Ibanez Maintenance Instruction Manual

Our congratulations and deepest thanks on

making Ibanez your choice of instrument.

Ibanez standards are second to none.

All Ibanez instruments are set up

to our strict quality control standards

before shipping.

The purpose of this manual is to explain

how to maintain your instrument’s finish

and to keep your guitar playing

as well as it did when it left our factory.

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

•MAINTENANCE•

STRINGS AND TUNING MACHINES

If strings become dirty, discolored, or produce a dull sound or buzz,
replace the strings with new ones. For best results we recommend
replacing one string at a time, this will help to avoid removing the string
tension from the neck. When replacing strings with different gauge
strings, it may be necessary to adjust the truss rod tension. (We
recommend only qualified technicians perform this.) Instruments that
have tremolo systems installed may need to be adjusted after string
replacement as changes in string tension can cause the tremolo to raise
or lower. Please follow the instructions below for your particular model.

The strings should be tightly wound on to the
tuning machines from top to bottom with 2 to 3
string wraps around the post. In the case of
unwound guitar strings, the ends of the strings
should be prepared as shown in the diagram to
prevent unintentional slippage from the posts.

In the case of tuning machines, where the string
ends are
inserted
into the

posts, the
string can be cut to length in
advance using a pair of string
cutters.
If the tuning machines are sealed
gear units, they are self­lubricating types. The set screws
for the tuning knob are adjustment
screws that can be tightened with
a small Philips head screwdriver to
increase the tension.

*The use of coarse strings may lead to

buzzing and sound distortion. Using
strings that have twists or kinks may
cause buzzing or decreased sustain.
Make sure that the new strings are
smooth and free from any defects
before installing.

1

3

2

Ibanez steel string
guitars and basses are
equipped with
adjustable truss rods.
The purpose of a truss
rod is to adjust the
neck to counteract
string tension. There
are many reasons for
truss rod adjustments.

One of the most
frequent reasons is changing string gauges or tuning pitch which can
affect string tension. String tension changes may affect the string height
and cause fret buzz or notes that don’t ring true.

To adjust the truss rod,
locate the truss rod nut and
adjust it by inserting the
correct wrench into the nut
and tightening (clockwise) or
loosening (counter clockwise)
the rod. Truss rod tension
can be measured by
installing a capo at the first
fret the holding the strings down at the fret position where the neck joins
the body. Insert a thickness gauge between the string and the fret at the
8th fret. There should between 0.3mm to 0.5mm clearance. That
clearance is referred to as “neck relief.” Too much neck relief can cause
the neck to have higher action in the middle of the neck causing poor
intonation and uncomfortable playability. No neck relief can cause fret
buzz.

*Appropriate care must be taken when adjusting the neck and we recommend only qualified

technicians perform this procedure.

LOOSEN

TIGHTEN

LOOSEN

TIGHTEN

LOOSEN

TIGHTEN

8th fret

NECK ACTION