Best guitar cleaning & care products according to redditors
We found 138 Reddit comments discussing the best guitar cleaning & care products. We ranked the 54 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the top 20.
We found 138 Reddit comments discussing the best guitar cleaning & care products. We ranked the 54 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the top 20.
Fellow guitar player and detailer here. Found this tool last Christmas and highly recommend it.
https://www.amazon.com/Music-Nomad-MN205-Hardware-Cleaning/dp/B008FDSWJ0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1500058378&sr=8-1&keywords=guitar+cleaning+brush
You can use grade 0000 very light steel wool to clean your fretboard. I personally use GHS Fast Fret to finish cleaning the fretboard and give it a nice shine and smooth feeling.
Edit: downvotes? Classic /r/guitar lol.
Dude, there is this nifty little tool called the Music Nomad Tool which is absobloodylutely perfect for the job. It's got a string/fretboard cleaner on one end (the flat spatulate end), and the brush end is terrifyingly effective at cleaning away dust from hitherto hard-to-reach crevices on the instrument - in between bridge saddles, between pickups, etc.
I bought one just because I was curious, but I ended up getting four more, one for each of my basses (to keep with their cases).
I wouldn't advise using alcohol of any sort on a musical instrument - you risk damaging the finish on the fretboard and body. If you use coated strings, you'd be compromising the coating. Plus, I'm not sure what effect the gelling agent would have - it might affect your tone, and/or prove to be a gunk magnet in its own right.
To keep gunk off my strings, I wipe down the strings and fretboard with the flat end of the Nomad Tool, then run some GHS Fast Fret over the strings. The Fast Fret is pretty much straight-up mineral oil, and a thin coating helps fingers (of both hands) glide along smoothly. Since a little of it goes a long way, it's quite cost effective as well. Another potential upside is that it will slow the process of string corrosion - although this is a guess on my part, because I run stainless steel strings on all my basses.
It doesn't take much movement for tuning to drift a bit. Even a millimeter of movement of the string at the bridge saddle or at the tuning peg can shift tuning.
Different guitars can operate a little differently on this. A cheap Squire can be made much more stable with a good setup and decent hardware modification. But to go from great tuning stability to exceptional tuning stability can be elusive. Even two guitars from the same production run at a factory can be a little different. I think of rock solid tuning stability as something that becomes a unique characteristic of a specific guitar.
What you're describing to me sounds like some binding at the nut. Try some pencil graphite or lip balm in the nut slots. When finger picking you are bending the string. If the nut isn't cut properly or lubricated well the string pinches causing it to come back to rest at a slightly more tensioned position than at first. If that seems to help you could try getting something like this. I use pencil graphite and it works great for my purposes.
Same here. I bought a guitar maintenance kit about a year ago. Before that, I had several loose tools to do the job (which I still carry in the kit).
This Youtube series shows you how to do it all yourself
https://www.amazon.com/Oasis-OH-1-Guitar-Humidifier/dp/B000K67VRO
Literally just finished cleaning my neck. Polished the frets with this, cleaned the rosewood with this and polished with this. Before and after
Edit: oh and I bought a bottle of lemon oil the other day. I can't say that I care for it. It didn't clean really well or polish.
Sounds like squeaks from fingers moving around on the fretboard aka "string talk". A possible cheap alternative would be some string/fretboard spray to lube it up a bit and possibly help stop that
https://www.amazon.com/Fingerease-2074-Guitar-String-Lubricant/dp/B0002GW3Y8
One word:
Fingerease.
http://www.amazon.com/Dunlop-6500-System-Guitar-Maintenance/dp/B0002E1H9W
There are a bunch to use. I use Dunlop System 65 and a clean cotton cloth. It hasn't failed me yet. The cleaning spray will help with the back of the neck, and use the lemon oil on fretboard (note: DO NOT USE LEMON OIL ON THE TELE's MAPLE FRETBOARD) and wipe off the excess. If the fretboard is really cruddy, use a clean, damp cotton cloth and a bit of water to loosen up the grime, then let it dry and apply the oil.
