Guitar Maintenance

Nut adjustment involves measurement of string heights at the nut (near the head) and determining what tweaks may be needed. Lowering the strings involves deepening the string slot. Raising the strings likely requires replacing the nut with new string slots.

Nut replacement requires removal of the nut without damaging the neck, fretboard, or finish – Then shaping a new nut to fit the existing slot and creating slots of the correct width and depth for strings. Maple fretboards may require more work and a different price.

Saddle adjustment involves measurement of string heights and determining whether the saddle must be raised or lowered.

Saddle replacement requires removal of the saddle without damaging the bridge, then shaping and fitting of a new nut for that bridge. The saddle is shaped for a new string height and correct string spacing is calculated and applied.

Intonation is whether or not the string is in tune with itself. Adjustments to fix intonation require changes to the shape of the saddle or angle of the saddle in the bridge.

Fretboard cleaning removes all of the dirt and grime that builds up between the strings and on the sides of the frets.

Fretboard polishing first requires a clean fretboard. Lemon oil is applied and allowed to penetrate the fretboard. Where absorbed completely more oil may be applied, then buffed to bring it to new or better condition. Maple fretboards do not require oil, but are cleaned and buffed with a polishing compound.

Fret leveling involves shaping the frets to bring them to the same height.

Fret polishing is the fine polishing of each fret, bringing it to a highly reflective shine.

Fret dressing shapes the ends of the frets to ensure they don’t stick out from the edge of the fretboard and are rounded and tapered correctly for maximum playability.