Your instruments are investments that deserve proper care. Whether you play guitar, drums, piano, or any other instrument, regular maintenance keeps them sounding great and prevents costly repairs. Here are professional tips for keeping your gear in top shape.
Daily Care
After every playing session, wipe down your instrument with a soft cloth. This removes oils, sweat, and moisture that can cause corrosion and finish damage over time. For string instruments, wipe down the strings individually — this alone can double their lifespan.
String Instruments
Change your strings regularly — every 1-3 months for guitars depending on how often you play. Use fretboard oil 2-3 times per year on unfinished rosewood and ebony fretboards. Store your guitar in its case with a humidifier if you live in a dry climate (below 45% humidity).
Percussion
Drum heads lose their tone over time. Check them monthly for dents, dips, and worn spots. Keep your cymbals clean with proper cymbal polish — fingerprints and oxidation affect their sound. Always use quality felts and sleeves on your cymbal stands to prevent keyholing.
Wind Instruments
Always swab out moisture after playing — trapped moisture causes corrosion and pad damage. Oil valves regularly on brass instruments. Store reed instruments with the reed removed and dried.
Storage
Never leave instruments in extreme temperatures — car trunks in summer and unheated garages in winter are instrument killers. Ideal storage is 65-75 degrees Fahrenheit at 45-55% humidity.
At Stonetown Merchants, we carry a full line of instrument care products, from cleaning kits to humidifiers. Browse our Care and Accessories collection to find everything you need.