I looked in my gig bag for inspiration - it turns out that I just have way too much shit in there, most of which is under £15. Cheaper DIY options offered where applicable:
Conspicuous consumerism at its finest, ladies and gents.
First I would suggest getting this book , its a great reference for maintaining and doing a setup on the guitar .
http://www.amazon.com/Guitar-Player-Repair-Guide-3rd/dp/0879309210/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1372530336&sr=1-1&keywords=guitar+repair
And maybe this to clean the guitars
http://www.amazon.com/Dunlop-System-Guitar-Maintenance-Kit/dp/B0002E1H9W/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1372530451&sr=8-1-fkmr0&keywords=dadario+guitar+cleaning
Hi, Its the dunlop guitar maintenance kit. It has fretboard cleaner,fretboard polish, body cleaner and polish and string cleaner. The body polish is carnuba wax and I love the smell. When ever I change out the strings on my guitars I give them a polish. Makes them shine and look amazing. Link below.
https://www.amazon.com/Dunlop-6500-System-Guitar-Maintenance/dp/B0002E1H9W/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1549816208&sr=8-3&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=dunlop+guitar+maintenance+kit&dpPl=1&dpID=41o4YWSKUOL&ref=plSrch
It's not a huge deal, it just means that the wood in your fretboard is drying out a bit. It's easy enough to fix, just get some fretboard oil from your local music shop, loosen the strings, and rub it on the fretboard.
Fast Fret is legit.
https://www.amazon.com/GHS-Strings-A87-FAST-FRET/dp/B0002D0CQC
I have a bottle of Dunlop Formula No. 65 Polish and Cleaner, it does a fantastic job. My guitar has a similar finish to yours and after wiping and buffing it for a couple of minutes it looks like it just came out from the store. I usually do it when I change the strings.
You can get the whole set for $20 on Amazon. You might as well get a bottle of lemon oil for your fretboard, it makes it a lot smoother and nicer to play. The Dunlop one is the cheapest last time I checked, but you might get a better deal by getting a bigger bottle of mineral oil which is pretty much the same thing.
Also read the instructions on the bottles, you don't want to damage the finish of your beautiful guitar.
I work at home, and play in the basement (it does have windows.) I use these for my Taylor. They maintain proper humidity. They make different types for different levels of humidity, and last for 2 - 3 months. I love em. I do not have to fill up some silly thing every few days. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01B6AOITQ/ref=oh_aui_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Keeping it in the case when not in use is very wise. You might want to look into guitar humidifiers. These are small and inexpensive gadgets that help keep the wood from getting too dry or too damp, either of which can be bad, in the long run. I don't think it really matters much which you get.
Edit to add: I have the Planet Waves humidifier that's kept my best instrument safe through the mountains and the deserts.
Considering A/C is typically a dehumidifier, especially in an A/C controlled environment.
EDIT: /u/freelandford means you should have a humidifier for your guitar, not a dehumidifier.
http://www.amazon.com/Planet-Waves-Acoustic-Guitar-Humidifier/dp/B0002D0COE
You could always use this or the frugal substitute - moist sponge in a ziploc bag with some holes in it.
A lot of people use one of the cleaning kits:
I think a lot of the fretboard oil is lemon-scented mineral oil (not lemon oil). I'm fairly DIY, but I just use a kit...cleaning is one of those things far down on the usual priority list and not having to put much thought into it means it gets done. And these things last forever.
I'm assuming this is an acoustic guitar. If it's electric don't worry about the humidifier. With acoustics you need to put it up in the case and put a guitar humidifier in with it. During the winter when you are heating your house is when your acoustic guitars are most vulnerable to drying out.
Humidifiers are not expensive though they require some attention (refilling).
Here is a cheap one that will work fine.
These require less attention. I use these with my Martin. These are pretty simple and don't require you to mess with refilling.
The damage you describe is probably beyond getting the moisture right in your wood and like I said before get it to a guitar tech soon.
