Les Paul Vintage Mahogany

[oska]

Hi folks,

 

I have just bought a Gibson Les Paul Vintage Mahogany and i m thrilled, to say the least. Although it is Gibson's lowest priced axe, i am a student and this is a substantial investment for me.

 

I need some advice regarding care of the guitar. please help.

 

1> Since the body is natural without any coating, it is much more imperative that i take proper care as it will be more vulnerable. Is it safe & okay to use all those Planet Waves liquids for shine, maintenance and polish to take care of the wood. I am already using their fretboard cleaner and intend to use it every time i replace strings. Is that okay?

 

2> I am from India. Though it is hot, i live in a city which has moderate temperature and no drastic changes in temperatures and humidity because the city is quite above sea level. Do i need to buy a humidifier?

 

3> When i play for long, the fret ends beyond the high E string start to hurt. Is it okay in a sense that i will get used to it or do i require to file it a wee bit?

 

4> In my acoustic guitar, the north-west end where the right hand comes over and touches it constantly while playing, the finish has been totally damaged. Is there a way to prevent this? Is taping a piece of cloth in that area is helpful? I know it's silly, but i absolutely adore the guitar and can't see it getting damaged.

 

Thanks so much!

 

Ciao

[BigKahune]

Welcome.

 

Not silly. All good questions.

 

1> There is a thin finish that comes with a "worn" look. Guitar polishes should be fine.

 

2&3> Fret ends sticking out a bit indicts the guitar has dried out some from the conditions it was constucted under in the factory - about 50%. The fretboard wood has shrunk a bit and the metal frets haven't - so they can stick out a bit. The proper remedy would be to humidify the guitar to see if that helps. Otherwise you'll have to carefully file the fret ends a bit.

 

4> Everytime you finish playing, wipe down the neck and body of your guitar to get your sweat and skin oils of the finish. And occassionally use the guitar cleaners on polishes you mentioned in #1.