If any of you guys are planning on receiving guitars shipped during the cold winter months then here are a few things to be aware of. These few tips can save your guitar from checking or other damage that could occur.
First of all when you receive your guitar from the carrier take it inside and just let it sit. I know, I know you want to freakin’ rip open the box immediately and start playing……I do too, trust me! You need to let the package sit for about 20-30 minutes so it can acclimate to the warmer temperatures inside. Don’t even open a flap!
After 20-30 minutes then you can open the flaps and take the case or gig bag out. Do not open it yet! Let the case or gig bag sit for another 20 minutes or so. If you see some condensation on the case or gig bag then wait until you see it start to dry off. Also feel the case or gig bag to see if it is really cold. The key here is to let the instrument warm up gradually.
If the case or gig bag does not have condensation and feels relatively warm then you can open the case about 1″ and let it sit like this for another 20 minutes or so. Same goes for a gig bag. Unzip it about 1/3 of the way and let it breath for a little while. Reach your hand in and feel the instruments temperature. Again if it is cold wait it out until it feels warm. Also see if there is condensation on the instrument. If there is then I would close the case and wait.
After all of this waiting and checking your new guitar, it should be ready to be unveiled. So go ahead and check it out! Make sure there is no damage from shipping or anything. By slowly letting the instrument warm up you will avoid finish checking, possible moisture damage to the finish and possible glue joints giving out. The name of the game is patience and it is well worth it when it comes to opening your new guitar from a very cold shipping carton.
Here is a related article about avoiding finish checking:
Click here to read the 300 Tip about Finish Checking and How to Avoid it.
My shop is located at 1 Executive Dr Unit L Toms River, NJ 08755
Please feel free to email me if you have any questions or are in need of some tech work.
- Monday: 10am - 5pm
- Tuesday: 10am - 5pm
- Wednesday: Closed
- Thursday: 10am - 5pm
- Friday: 10am - 5pm
- Saturday 10am - 2pm. (I am in every other Saturday).
I am also an Eminence, Mercury Magnetics, Mojo Musical Supply dealer.
I do all the tech work myself so you deal directly with me. I am a one man shop and my hours can vary so please contact me to confirm that I will be open.
Email me: billy@300guitars.com
Call or text me: 848-218-0362
Shipping Info for all repair work:
Please ship all repairs to: 1 Executive Dr Unit L Toms River, NJ 08755
I am currently offering all phases of guitar work which includes:
- Set-ups
- Fret dressing
- Re-fretting
- New hand cut custom bone nuts & saddles
- Electronics work
And amplifier work which includes:
- Basic maintenance
- Bias adjustment
- Repairs and restorations
- Modifications
- And more....
Testimonials:
David Nicholas - The 20watt amp is sounding fantastic! Delivered the goods at the gig and I'm finding cool tones all over the place with it. Love the cab w Emenince Tonkerlites too- perfect for my sounds! Makes the 12 string sound like a grand piano!
Peter Lacis - I had an audition for something recently that was all about Led Zeppelin I -- my custom Pennalizer BLEW THE MINDS of the guys I was playing with. They couldn't believe the sounds coming out of that amp. That album was never in my mind when I came up with the idea....so that's yet another testament to the amazing work that you do.
Scott Goldberg - I am very satisfied with the set-up, and the fast turn around. With the "lower" action it feels easier to play. I will definitely spread the word.