Frozen Frets - 3 tips to save your guitar this winter

Winter can be a tough time for musicians, especially when it comes to maintaining your instruments. Cold, dry air can wreak havoc on your guitar, causing the wood to shrink and the strings to lose their tension.

But don't worry, there are several steps you can take to keep your guitar in top shape during the winter months.

1 - Keep them in a stable environment

it's important to keep your guitar in a place that's neither too hot or too cold. Avoid leaving your guitar in a cold car or unheated room, as sudden temperature changes can damage the wood and cause the neck to warp. The same applies for keeping your guitar so close to heat sources. Try to keep your guitar in a climate-controlled space as much as possible, failing that, keep your guitars in cases with humidity packs inside. 

2 - Cleaning and conditioning

One way to combat the damage the cold weather can do is to make sure to clean and condition your guitar regularly. Dry winter air can cause the wood to lose moisture, leading to cracks and other damage. To prevent this, clean your guitar with a soft, damp cloth and then use a guitar polish or wood conditioner to moisturize the wood. This will help to keep the wood healthy and prevent cracking.

3 Check your guitar's setup regularly.

Cold weather can cause the strings to lose their tension, leading to poor play ability and intonation. To prevent this, make sure to check the neck and bridge of your guitar, and adjust the truss rod and saddle if necessary. This will help to keep your guitar playing its best. Fret sprout is also a massive issue at this time of year, so getting your guitar checked over and having a proper fret dress can make all the difference.

By following these simple steps, you can help to ensure that your guitar stays in great shape throughout the winter. We offer set up and repair services and a range of accessories that can help you keep your guitar playing at it's best.