Maintenance 

Maintenance is performed a three levels for this discussion.  
Level One: Monthly
Level Two: Every Six Months
Level Three: Yearly

Again, as mentioned in General Tips, depending on how much you use your instrument, will set the amount of maintenance level required. 

We will try to break this into 3 sub-categories:

2-3 hours per week

6-8 hours per week

10 or more hours per week

Level One

2-3 hours per week

Chances are if you’re at this amount of playing time, you are just beginning to play, and it's done in your house, without moving the instrument.  This will cause strings to last longer and will not put the wear and tear that transporting the instrument and setting up the instrument will cause.  I recommend you keep your instrument covered, as this will keep household dust to a minimum from settling on your instrument. 

6-8 hours per week

You’re probably either an intermediate player, or your playing time is limited to some practicing, and perhaps playing out one night per week.  You will want to watch your critical strings, particularly the 3rd string on your E9th, and make sure that it won't break when you’re not needing it to.  You will be transporting your guitar, and simply this will cause some wearing issues.  Ever see a scratch and wonder when it got there?  You set your guitar up faster at 9:00 PM at the playing job, and are by human nature, a little more careful.  But when that 2:00AM tear down begins, your focus is a little more on getting home, and getting to bed. Make sure your carrying some minor tools, including the allen wrenches that fit your guitar.  Also, take an extra cord and some extra strings too.  You might consider changing complete string sets every three weeks.

10 or more hours per week

You’re now playing at least two nights per week, and some issues will need your attention.  Change your complete string sets at least once per week.  If you primarily use one neck or the other more, and assuming you have a double neck instrument, you might be able to change that set every two weeks.  Start cleaning your instrument every time you change strings by at least inspecting things underneath your guitar, using some polish to clean the instrument, and inspecting your cables.  You’re setting up and tearing down your instrument more, and this will take its toll on your instrument no matter how careful you are. Use your case, that's what it's for.    I know some, me included, will leave the guitar set-up and transport it to and from the playing jobs...but I only do this if I'm playing the guitar in more than one location per day and I'M THE ONLY ONE HANDLING IT!

Level Two

This is the six month check up for your guitar, and where you will take a good screw driver, and check and tighten all of the screws.  Don't use a cheap screw driver to do this...making sure it fits the screw, and don't over tighten the screw by stripping the slot.  Check your allen screws in bell cranks and checking that they’re tight. Get some metal polish and clean the endplates and metal parts.  Check the tuning keys, especially the 3rd tuner on the E9th, as this receives more use because of string maintenance, and make sure the jam nut is properly tightened.   

Open up your volume pedal, and just visibly inspect it.  Replace that worn cable with a new one if needed. It might be a good time to clean your amp.  Keep in mind, when you’re cleaning your equipment, you’re touching and  feeling around things, and this is where you will notice things that need attention.  The Lubrication Tips will go into depth on this subject, but make sure you lube your guitar properly.

Generally, replace any suspicious part, and your instrument will perform for you would you need it to.

Level Three

This is where you might require a qualified repairman to assist you in replacing parts that need replacing.  Your guitar over this period, if you’re using it a lot, can loose its set-up, and you might need to re-set up the instrument.  If you’re not comfortable with this, don't do it without someone who's qualified to do this.  I've seen terrific players, be so mechanically inept, that it's really scary, and yet offer advice as an expert.  Don't be afraid to call your equipment manufacture and get their recommendations for performing the repairs if needed.  Don't rely on the guy who talks a good game, and may play better than you, but really doesn't know anymore about the mechanics than you. ASK, AND ASK AGAIN! Until you’re comfortable that the person you select can really do the job...references aren't a bad idea either...Keep in mind, certain manufactures, us included, will not honor un-authorized repair of your instrument and this can void your warranty.  

We at Performance Steel Guitar, L.L.C. are just a phone call or email away.  If you choose to play our instrument, don't be afraid to contact us...and if you don't play our instrument, call us anyway...We are here to help the steel guitar community...

Disclaimer: Please be aware that any modifications or repairs may void your warranty with the manufacturer of your instrument and that we can not be held liable for these procedures performed. The intent of these topics is to serve as a guideline in obtaining answers to your questions. For specific questions about your Warranty with Performance Steel Guitar LLC, please contact our corporate offices.  Only Authorized Dealers for Performance Steel Guitar LLC are qualified to service and repair your Performance Product.

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