D'Addario Guitar Maintenance Kit (Model PW-EGMK-01) Instruction Manual

1. Introduction

The D'Addario Guitar Maintenance Kit (Model PW-EGMK-01) is designed to provide essential tools for maintaining and setting up your acoustic or electric guitar. This kit includes a variety of tools to assist with string changes, adjustments, cleaning, and general care, ensuring your instrument performs optimally.

Image 1.1: The D'Addario Guitar Maintenance Kit in its protective zippered case.

2. Package Contents

Verify that all the following items are included in your D'Addario Guitar Maintenance Kit:

• String Winder with Cutter: For efficient string changes and cutting excess string.
• Guitar Neck Support: Provides stable support for the guitar neck during maintenance.
• Multi-tool: Contains various hex keys and screwdrivers for common guitar adjustments.
• Lubrikit: Lubricant for nuts, saddles, and tuning machine posts to reduce friction.
• Fret Polishing System: Includes polishing cloths and templates for cleaning and shining frets.
• String Height Gauge: A precision ruler for measuring string action, pickup height, and other critical dimensions.
• NS Capo Lite: A lightweight capo for changing the pitch of open strings.
• Non-slip Protective Body Mat: Safeguards your guitar's finish during maintenance.
• Storage Case: A durable zippered case to organize and protect all kit components.

Image 2.1: All tools and accessories included in the D'Addario Guitar Maintenance Kit.

3. Setup

Before beginning any maintenance or setup tasks, prepare your workspace:

1. Clear Workspace: Ensure you have a clean, flat, and well-lit surface to work on.
2. Position Body Mat: Place the non-slip protective body mat on your workspace. This mat provides a soft, stable surface to prevent scratches and movement of your guitar.
3. Utilize Neck Support: Position the guitar neck support under the guitar's neck, typically behind the nut, to elevate and stabilize the neck. This allows for comfortable access to the fretboard and headstock.

Image 3.1: A guitar body resting on the protective mat, demonstrating proper setup.

4. Operating Instructions

Detailed instructions for using each tool in the kit:

4.1. String Winder with Cutter

• Winding Strings: Place the winder head over the tuning peg and rotate the handle to quickly loosen or tighten strings.
• Cutting Strings: Use the integrated cutter to trim excess string length after installation. Ensure the string is taut before cutting to prevent fraying.
• Bridge Pin Puller: The notched end can be used to safely remove bridge pins from acoustic guitars.

4.2. Multi-tool

This compact tool provides various hex keys and screwdrivers for common guitar adjustments:

• Truss Rod Adjustment: Select the appropriate hex key to adjust the truss rod for neck relief. Consult your guitar's manufacturer specifications for correct tension.
• Bridge Saddle Height: Use hex keys to adjust individual string saddle heights on electric guitars for desired action.
• Pickup Height: Utilize screwdrivers to adjust pickup height screws.
• Other Adjustments: Apply the various screwdrivers for tightening loose screws on tuners, pickguards, or output jacks.

4.3. Lubrikit

The Lubrikit helps reduce friction and improve tuning stability:

• Application: Apply a small amount of lubricant to the string slots in the nut, bridge saddles, and points where strings pass through tuning machine posts.
• Benefits: Reduces string binding, prevents premature string wear, and enhances tuning accuracy.

4.4. Fret Polishing System

Maintain smooth and shiny frets for improved playability and string life:

• Preparation: Use the included fret polishing templates to mask off the fretboard, exposing only the frets.
• Polishing: Gently rub the polishing cloths along the frets in a back-and-forth motion until desired shine is achieved.
• Cleaning: After polishing, wipe away any residue from the frets and fretboard.

4.5. String Height Gauge

Accurately measure critical guitar dimensions:

• String Action: Place the gauge on the frets and measure the distance from the bottom of the string to the top of the fret at specific points (e.g., 12th fret).
• Pickup Height: Measure the distance from the top of the pickup pole piece to the bottom of the string when fretted at the last fret.
• Nut Slot Height: Check the height of strings at the first fret.

4.6. NS Capo Lite

The NS Capo Lite allows for quick and easy key changes:

• Application: Squeeze the capo to open it, place it firmly behind the desired fret, and release. Ensure even pressure across all strings.
• Removal: Squeeze the capo again to release and remove it from the neck.

5. Maintenance

Proper care of your maintenance kit ensures its longevity and effectiveness:

• Clean Tools: After each use, wipe down all tools with a clean, dry cloth to remove any dust, grime, or lubricant residue.
• Store Properly: Always return tools to their designated slots within the storage case. The case features a magnetic compartment for small metal parts like screws, preventing loss.
• Replace Consumables: The Fret Polishing System cloths and Lubrikit are consumable items. Replace them as needed to maintain optimal performance.

Image 5.1: Magnetic compartment for small parts within the storage case.

6. Troubleshooting

This section addresses common issues you might encounter during guitar setup and maintenance:

• Buzzing Strings: Check neck relief using the string height gauge and adjust the truss rod with the multi-tool. Also, verify string action at the bridge saddles.
• Poor Tuning Stability: Ensure strings are properly stretched. Apply Lubrikit to the nut and saddles to reduce friction. Check for worn tuning machines.
• Dull Frets: Use the Fret Polishing System to restore shine and smoothness to frets.
• Difficulty Changing Strings: Ensure the string winder is correctly seated on the tuning peg. Use the integrated cutter for clean cuts.

7. Specifications

8. Warranty and Support

For detailed warranty information and customer support, please refer to the official D'Addario website or contact their customer service directly. Keep your purchase receipt as proof of purchase.

D'Addario Official Website: www.daddario.com