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Tuning Machines

Guild uses fine open-back and die-cast 
tuning machines. Open-back tuners are 
pre-lubricated, but may occasionally 
require a small drop of light machine oil 
on the worm gear (wipe off any excess) 
and an occasional turn of a screwdriver 
to make sure that the ring gear center 
screw is snug. Die-cast tuning machines 
are sealed and require no lubrication.

A small tension-adjustment screw at 
the end of each tuner button holds 
the button in place. If the tension is 
too loose, the tuning machine may 
slip and go out of tune easily; if it’s 
too tight, the button may become 
difficult to turn. Make sure that the 
adjustment is firm, but not too tight.

Acids and oils from the hands can 
degrade the plating on Guild tuning 
machines. Wipe the machines with a 
soft, dry cloth after each use to preserve 
their appearance and function.

Strings that are improperly secured to 
tuning machine posts can easily slip 
and go out of tune. This is commonly 
misdiagnosed as a problem with the 
tuners themselves, so check your 
string installation carefully 

(see 

illustrations 1, 2 and 3 on page 15)

.

Tuning Six-String Guitars

There‘s more than one way to tune a 
guitar. Electronic chromatic tuners are 
plentiful, inexpensive and very easy 
to use. Simply plug in your guitar and 
tune the strings from low to high as 
noted on the tuner (E A D G B E).

Always tune up to the correct pitch 
from below instead of down to the 
correct pitch from above. This helps 
eliminate string slack and lessens the 
possibility of string slippage while 
you’re playing.

To tune a guitar using a tuner with 
an A-440 reference tone, a guitar 
pitch pipe, an A-440 tuning fork or 
other pitch reference, tune the second 
string (A) to pitch accordingly. Then 
fret the tuned A string at the 5th fret 
to produce a D, and tune the adjacent 
open D string to that pitch. Continue 
in this fashion by fretting the tuned 
D string at the 5th fret to produce a G 
and tuning the adjacent open G string 
to that pitch; then fret the tuned G 
string at the 4th fret to produce a B and 
tune the adjacent open B string to that 
pitch; then fret the tuned B string at 
the 5th fret to produce an E and tune 
the adjacent high E string to that pitch. 
Finally, fret the low E string at the 
fifth fret and tune it up until its pitch 
matches the adjacent open A string.

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Summary of Contents for 2014 Acoustic Guitar

Page 1: ...Acoustic Guitar Owner s Manual ...

Page 2: ...nce for your guitar and answers to many of your questions When the Craft Matters Moisture Content and Humidity Cracks in the Wood Finish Checking Neck Resets General Maintenance Tuning Machines Tuning Six String Guitars Tuning 12 String Guitars Changing Strings Truss Rod Adjustment Action Adjustment Travelling With Your Guitar Limited Lifetime Warranty Servicing Your Guitar 4 7 8 8 8 9 10 10 13 14...

Page 3: ...ch only the most highly skilled craftsmen were permitted to join Today s Guild guitars reflect that same devotion to excellence with fine acoustic instruments that express the highest standards of artistry in wood craftsmanship and guitar making Now as always Guild guitars are fashioned from hand selected woods chosen by discerning buyers who travel the world in search of them Today Guild guitars ...

Page 4: ... evaporation of moisture from the wood can cause shrinking and cracking This can happen no matter how old the wood is and string action can become too low if the top and back shrink enough The ideal temperature for solid wood acoustic guitars is in fact normal room temperature which is about 70 degrees F 21 1 C The ideal humidity is about 40 to 50 percent In winter the heating systems used in many...

Page 5: ...nds and wall hangers made with vinyl plastic synthetic leather and surgical rubber tubing as these materials can react adversely with certain instrument finishes Avoid finish checking by avoiding sudden changes in temperature and humidity When bringing an instrument indoors from cold conditions leave it in its case and allow sufficient time for it to become acclimated to a warmer temperature befor...

Page 6: ...e illustrations 1 2 and 3 on page 15 Tuning Six String Guitars There s more than one way to tune a guitar Electronic chromatic tuners are plentiful inexpensive and very easy to use Simply plug in your guitar and tune the strings from low to high as noted on the tuner E A D G B E Always tune up to the correct pitch from below instead of down to the correct pitch from above This helps eliminate stri...

Page 7: ...aused by six additional strings can make fretting notes and chords on a 12 string guitar more difficult for some players A common remedy for this is to tune the entire instrument to a lower relative pitch such as E flat or D which reduces string tension to a more comfortable level A capo can then be used on the first or second fret to achieve standard pitch Although this reduces tension on the nec...

Page 8: ...und the post then underneath and back over the main length of the string before tightening Illustration 2 String is then wound halfway around post Orchestra Guitars Phosphor Bronze gauges 012 to 053 Grand Orchestra Guitars Phosphor Bronze gauges 012 to 053 Concert Guitars Phosphor Bronze gauges 012 to 053 Dreadnought Guitars Phosphor Bronze gauges 013 to 056 Jumbo Guitars Phosphor Bronze gauges 01...

Page 9: ...e headstock down the neck toward the body If the neck is humped with a convex bow loosen the truss rod by turning the wrench counterclockwise looking from the soundhole up the neck toward the headstock Adjust the rod only a partial turn at a time and allow time for the wood to settle before adjusting again Sight down the neck after each adjustment and be careful not to over tighten the truss rod I...

Page 10: ...g carry your instrument in a hard shell case at all times for protection During air travel guitars are often exposed to dramatic changes in temperature and pressure To help prevent possible damage de tune the strings approximately one whole step so that the tension on the top and neck is reduced Guild offers a variety of standard and deluxe cases for most guitar models please contact your local Gu...

Page 11: ...cifications Initial standard setup and adjustment of the instrument and its components at the time of purchase are considered normal Dealer product preparation and are not covered by this warranty Limitations and Exclusions The following items are not covered by this warranty 1 Fret wear saddle wear nut wear strings and batteries 2 Setups adjustments or routine maintenance of any kind 3 Damage to ...

Page 12: ... Servicing Your Guitar New guitars typically have a settling in period during which adjustments may be necessary Many experienced guitar players have learned to make their own truss rod or action adjustments If you prefer not to make these adjustments to your new guitar yourself bring the instrument to your nearest Guild dealer or Authorized Guild Service Center for inspection and if necessary adj...

Page 13: ... 2014 GUILD GUITARS 1455 19th St Santa Monica CA 90404 USA ...

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