ASK THE EXPERTS

GET TOOLED UP

“One really important thing is to get yourself a decent metal ruler,” Matt Gleeson says, with regards to the surprisingly small number of tools you need for guitar maintenance. “Choose one without a margin at the end of it, so it literally starts from 0 and measures from 1mm onwards. Then get yourself a decent set of imperial and metric Allen keys. Again, you can pick these up for £2 or something from any old place. I would then get a decent screwdriver set with Phillips and flatheads. To be honest, that’s pretty much the core essentials. There are a few other things that are quite handy, like three-in-one oil, but those are the basics.”

SET UP YOUR WORKSPACE

“Wherever you’re working, always keep it nice and clean,” Matt advises, whether it’s a work bench or the kitchen table. “Get yourself a neck rest, or you can even use a rolled-up towel or something