If your guitar was exposed all winter and never had a humidifier the wood could have dried out and the tension from the strings could have caused problems. I did see someone mention that maybe your guitar was designed for nylon strings, if that is the case using metal strings could easily be the cause.
From the sound of it your looking at some repairs that could either be major or very simple; but, a skilled guitar technician needs to look at this thing. This sort of thing will likely get worse and the amount of repair and money needed to fix it will significantly increase the longer you wait.
I also use the dunlop kit listed here - http://www.amazon.com/Dunlop-System-Guitar-Maintenance-Kit/dp/B0002E1H9W. Haven't felt the need for anything else, after cleaning they're shiny and feel great. The fretboard cleaner isn't meant for maple fretboards, but other than that no issues.
It sounds like the strings on your acoustic guitar are dirty. A large portion of acoustic guitar strings are made with bronze which tarnishes and turns green. Get a string cleaner that cleans both the top and bottoms of the strings, like this one. Use isopropyl alcohol for your cleaning solution and maybe a string lube like Fast Fret or Finger Ease if you like. Keeping your strings clean will not only keep your finger tips a normal color, but will prolong the life of your frets.
I think you can get a small dehydrator - maybe one that can fit in a guitar case. It may be your only defense.
https://www.guitarfella.com/ideal-guitar-humidity/
https://www.amazon.com/Oasis-OH-1-Guitar-Humidifier/dp/B000K67VRO?tag=guitarfella0a-20
Act quickly.
Good luck!
This, Boveda packs are amazing.
https://www.amazon.com/Boveda-49-Percent-Two-Way-Humidity-Instruments/dp/B01B6AOITQ/ref=sr_1_3
Any time! A lightly damp rag on the finished surfaces and plastic bits. You can also use guitar polish there are tons of brands (I use: https://www.amazon.com/Dunlop-654-Formula-Guitar-Cleaner/dp/B000EELB8W) . I use lemon oil on fretboards because it helps rehydrate the wood.
You can also hook the guitar up to an amp and tap the pickups with a screwdriver (lightly) and if the sound comes through the amp it then the pick up functions. You can do this to all the pickups to see if they all work prior to stringing it up.
You did the perfect thing by re-finishing it with Tru Oil! That stuff is the best, especially after a french polish and some good wax.
I'm wasn't talking about the cleaning oils like lemon oil — I'm referring to fretboard conditioning oils that soak in and lightly harden. It's what Nash puts on his raw necks and what you'd use to condition an all-rosewood neck. It's inferior to Tru-Oil because you need to reapply it every year or so.
I've always used the "regular" Dunlop cleaner/polish and it has worked fine for me. I don't think there's a need to get super fancy
It would probably be better than nothing. I think a sound hole humidifier would make more sense in a soft bag. Only thing with those is make sure they have good reviews, since they sit in the sound hole of your guitar a leak would really suck.
http://www.amazon.com/Planet-Waves-Acoustic-Guitar-Humidifier/dp/B0002D0COE/ref=sr_1_1?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1418155460&sr=1-1&keywords=planet+waves+humidifier
I also find that a microfiber cloth or other soft polishing cloth is best. Usually you don't need a cleaner or polish if you keep up with it. I use ernie ball spray polish when needed, it only takes a tiny amount. On my rosewood fretboards I use F-One Freboard Oil and I really like it. I have a separate cloth I use with it on my fretboards. Cleans off gunk and anything else with relative ease while purporting to condition the wood. It's also not super oily and wipes off fairly dry. I do this each time I change my strings, about once a month on my daily driver. As for anything else I spot dust small areas with a can or air or a dry rag if I can get in there.
You might want to try Cleartone strings. They use a newer and thinner coating technology than Elixir strings. They don't last quite as long as Elixirs, but they feel and sound more like uncoated strings.
I'd also suggest wiping down your strings after every session. Wiping your strings will remove dirt, but it'll also prevent your sweat from corroding your strings between playing sessions. Some people find it beneficial to use a string cleaning product like Fast Fret.
Actually I take that back... 65 for my mostly maple necks, and after reading about it, Guitar Honey for the 2 Rosewood fretboard axes I have.
