1. String Replacement
One of the most common issues with a classical guitar is that the can break or become worn out over time. Luckily, replacing your strings is a simple process. First, loosen the tension on the current strings by turning the tuning pegs until the string loses its tension. Then, remove the string from the bridge by pulling it out of the hole in the bridge. Slide the string through the hole in the corresponding tuning peg, and tighten the peg until the string is taut and produces a pitch. Repeat this process with each string.
2. Action Adjustment
The “action” of a guitar refers to the distance between the strings and the fretboard. If this distance is too high, it can cause difficulties when playing, such as requiring greater finger force to play a note. To adjust the action, unscrew the saddle, which is the rectangular strip located beneath the strings. Shave a tiny amount of wood from the bottom of the saddle (up to 1/8 inch), and replace it in the guitar. If the action is still too high, repeat the process until the desired action is achieved.
3. Fret Buzz
A buzzing sound from a guitar can be annoying and distracting when playing. Typically, this issue is caused by the strings hitting the frets when played. To fix fret buzz, first, check the action of the guitar. If it is too low, raising it may solve the buzz issue. If raising the action doesn’t work, the frets may need to be leveled. This process involves using a specialized fret file to even out the frets’ heights. If neither of these two solutions works, it’s best to take your guitar to an experienced luthier for further assistance.
4. Intonation Issues
Intonation refers to the guitar’s ability to produce correct pitches across the fretboard. To verify whether your guitar has intonation issues, tune the guitar with a digital tuner, and test your guitar’s accuracy at various positions on the neck. If your guitar is not in tune at one of those positions, you can adjust the saddle. First, mark the spot where the string rests on the bridge in its present position. Next, tune the open string to the desired pitch. Finally, press the string down to the corresponding fret, and check if the pitch matches. If not, loosen the string and move the saddle very slightly further from the nut if it’s sharp or toward the nut if it’s flat.
Conclusion
Knowing how to fix problems with your classical guitar can help you maintain and improve the instrument’s quality. While minor repairs like string changes can be done easily at home, more significant issues such as intonation problems and fret buzz will require professional assistance. By properly maintaining your classical guitar, you can continue to enjoy playing beautiful music without any avoidable issues.