Maintenance and Customer Service

Customer Service

If you need customer service for your product, please contact Takamine distributor in your area. To find out Takamine distributor near you, refer to the Distributor List.

Caring for Your Takamine Guitar - Maintenance

Here are the basics on keeping your Takamine in tip-top shape; the four most important things you need to do for your guitar.

1. Keep your guitar clean
2. Keep your guitar comfortable
3. Don't hurt your guitar
4. Play your guitar as frequently as possible

Keep Your Guitar Clean

There are many fine cleaning products available for your guitar at your local music store. Invest in a good polish and a couple of lint-free polishing rags.

• Wipe the strings down with a dry cloth after playing. Use guitar polish sparingly on the wooden part of the guitar.
• If the strings are dead or discolored, change them. For routine changes, change strings one at a time. This will put less stress on the truss rod.
• On satin finishes, the wood will take on a nice patina (shine) over time. Again, use your polish sparingly!
• Use lemon oil or a "conditioner" on the fingerboard and bridge a couple of times a year, or if the wood looks dry. You'll need to take off all of the strings to do this.

Keep Your Guitar Comfortable

Generally, if you are comfortable, your guitar will be comfortable. Try to keep the temperature moderate and keep the guitar between 40 – 60% humidity. Use a humidifier in the case or room:

• If you frequently run a heater or air conditioner.
• If you are in the mountains or desert.
• If you are not sure.
• If you live by the shore, you probably don't need a humidifier. A desiccant (silicon pack) may be needed.

Don't Hurt Your Guitar

• Do not shock your guitar or subject it to extremes! If you are out in the snow, and enter a warm house, do not open the case until the guitar inside has come up to the temperature.
• Do not leave your guitar in the trunk of your car! (That will kill your guitar and you will be sad!).
• Make sure you have the proper case. When you close the lid, be sure to latch it! Carry the case with the lid towards you. Backwards down the stairs and forward going up.
• If you don't know what you are doing with the truss rod, don't touch it. Get to know good guitar tech and knowledge.
• Don't tune it above pitch. The A string should be 110 Hz. Electronic tuners are inexpensive and reliable.
• If travelling by plane, be very careful. Loosen all the strings on your guitar and use the best fitting, best constructed case you can find.

Play Your Guitar As Frequently As Possible

Not only will you feel good and get a rush fro playing your guitar, but the more you play will help the solid woods to develop tone. This also helps to keep you in touch with your guitar, should it need maintenance.

On occasion, your guitar will require service. This might include a truss rod adjustment and set up. If you play a lot, you will eventually need your frets dressed or maybe a new saddle or nuts.