CARE &

FEEDING GUIDE

FOR YOUR MARTIN INSTRUMENT

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Proper Care of Your Instrument ......................................................................... 2

Humidity, Temperature and Storage ....................................................... 2

Using Guitar Straps ....................................................................................10

How to String a Steel-String Guitar ................................................................11

Identifying the Parts of Your Guitar ................................................................ 12

1

PROPER CARE OF YOUR INSTRUMENT

HUMIDITY, TEMPERATURE AND STORAGE

Your instrument is made of thin wood which is easily aected by

temperature and humidity. C. F. Martin recommends that you keep

your instrument’s humidity level between 45-55% and temperature

generally do permanent damage to your instrument. When very high

humidity is combined with high temperature, glue joints could possibly

become weakened and may even open slightly. If your instrument is

exposed to high

temperature or humidity for any length of time, the glue

under

the bridge could weaken causing the bridge to pull o.

Rapid changes in humidity are what you want to guard against. If,

for instance, you place your instrument near a source of dry heat,

the humidity around it will drop much faster than it would naturally,

although a sudden dry spell can have the same eect. If the moisture

content of wood is forced down quickly, portions of it shrink faster than

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damage as a result. Should the instrument be exposed to freezing

temperatures, let it warm to room temperature while still in its case.

This allows the instrument to acclimate to room temperature more

slowly, decreasing the possibility of wood and finish cracks.

Caution should be taken if you choose to use a humidifier to combat

low humidity. Moisture in direct contact with the instrument could

cause damage, as can the rubber or vinyl parts of a humidifier.

We recommend storing your instrument in its case when not in use.

Humidity is easier to control in a smaller space. If your instrument will

not be played for an extended period of time, C. F. Martin recommends

United States or Canada, please see martinguitar.com for a list of

Authorized Service Centers. For instruments purchased in other

countries, please contact your local C. F. Martin dealer or distributor.

CLEANING THE FINISH

The best way to clean your instrument is with a warm, damp cloth. This will

remove harmful chemicals. Your instrument is coated in the highest grade

finish available and is sensitive. Any type of solvent, especially those found

in plastic, vinyl and leather straps, will mar the finish, as will alcohol, citric

acid, aftershave lotion, insect repellent and a number of related

TUNING MACHINE MAINTENANCE

Tuning machines normally need very little care other than periodic

lubrication. Enclosed machines, the type with a cover over the gears, are

lubricated by the manufacturer, but the open type should be lubricated

once or twice a year. Just put a little household petroleum jelly on the end

of a toothpick and place the jelly in the gears. Be careful not to use too

much because it catches dust which can wear out the machines.

Some types of machines are adjustable for ease of tuning. The open

type can be made harder to turn by tightening the screw in the middle

of the gear. Check this screw every time you replace the strings

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The strings are held in place at the bridge by a small notch at the front

of each bridge pin, with the exception of Authentic model bridge pins

that will not have a notch. It is important that the bridge pin slot be

facing straight forward so the string is properly aligned on the bridge

saddle. Make sure that the ball end of the string is pulled up tightly

against the inside of the top before inserting the bridge pin.

Too often bridge pins are hammered in so hard that they become

wedged and split the bridge. After inserting the string and pin, a solid

push with your thumb is all that is needed. Bridge and endpins are

tapered and held into place by friction. They are not glued in and are

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STRINGS

Dierent styles of playing demand dierent types of strings and C. F.

Martin oers a variety of styles for every player. Your instrument was

shipped with the strings that we believe will give the best results for

most pla

yers but we welcome

visiting martinstrings.com.

causes an unbalanced sound.

C. F. Martin 6-string instruments are made for strings no

heavier than medium gauge (.013-.056), and 12-string instruments

should use lighter gauge sets. C. F. Martin will not accept responsibility

for use of strings which are heavier than recommended.

ADJUSTING THE ACTION

An instrument’s action or playability is defined from the string height

between the top of the fret and bottom of the string. Your instrument’s

action will change over time from being under constant string tension or

change in the environment and will require adjustments. The action can be

be adjusted for relative straightness and proper relief. This is not considered

to be a consumer adjustment and should be made by an Authorized Service

Center.

Sometimes sighting down the neck gives the illusion of neck bow when it is

actually within specifications. This is because the top will rise and fall with

changes in temperature and humidity. This swelling raises the end of the

fingerboard, which is actually attached to the top rather than the neck. If this

should become too high, it might need adjustment or repair.

The bellying of the top is normal and should be expected. The top is actually

made with an arch. This will increase over a period of time due to string

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