Guitar Care and Maintenance:

Q. What is the proper method for humidifying my guitar?

Temperature and humidity are critical factors in the life and playability of your acoustic guitar.  Maintaining the appropriate humidity level will help to prevent cracks, stabilize tuning and increase the playability of your instrument.  Humidity levels between 45% and 55% are considered optimum.

It is recommended that you store your acoustic guitar in its case when not in use.  Do not store your guitar by a fireplace, heater, oven, in a car, in direct sunlight, or near any heat source.  This will cause damage to your instrument by over-drying the wood below recommended humidity levels.

If you live in a dry environment, a simple room humidifier will work to keep your instruments hydrated at their proper levels.  Combine the humidifier with a hygrometer to accurately read the humidity level in the room.  Instrument humidifiers will also maintain proper humidity levels and are the surest way to know that your guitar is getting the proper amount of moisture.  These are filled with water and typically sit either in your instrument or in your case to provide the optimum level of humidity, and are relatively inexpensive.

Routine maintenance and care on a regular schedule will also enhance the life and playability of your instrument.  Get in the habit of wiping down your guitar with a soft cloth after use, and polish it every month or so.  Cleaning removes sweat and dust, both of which work to corrode your instrument’s polish and wood, increasing the likelihood that your guitar will dry out. Use products that are designed for the specific parts and materials of your guitar.  Make sure you use non-corrosive materials for your guitar cleaning. Never use rough cloths or household cleaners.

Q. What do you recommend for polishing scratches or cleaning my guitar?

Although we do not recommend a specific brand, many of our employees have been happy with Meguiar’s # 7 Show car glaze for polishing surface scratches.  If you have deeper scratches then you may need take your guitar into a technician to be buffed / sanded / then re-glossed.  If you have a satin or semi gloss guitar, please do not use polish.  When a polish is used on the satin it changes the appearance permanently creating gloss spots, the proper way to take care of this finish is simply to use a moist rag.

Q. What's the best way / place to store my guitar?

Keep your guitar in its case when it’s not in use. Never store your guitar by a fireplace, heater, oven, radiator, in a car, or in direct sunlight. These will dry-out and prematurely age your guitar.

Q. How should I clean my guitar?

Wipe down your guitar with a soft cloth after use, and polish it every month or so. Using a very soft cloth and guitar or guitar polish will ensure your instrument maintains its natural oils. Cleaning removes sweat and dust, both of which work to corrode your instrument’s polish and wood, increasing the likelihood that your guitar will dry out. Use products that are designed for the specific parts and materials of your guitar. Note: Make sure you use non-corrosive materials for your guitar cleaning! Never use rough cloths or household cleaners.

Warranty and Registration:

Q. Is the warranty transferable?

No, they are non-transferable.

Guitar Specs / Tec:

Q. What type of strings do you recommend, and what gauge?

Our guitars generally come with D’addario EXP16 light gauge strings.  For more detailed information on strings, please visit the D'Addario website.

Q. Can I use a heavier string gauge other than the strings you ship the guitars with?   

Yes.  At Bedell, our steel-string guitars are strung with D’Addario EXP16 light gauge strings.  It is generally acceptable to go up or down one gauge, usually without the need to adjust your truss rod.  However, a much heavier or lighter gauge of string will put varied amounts of tension on the neck so an adjustment may be needed. Allow some time for the guitar to settle after changing string gauges, and, if needed, have the truss rod adjusted by a qualified technician.  WARNING: Over adjusting your truss rod can cause irreparable damage to your guitar and therefore truss rod adjustments should only be handled by a qualified guitar technician.

Q. What is the string height on your guitars?

We measure above the 12th fret to read at 3 3/32 of an inch on the low E string and 2/32 of an inch on the high E.

Q. Would you please explain your model numbers?

Reference for Bedell Catalog numbers for all SKU’s including the Limited editions.     
The Catalog number reads: Body Style-Back/Side Wood-Top Wood-Finish     

Sample: JB-48-M =Jumbo, Walnut Back and sides, Sitka/Engleman Top, Matte Finish

Body Styles:   
TB-Dreadnought   
JB-Jumbo   
MB-Orchestra   
OH- Parlor   
   
Back/Sides Wood:   
1 = Mahogany/Sapele    
2 = Rosewood (Brazilian, Madagascar, East Indian)     
3 = Myrtlewood     
4 = Walnut     
5 = Maple 
6 = Exotic (Tigerwood/Cocobolo 

Top woods:
1 = None
2 = Sapele/Mahogany
3 = None
4 = Port Orford Cedar
5 = None
6 = Adirondack
7 = Canadian Cedar
8 = Sitka/Engelmann

Finish:
G- Gloss
M- Matte
VT- Vintage Toner
SB- Sun Burst

Q. What are the body lengths of your guitars?

Please visit this link for further information: Body Measurements

Other FAQs:

Q. Is it possible to take a tour?

We are currently moving into a new facility and not offering tours at this time. We are open, however, for show room appointments to test drive our instruments. Please contact us at 877-800-4848 or by email to schedule an appointment.

Q. How do I become a sponsored Bedell artist?

We appreciate your interest in Breedlove!  Please download and complete the artist application from our Resources Page.

Q. Are you hiring?

Yes! Please visit the Career Opportunities page.