This is what you are talking about right?
http://www.amazon.com/Gerlitz-GEGHO-Guitar-Honey-Fingerboard/dp/B000EEJF4O
It's not particularly expensive and your guitars will probably fare a lot better for it. you can either humidify them in their cases with something like this, or humidify the room you keep them in. They should really be kept around 40%-55% humidity to keep the wood from cracking, the frets from poking out the sides of the finger board, or in a worse case, the bridge popping off.
I use this exact product and it works well for me:
https://www.amazon.com/Music-Nomad-MN105-Fretboard-Conditioner/dp/B006WPGZAG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1502926444
Something like this might be good for a smallish gift:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00E8TQ3ZA/ref=psdc_11968251_t2_B000EEJFDU
Pretty useful for all guitarists.
You are so welcome.
I'm a little concerned about the nut since it looks like it has shavings in it. Also the bridge has the action set extremely low. The strings look alright over the neck but might be bit close to the pickups. Technically running the action too close to the pickups could mess with the tuning since the magnets would pull on the strings, especially when notes are fretted. You could try dropping the pickups a bit and see if the tuning is any better.
Fixing the intonation at the 12th fret would be useful but that the string is a different amount out of tune at different spots on the neck suggests two things: The neck could have some sort of deformation. Or the frets could be a wreck.
If you trust the frets are level you can use any regular straight edge to check the neck. If there's any chance the frets aren't perfect you're going to need a notched straight edge matching the guitar's scale length like this. If it's not flat, tweak the truss rod as appropriate and then re-do the intonation. Is the tuning out by different amounts on the high E vs the low E?
The extreme action at the bridge is weirding me out. Is the neck set or a bolt-on? Something about the way it sits in the socket could mess up the angle and make the extreme action look sensible.
This is really weird issue and you may actually need to consult a tech/luthier or do a lot of research on how to do a full setup.
I use one of these:
https://www.amazon.com/Music-Nomad-MN205-Hardware-Cleaning/dp/B008FDSWJ0/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=guitar+duster&qid=1571681623&sr=8-3
Brush duster on one side, gets under knobs and inbetween tight sets of knobs and feels soft kinda like sable hair, flat area is nice for polishing up larger flat areas like a keyboard bed, feels like microfiber terry cloth. Got it for my guitars, works great with knobby synths and effects pedals.
You should try different brands until you find the one that suits you best. But I would stick with 9 gauge for your style of playing.
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You should also change your strings every 2-4 weeks, and wipe your strings down with a piece of cloth after every time that you play.
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Here are a few items for you to purchase. When you buy strings, you should buy 3-4 packs at a time, just in case.
GHS Boomers 9 1/2
Guitar string winder
Guitar Honey
Polish Cloth
For the frets and fingerboard: JJ's Gorgomyte Fret & Fingerboard Cleaning Cloth https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00A9K386E/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_dTFbBbMEA3996
Get this. It turned my rosewood fret board back to brown. It was white with dust. This kit is pretty awesome.
http://www.amazon.com/Dunlop-System-Guitar-Maintenance-Kit/dp/B0002E1H9W/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1368930336&sr=8-1&keywords=dunlop+cleaning+kit
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0002GW3Y8
Answered my own question, found that a Bandori player on YouTube uses Finger Ease.
Pick up some string conditioner: https://www.amazon.com/GHS-Fast-Fret-String-Cleaner-2-Pack/dp/B00INCGKSI/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=fast+fret&qid=1563247851&s=gateway&sr=8-1
​
Learn to succumb to the dark side, and your fingertips and strings will love you.
​
P.S. You use the conditioner while playing, and then wipe it off when done.
Wow. Want to hear something really ironic? He was looking at that second Fender you linked just a moment ago when I showed him a violin I wanted off of that website. I'm so sneaky. I knew he'd end up on the bass section. He was looking at it for a while (I have to walk by his computer to get anywhere).
