Strings feel high and hard to play
- Usually
- Too much neck relief, a tall saddle, or the top rising a little behind the bridge over time.
- What we do
- A setup with saddle adjustment. If the top has moved, we assess it first.
Acoustic and classical guitar
Acoustic and classical guitars are made of thin wood that moves with the seasons, and their strings pull on the top for years. Most problems come from changes in humidity and from that constant tension.
Common problems
What players notice most, what is usually behind it, and how we sort it out.
Buzz on some notes
- Usually
- Not enough relief, a low saddle, or uneven frets.
- What we do
- A setup, and fret work if needed.
Out of tune higher up the neck
- Usually
- The saddle or nut need adjusting, or the strings are old.
- What we do
- New strings and work on the saddle and nut.
Sharp fret ends along the side of the neck
- Usually
- The fretboard shrinks a little when the air is dry.
- What we do
- Filing and dressing the fret ends.
Small cracks in the top or sides
- Usually
- Dry air or a knock.
- What we do
- Small wood repairs. Larger cracks are assessed case by case.
A gap under the edge of the bridge
- Usually
- Years of string tension and the glue joint giving way.
- What we do
- Loosen the strings and bring it in for a look as soon as you can.
Parts we look at
Nut
Its slots set how easy the first chords feel and how well they stay in tune.
Saddle and bridge
The saddle sets string height and intonation; the bridge carries the string pull on the top.
Truss rod
Most steel-string acoustics have one; many classical guitars don't.
Frets
Wear and dry air can leave them uneven or sharp at the ends.
Tuners
Should turn smoothly and hold the tuning.
Looking after it
- Keep it in its case, away from radiators and direct sun.
- In dry weather, a case humidifier helps protect the wood.
- New nylon strings stretch for a few days, so frequent retuning at first is normal.
- If you see a gap under the bridge or a crack, loosen the strings and get it checked.
Something feels off?
Send us a photo and tell us what you notice. We'll tell you what it probably is and what it would cost.
