Fender GUILD - REV B Owner's Manual - page 4

Cracks in the Wood

Cracks in the wood are typically caused by changes

in temperature and humidity. While a crack may

initially be alarming, if it is taken care of promptly it

shouldn't be a cause for undue concern. Cracks may

easily be repaired without compromising structural or

tonal integrity.

   If the crack is in the top, near the bridge, loosen all

the strings to reduce tension, (which could potentially

exacerbate the problem), and have the crack repaired

as soon as you can. Please note: Cracks in the

wood, which occur as the result of exposure to

temperature or humidity changes will not be

covered under the Guild warranty.

Finish Checking

   Finish checking, (very small splits in the finish),

usually occurs in winter and is typically the result of

suddenly exposing a cold instrument to the shock of

warmer temperatures.

   All of the materials that make up a guitar expand

and contract with changes in temperature and

humidity. Wood expands as it warms, and it does so

faster than the finish. When this happens, the finish

may split and fracture in little lines over the wood.

Although it does not affect the tone of the

instrument, finish checking mars its appearance. By

avoiding sudden temperature and humidity changes,

you should not have any finish checking problems.

When an instrument has been brought into a

building after it has been out in the cold, allow plenty

of time for it to become acclimated to the new

temperature before you open the case. Please note:

Finish checks, which occur as the result of

exposure to temperature or humidity changes will

not be covered under the Guild warranty.

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General Maintenance

   Clean the instrument after each use, making sure to

wipe the fingerboard and strings, as well as any of the

plated parts, i.e. machine heads, pickups, etc. with a

soft dry cloth.

   For  gloss  finishes,  use  a  non-silicone  based  guitar

polish. For satin finishes, use only a soft dry

polishing cloth. For hand-rubbed finishes, use a soft,

slightly damp cloth and follow with a dry cloth.

   When not playing the instrument, keep it tuned to

pitch and in its case. However, if you plan to store the

instrument for long periods of time, loosen the strings

a bit to relieve the tension, but do not remove them.

The natural oils in Rosewood and Ebony

fingerboards may dry out over time. Rough, exposed

fret edges are evidence of dry, shrunken wood. It is a

good idea to give your fretboard a drink of raw

linseed oil periodically to preserve its integrity and

natural beauty. Remove the strings first; then apply

the oil to a clean lint free cloth. Rub into the wood,

let it soak in, and then wipe to dry any excess oil.

   Be careful when using vinyl, plastic or synthetic

leather guitar straps, guitar stands and wall hangers

using surgical rubber tubing, as these materials may

react with the finish of your instrument. Please note:

Damage caused to the instrument by the use of

non-Guild-approved polishes, cleaning materials

or accessories, will not be covered under the Guild

warranty.

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