As for the amps, I'm thinking that Fender or Acoustic one. And I also looked up that cleaning kit you were talking about, I think I might have found it. http://www.amazon.com/Dunlop-System-Guitar-Maintenance-Kit/dp/B0002E1H9W This one?
Also, he means a lot to me. The only family he has left lives halfway across the country and his friends are all back in Houston. He moved out here on a whim when I asked him to. I know he misses the things he left and especially his bass. He talks about it a lot. SO it's not hard to ask him these random questions without it looking suspicious :P
Fast Fret works for me...
http://www.amazon.com/Fast-Fret-String-Neck-Lubricant/dp/B0002D0CQC
someone over at /r/guitar recommended a Dunlop kit. Thoughts?http://www.amazon.com/Dunlop-System-Guitar-Maintenance-Kit/dp/B0002E1H9W/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1372530451&sr=8-1-fkmr0&keywords=dadario+guitar+cleaning
I use fast fret for string cleaning and its great. i have four acoustics and sometimes won't play my 12 string for a month at a time, this stuff takes the rust right off and they'll sound bright and new again.
You can get one like this for each guitar. It will still help in a nylon soft case for sure.
http://www.amazon.com/Planet-Waves-GH-DAddario-Humidifier/dp/B0002D0COE
http://www.amazon.com/Dampit-9128-Guitar-Humidifier-Super/dp/B000AC6DVS
http://www.amazon.com/GHS-A87-Fast-Fret-String-Cleaner/dp/B0002D0CQC
This stuff is amazing and makes the fretboard feel soooo good.
Multi gauge. http://www.amazon.com/Estone-String-Action-Measuring-Luthier/dp/B00HTUAX1K
Pick punch, make picks out of credit cards and such.
http://www.amazon.com/Pick-Punch-The-Original-Guitar/dp/B005FIFM14/ref=zg_bs_11967641_68
Maintenance kit http://www.amazon.com/Dunlop-System-Guitar-Maintenance-Kit/dp/B0002E1H9W/ref=zg_bs_11967641_80
iRig http://www.amazon.com/IK-Multimedia-Studio-Quality-Guitar-Interface/dp/B00BIRR1TC/ref=zg_bs_11967641_85
Or
Cheap or used interface like a Line 6 GuitarPort, UX1, Behringer U-Phoria UM2, ETC
I've used this stuff on two guitars, a ukulele, and a mandolin and have no complaints.
Edit:
I look at the fingerboard whenever I change the strings and if it looks dry I put a little bit on. You should get a small microfiber cloth to apply/wipe off the oil.
http://www.amazon.com/Dunlop-Formula-Guitar-Polish-Cleaner/dp/B000EELB8W
or
http://www.amazon.com/Ernie-Ball-4222-Guitar-Polish/dp/B0002GZTT4
I used to use the dunlop cleaner for a little while, but I ran out and never felt the need to buy more.
Right now, I just use a regular old microfiber cloth that you can get at target in the automotive department for $5. (Its alot cheaper than in the cleaning department). Its really good at removing smudges and fingerprints / dirt from glossy surfaces
Just the cloth, wipe from the nut all the way down the fretboard to the bridge, 2 or 3 times. The fretboard doesn't require any special care, it's already been treated in the factory. Plus the oils from your hand will get all over it too, don't know if it helps but it doesn't do any harm.
I forgot! Get a can of Fingerease - it really reduces friction on your fingertips, and maybe protects the strings too.
Dunlop 5410 Micro Fret Polishing Cloth, 2/Bg https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000EENH84/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_l10IDb0KSP4T9
Dunlop fret polishing cloth works really well.
You can grab some guitar polish pretty cheap online. If that doesn't work, head over to the dollar store and pick up some wood cleaner. If that is still out of your price range, just take a cloth and a little bit of water. Don't use Windex, surface cleaner, or any other harsh household cleaning supplies!
When I'm cleaning my guitar, I mostly just use polish. However for a well used fret board and neck, I'll use a little bit of Goof-Off to get rid of the crud (which will dry out the neck), then use some Dr. Ducks (to counteract the dryness).
Everybody does something different, but this has worked well for me.
