Cleaning my guitar

I bought a used Yamaha RGX 420s (first guitar) 4 months ago for $350 Canadian, which I really like. I think I got it at a pretty good price (at least, the salesman certainly seemed to figure so :rolleyes: ). I want to do everything I can to make it good-as-new again, but I don't know where to start.

Also, there has been some buzz on the first few frets of my guitar. I sighted the neck and noticed an odd curve. The neck makes an 's' shape so that the first frets are raised, the next frets go down and the last frets come back up again. Sorta like this:

head stock here /''''''''''\,,,,,,/ (imagine it less exaggerated)

Is it the truss rod?

Thanks for the help.

It could be the truss rod..but it could also be warped from humidity or use. Take it to a tech and have him straighten everything out...take it to the place you bought it and they should give it a quick tune up for free.

As far as cleaning goes, if you can, stick to using a 4X6 piece of soft cloth made into a knuckleball and some plain warm water.
If there's extra dirt you can use lighter fluid used really lightly in a well ventilated area...or a good polish/cleaner.
Lemon oil can be used if you want afterwards. Some people don't like it but I personally use it on my old Gibson neck cause after it's been cleaned it dries out so much it has a white haze over it.
Avoid anything with silicone.
Basically, do only what's necessary. If the guitar's clean to begin with or just has a bit of dust, you might only need a dry rag. If it's covered in crap, move up to the better cleaners.

The neck adjustment's a different story. You'd be best taking it to a guitar tech unless you know what you're doing.
If you want to try doing your own repairs, at least get a good book for advice. ie, Guitar Player Repair Guide

There is a local guy here who sells guitars, and he knows a lot about them. In his April news letter (which is still available on his web site @ www.willwestmusic.net) he discusses care of your axes.
There is a good discussion on one of the harmony-central.com forums. They explain what lemon oil is and what kinds of stuff to use on different materials necks.

But, first of all, take your guitar to the guys who have sold it to you, they should take care of the neck. AND DO NOT LET THEM GET RID OF THE BUZZ BY RAISING THE BRIDGE!

When necks make unusual shapes... such as S's... it's never good. And in most cases it's not becuase the truss-rod. It's probably becuase of warping. If it were the truss-rod the neck would be simply bent upward or downward. Sometimes truss-rods can break causing two bends... but that's a rare occurance. If the neck is a solid maple neck it's highly likely that the neck is warped. You can take it to a shop and get the fretboard leveled... which what they will do is remove the frets and take a neck plane and run over the fretboard. This will take out any uneven spots... then they will put new frets on and off you go. But... needless to say, 350 (even Canadian currency) is too much to pay for a guitar with a warped neck. You may be able to get around it by adding just a tad of relief to the neck though... Good luck

Get a copy of this:

http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Books,_plans/Building_and_repair:_Guitar,_electric/Guitar_Player_Repair_Guide.html

I have it and it is totally brilliant !

Alright. Thanks everyone. I'll take it in and see what they think. If it can't be fixed, then at least the buzz isn't anything I won't be able to live with.

Dr_simon - I think I will look into that book. Sounds like it will answer every question I have now and might have later on.