to have had a neck reset and refret before... Read More...

Ask the Expert: Fixing String Spacing & Refretting a Bound Fingerboard

From the December 2017 issue of Acoustic Guitar | BY MAMIE MINCH Thank you, dear readers, for all your write-in curios and questions ... Read More...