In my opinion there's no need to get anything too specialized.
For the body and pickguard I typically use a household cleaner. It will depend on your guitar. I have a strat and the thick paint and finish really shield it so I'm comfortable diluting household cleaners and going with that. A lot of people don't recommend this due to harshness of the cleaner, but if you really feel that way it's easy enough to dilute with water. Make sure you just dab a cloth in it rather than soak. You don't really want to do a wet cleaning, but just enough moisture/cleaning action to remove dirt. The pickguard is plastic so no issue there.
For the fretboard I'd really recommend lemon oil. The dunlop one is $4 on amazon and can probably be found locally albeit maybe a few dollars more expensive. http://www.amazon.com/Jim-Dunlop-6554-Ultimate-Lemon/dp/B0002OOMW6/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1459372544&sr=8-3&keywords=dunlop+65
This will both help clean and condition the wood. It's a pain to clean the fretboard but if you're changing strings, might as well take advantage and get it done.
I use this. No other products for cleaning my strings. Once it's dirty enough, I wash it under cold water, and it's good to go.
Would this be good? https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000EENH84/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_kco8CbWZACGEB
Some people just have sweaty hands. There is no diet that's going to change that. Washing you hands before practice is good advice. However, interrupting practice because hands gets sweaty is completely ludicrous to me. Interrupting the flow of practice for what purpose? I hope it's not for the longevity of strings.
Things like this, or this, or even this exist because some guitarist will have hands that is so sweaty that one practice session will be enough to leave gunk on the strings.
There are lots of products out there for cleaning your strings. Maybe try a few out next time you're at the checkout counter of your local music store and see if any work for you.
Most are a lot more expensive than a simple microfiber cloth and a few drops of Ax Wax so that'd be my first suggestion and the only one I could really recommend from personal experience.
These days I don't use anything like this because I'm changing strings so often it isn't an issue.
Thanks for the tip are you talking about something like this? It really sucks because all I want to do is play but it seems I'm relegated to power chords only lol.
This came highly recommended from my local shop. Seems to get good reviews online as well
Dr. Duck 2080 Ax Wax Cleaning Kit https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000EEL50Q/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_W1owCbBK7MBNR
I've had this comment saved for a couple weeks hoping /u/deathtech00 would reply with some justification of his remark, but based on the lack of response (and universally positive Amazon reviews) I'm just going to go ahead and keep using the stuff.
Could you have a quick look at this that I just bought? My guitar has a rosewood fretboard, would this work on it? Based on the reviews, I thought it would be fine but now I'm not sure.
Sister: Musician's Toolkit.
Mom: Shower oil.
Dad: Whiskey stones.
Grandpa: A pair of nice wool socks or some new coffee to try!
Grandma: A pretty glass mug or an elegant brooch.
Are these good, or am I a little off?
Ok so by the looks of it he's got the effects pedals covered, I would go for something else and let him get anther pedal on his own. These are my recommendations that will benefit his current setup.
This is a nice expensive version of this and this is a midway between the other two. These are power conditioners they will help his equipment operate more efficiently and quieter and will last decades(you can use them for home theatre use as well)
I would also recommend nice cables like these they are lifetime warranty. Here's another very useful maintenance kit that will last a very long time. If you pick the 110$ furman you can get all three.
I use this GHS string cleaner I love it
http://www.amazon.com/GHS-A87-Fast-Fret-String-Cleaner/dp/B0002D0CQC
http://www.amazon.com/Jim-Dunlop-6554-Ultimate-Lemon/dp/B0002OOMW6/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1453522374&sr=8-2&keywords=fretboard+cleaner
that along with a toothbrush, an old guitar cloth, and steel wool for the frets.
