Guitar Shop 101
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Guitar Shop 101: Squeezing More Life Out of Worn Frets
January 23, 2015
If it’s hard to coax rich tones from your acoustic, your guitar may need to have its frets leveled.
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Guitar Shop 101: Dress Up Your Strat with a New Pickguard
December 19, 2014
Here’s a fun way to update your loyal 6-string’s look.
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Guitar Shop 101: Coil-Tap an HSS Strat
November 21, 2014
Sometimes a small wiring change can yield major sonic dividends.
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Guitar Shop 101: Tips for Buying a Used Flattop
October 24, 2014
Thinking about buying a used flattop? These tips will help you avoid costly mistakes.
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Guitar Shop 101: How to Install an Onboard Buffer System in a Strat
September 26, 2014
Buffering your Strat’s pickups with an onboard circuit provides several sonic dividends.
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Guitar Shop 101: How to Fix a Misaligned 3-Bolt Neck
August 22, 2014
Got a 3-bolt neck that’s out of alignment? Here’s how to make it right.
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Guitar Shop 101: Installing an EVH D-Tuna on a Floyd Rose
July 25, 2014
Want to add dropped-D capability to your Floyd-equipped guitar? Van Halen’s easily installed device lets you instantaneously drop your 6th string a whole-step.
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Guitar Shop 101: Demystifying Truss-Rod Tools
June 13, 2014
Okay, you want to adjust your guitar’s truss rod. What’s the right tool?
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Guitar Shop 101: Tips for Replacing a Strat-Style 5-Way Switch
May 23, 2014
Replacing a 5-way switch can seem like a daunting task. Learn to research your options and do it right!
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Guitar Shop 101: How to File Sharp Fret Ends
April 25, 2014
When a fretboard dries out from low humidity, the wood shrinks, exposing sharp fret ends. Here’s how to deal with this vexing problem.
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Guitar Shop 101: The Guitarist’s Essential Toolkit
March 28, 2014
Here’s a description of the tools you need to handle routine maintenance tasks.
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Guitar Shop 101: How to Install Standard and Locking Strap Buttons
February 28, 2014
Everything you need to know to easily secure your acoustic or electric.
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Guitar Shop 101: How to Install a Soundhole Pickup
January 27, 2014
Magnetic soundhole pickups have come a long way since they were introduced many decades ago. If you’re considering getting one, here’s how to install it the right way.
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Guitar Shop 101: How to Carve an Open-Slot Saddle
December 13, 2013
Learn how to carve a replacement open-slot saddle and deal with the particular challenges of this old-school design.
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Guitar Shop 101: Safe Ways to Clean Your Guitar's Finish
November 29, 2013
When caring for a guitar, your first line of defense is to wipe down its neck, strings, and body after you play. But that’s just the beginning.
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Guitar Shop 101: The Great Guitar Cleanup
October 18, 2013
Learn how to clean and condition your guitar and discover why it’s crucial to stay on top of such routine maintenance.
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Guitar Shop 101: How to Shim a Bolt-On Neck
September 27, 2013
Sometimes a guitar’s bolt-on neck needs a shim. Find out why and learn how to shim a neck the right way.
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Guitar Shop 101: A Player’s Guide to Tuning Keys
August 30, 2013
Upgrading your tuning keys can help you get in tune more easily and stay there. Learn how to choose the correct keys for your guitar.
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How to Install a New Tune-o-matic Bridge
July 26, 2013
No matter what style Tune-o-matic your guitar has, it’s important to regularly inspect the bridge for wear. Eventually, you may need to replace it.
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How to Set Up a Floyd Rose-Style Trem
June 30, 2013
When a Floyd Rose-style tremolo is tilted back against the body—as shown here—you can’t use the system to its full potential.
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