Looking after your musical instrument: best practice

A well-maintained instrument sounds better and lasts longer. Whether it is a guitar, a digital piano or a violin, a few simple, regular habits are enough to keep it in perfect condition. Here are our practical tips.

Change your strings regularly

Worn strings lose their brightness, oxidise and can even go out of tune. As a general rule, change your strings every 4 to 8 weeks if you play daily, or as soon as they feel dull to the touch. For a classical guitar, Savarez Alliance Corum strings are a reliable benchmark. Always wipe your strings after each session with a dry cloth to remove sweat.

Tune your instrument before every session

Playing out of tune, even slightly, harms your ear and your progress. A good clip-on tuner attaches to the headstock of the instrument and detects the note by vibration, even in a noisy environment. The Fender Flash 2.0 Tuner is rechargeable and extremely accurate, while the Boston BTU-350 Tuner offers excellent value for money.

Protect your instrument during transport

An instrument that travels without protection always ends up damaged: scratches, knocks, changes in humidity. Investing in a quality gig bag is essential. Our Salvador Cortez guitars come with a gig bag, but if yours is worn or unsuitable, consider replacing it with a padded model with shoulder straps and an accessory pocket.

Clean the fingerboard and the body

The fingerboard (the surface on which you press the strings) accumulates grime over time. Each time you change your strings, take the opportunity to clean it with a slightly damp cloth, then a dry one. For the body of the instrument, a microfibre cloth is enough. Avoid household cleaning products, which could damage the varnish.

Store your instrument properly

Avoid leaving your guitar or violin near a heat source (radiator, window in direct sunlight) or in a place that is too damp. Sudden changes in temperature and humidity can warp the wood and unglue the bracing. A guitar stand or support keeps the instrument stable and safe from falls.

Pianos and keyboards: good habits

Digital pianos and keyboards do not need tuning, but they still deserve some attention. Protect the keys from dust with a cover or a cloth when you are not playing. Clean the keys with a slightly damp cloth (never use chemical products). And avoid putting drinks on the instrument, as a liquid spilled into a keyboard is often impossible to repair.

A well-kept instrument, a happy musician

These simple habits take only a few minutes but make a real difference to the lifespan and sound quality of your instrument. If you need care accessories, strings, a tuner or a gig bag, browse our shop or contact us for personal advice.