Hey, just stumbled on this old thread, but if you're having issues still I'd take a look at Big Bends Nut Sauce! A little on both your bridge and nut should help with tuning stability.
https://www.amazon.com/Big-Bends-Nutsauce-Guitar-Lubricant/dp/B0002GZV9M
Something like this Music Nomad MN108 Premium Guitar Care 5-Piece Kit https://www.amazon.com/dp/B006WP70Z0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_ZSkTCbECFDHT3
I’d avoid things not made for guitar finishes
DUDE! I HAVE THE PERFECT SOLUTION. GHS make this product called "fast-fret". I clean my strings before I play with this and they feel really new always, if you keep it up. Sound diminishes over time; but at least I get more time to play.
http://www.amazon.com/GHS-A87-Fast-Fret-String-Cleaner/dp/B0002D0CQC
I live in the southwest where its incredibly dry. I find myself having to use a guitar humidifier at least once a week. I usually just leave it inside my guitar for about a day at a time. This is what I use.
Really makes quite a difference.
Ernie ball makes a great toolkit that I keep with my gigging stuff. All the allen wrenches, screwdriver bits, scales you could need and even a pegwinder. It might be a little more expensive than buying the tools individually, but it's one of the best and most useful gifts I've ever recieved. Here's a link
I use these, and some other guitarists from my conservatory use them too. I refill it maybe every week or so. I used to use the humidipaks, but I didn't like being forced into buying refills. Unless your area has especially strange humidity, I don't think you need a hygrometer but it never hurts to be safe. I don't think it matters too much which exact humidifer you use.
Store your guitar in a hard shell case.
If you keep them in cases when not in use, you can get a humidifier and hydrometer to accurately measure humidity. I just have an empty old spice deodorant casing with half a sponge inside of it that I re-damp every few weeks and stick it in my case. It may not be the most accurate, but some humidifiers are literally the same exact thing. Like this one https://www.amazon.com/Planet-Waves-GH-DAddario-Humidifier/dp/B0002D0COE
I'm pretty sure there are combo units for an actual room. The Guitar Center near me has one in their acoustic room that measures humidity and turns itself on every so often.
Try fretboard oil to clean and condition the rosewood. The oil is up to you - I personally use bore oil, but F one (https://www.amazon.com/Music-Nomad-MN105-Fretboard-Conditioner/dp/B006WPGZAG) is really good too. Also get some 0000 grit steel wool and polish your frets. Its really easy and simple tp do just remember to tape off your pickups. All in all should be a 45 min job but makes a world of difference!
I like this stuff. Works great!
You should be wiping your strings/neck down with stuff like this before and after you play.
I basically can't remember the last time I put on new strings. Though to be honest, I only ever really did that if I had a gig or was starting a big studio session.
Am I able to use this guitar humidifier on my classical guitar? The product specifically advertises its use should be for acoustic guitars.
I use Dr. Duck's Axe Wax.
The stuff is awesome. Use it for the fretboard, body, strings, whatever. Use it everywhere. You don't need much either. A bottle of that stuff has lasted me nearly a decade.
By far my favorite guitar 'cleaning/conditioning' product.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000EEL50Q?keywords=dr%20ducks%20axe%20wax&qid=1452280511&ref_=sr_1_1&sr=8-1
[edit]If you already have lemon oil than I'm sure that's fine. Keep doing what you're doing.
I've been using Dunlop lately: http://www.amazon.com/Jim-Dunlop-6554-Ultimate-Lemon/dp/B0002OOMW6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1416521372&sr=8-1&keywords=dunlop+lemon+oil
Don't mind me - just leaving myself a note.
http://www.amazon.com/Jim-Dunlop-6554-Ultimate-Lemon/dp/B0002OOMW6/ref=sr_1_1?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1457245800&sr=1-1&keywords=lemon+oil
A setup. Nut work, intonated, truss rod adjustment, action adjustment, fret job, etc. A tune up for your guitar.
When I restring my guitars, I use #00 steel wool, and Guitar Honey.
Makes it nice and shiny, and clean, and nice and fast. But don't take my word for it, try it and see if you like it. :)
Oh you mean personality and stories, right?
Actually have one of these that I use about once a day too.
http://www.amazon.com/MusicNomad-Nomad-String-Hardware-Cleaner/dp/B008FDSWJ0/ref=sr_1_3?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1414800362&sr=1-3&keywords=musicnomad