Guitar, Mandolin, Mandola, Bouzouki etc
Your Guitar, whether classical or acoustic, needs the same basic care as any other stringed instrument: this applies to mandolin, mandola or bouzouki too. Note: bowl backed mandolins are especially subsceptible to damage by steam or damp. All these instruments are best stored at room temperature in a clean dry place. Damp will ruin any instrument causing the seams to become unglued, and mildew to grow inside the body. Always avoid damp.
Also avoid dry or excessive heat. Never leave any instrument by a fire or radiator nor hanging in the path of steam (eg in a kitchen) In steel-string acoustic guitars, check the neck of the guitar regularly to ensure the thrust rod does not need adjusting.
In Mandolins and Mandolas resist the temptation to store by taking off all the strings. In fact resist this temptation when storing any instrument...they are best served by keeping a gentle and consistant pressure on the soundboard rather than this old wives tale! Change Guitar and madolin/madola/bouzouki strings regularly to keep a bright and true sound.
Clean the wood and strings only using a reputable and recommended instrument varnish cleaner! e.g Hills Varnish cleaner or Royal Oak Cleaner. Guitar makes such as Martin guitar cleaner are good for guitars, but we recommend the more refined makes (above) for the mandolin / bouzouki ranges.
