COMMON GUITAR MISTAKES WE SEE - HOW TO AVOID THEM

From a Southampton Guitar Repair Technician

As a professional guitar repair technician based in Southampton, I’ve worked on hundreds of guitars – from battered beginner acoustics to stage-ready electrics. Over the years, I’ve noticed many players make the same avoidable mistakes that end up damaging their instruments or holding back their playing.

So here are the most common guitar mistakes I see in my workshop – and how you can avoid them to keep your instrument sounding and feeling its best.

❌ 1. Ignoring the Need for a Setup

The Mistake: Many players assume their guitar is "fine out of the box" or never needs adjusting. As a result, they struggle with high action, buzzing frets, or poor intonation.

Why It Matters: Guitars shift over time — especially with changes in temperature, humidity, or string tension. A professional setup ensures your guitar is optimised for comfort, tone, and tuning stability.

How to Avoid It: Get a guitar setup at least once a year, or anytime you:

• Change string gauge

• Notice buzzing or tuning issues

• Experience hand strain while playing

🛠️ We offer full guitar setups here in Southampton tailored to your playing style.

❌ 2. Using the Wrong Strings

The Mistake: Players often use string gauges that don’t match their guitar’s setup or their playing style — especially beginners who grab whatever’s cheapest.

Why It Matters: Wrong string tension can cause neck bowing, intonation issues, and uncomfortable playing.

How to Avoid It:Use a string gauge that suits:

• Your guitar (scale length, neck strength)

• Your genre (light gauge for bending, heavier for rhythm)

• Your personal preference

🎸 Not sure what to use? I’ll help you pick the right strings when you bring your guitar in for a setup.

❌ 3. DIY Repairs Without the Right Tools or Knowledge

The Mistake: We’ve seen everything — superglued nuts, sanded frets, broken truss rods. YouTube tutorials don’t always tell the full story.

Why It Matters: A wrong turn with a file or soldering iron can permanently damage your instrument.

How to Avoid It:If you’re unsure, don’t risk it. Many repairs are more affordable than you think, and done properly, they’ll last longer and protect your guitar’s value.

🔧 We provide honest advice — no upselling, just solid workmanship.

❌ 4. Storing Guitars Improperly

The Mistake: Leaning guitars against radiators, leaving them in the car overnight, or hanging them in direct sunlight.

Why It Matters: Southampton’s weather (especially the damp, cold winters) can cause:

• Neck warping

• Fret sprout

• Cracks in acoustic tops

How to Avoid It:

• Store guitars in their case when not in use

• Keep them away from extreme temperatures or humidity

• Use a humidifier in winter (especially for acoustics)

🧰 I can inspect your guitar and let you know if climate damage has already occurred.

❌ 5. Not Cleaning the Guitar (or Strings)

The Mistake: Sweat, grime, and dead skin build up quickly, especially on the fretboard and hardware.

Why It Matters:

• Reduces string life

• Corrodes frets and hardware

• Makes the guitar feel sticky and sluggish

How to Avoid It:

• Wipe down strings and fretboard after each session

• Clean and oil the fretboard every few months (or during a string change)

✨ We offer fretboard cleaning and conditioning as part of our full service options.

❌ 6. Over-Tightening the Truss Rod

The Mistake: Players try to adjust neck relief without knowing how the truss rod works — often leading to stripped threads or snapped rods.

Why It Matters: Truss rod damage can be expensive to fix, and in some cases, irreversible.

How to Avoid It:If you’re adjusting your neck:

• Use the right tools

• Make small turns (¼ turn at a time)

• Know when to stop — or just ask a pro

🪛 Neck adjustments are part of every setup we do here at our Southampton workshop.