SERVICE & MAINTENANCE

MAINTENANCE GUIDE

Your Tatalias instrument is a precision tool built with organic materials. To keep it performing at a high level, it requires regular service and maintenance.

Daily Care:
To prolong the life of the nitrocellulose finish and hardware, we recommend wiping down the entire instrument—including the strings—with a soft, clean, dry cloth after each use. This removes the acids and salts from your hands that cause corrosion.

Neck Care:

  • Fingerboards: We recommend conditioning Rosewood or Ebony fingerboards approximately every 6 months (or when the seasons change). Apply a premium fretboard oil sparingly, let sit for a few minutes, and wipe off the excess completely.
  • Prevent the Fret Sprout!! Keep in a controlled environment to prevent fingerboard from shrinking. Like any fretted stringed instrument, dried out rooms can cause fret sprout. Further prevent this by conditioning your fingerboard if applicable.

Strings:
Dirty or worn strings kill sustain and ruin intonation. We recommend changing strings regularly.

Storage Warnings (Crucial for Nitro Finishes):

  • Chemical Reactions: Do not leave your instrument on a stand or hanger fitted with chemically active synthetic tubing (surgical rubber). This causes a reaction that melts nitrocellulose lacquer.
  • Straps: Do not store your guitar in the case with a leather or vinyl strap attached. Prolonged contact can cause the finish to bleed or dissolve.
  • Environment: Your instrument was built in New England, but it is still sensitive to extreme temperature and humidity swings. Do not leave it in a hot car or direct sunlight. Do not store it in a damp basement or attic. Ideal Humidity: Keep your guitar in an environment with 45-55% relative humidity.

Note: Damage caused by environmental neglect or chemical reaction is NOT covered under warranty.

AUTHORIZED REPAIR & SERVICE

The Tatalias Limited Lifetime Warranty is valid only when repair or modification work is performed by:

  1. Tatalias Guitars (via Hot Rod 6 Strings in Brookfield, CT).
  2. An Authorized Service Center explicitly approved by Tatalias Guitars.

Factory Service (Hot Rod 6 Strings):
All factory service, including warranty work, fretwork, and setups, is performed at our dedicated facility in Brookfield, Connecticut.

How to Schedule Service:

  • Local Drop-Off: CT/NY/NJ/MA/RI/VT/NH/ME/PA residents may drop off instruments directly at the Hot Rod 6 Strings counter during business hours.
  • Mail-In Service: If you are outside the local area, please contact us via the form below or call us to initiate a service ticket.
  • Shipping: The owner is solely responsible for all shipping and insurance costs to and from the factory for non-warranty service.

Unauthorized Repairs:
Any repair, modification, or disassembly performed by an unauthorized technician will void your warranty. If you are unsure if a tech is authorized, please contact us first.

Tatalias Guitars is a trade name and proprietary brand of Hot Rod 6 Strings LLC, a Connecticut Limited Liability Company. All transactions, warranties, and liabilities are managed under the jurisdiction of Hot Rod 6 Strings LLC.