Tacoma FAQ

How do I adjust/setup my guitar?
We have a saying in this industry... "When in doubt, take your guitar to a tech." Most luthiers and small shops are great for routine setups because they are fast and generally inexpensive.

Guitar setup specs
Factory specs for Tacoma guitars are measured at the 12th fret.
2.5mm on the bass side.
2mm on the treble side.

Bass setup specs
Factory specs for Tacoma basses are measured at the 12th fret.
3 1/2 mm on bass side
3 mm on treble side.

Mandolin Pickups
Tacoma mandolin pickups are a contact style microphone placed underneath the top at the bridge and must be installed at the time of production. Tacoma does not install any factory retrofit pickups on mandolins.

Why is my mandolin not intonating properly?
The type of bridge on Tacoma mandolins requires it be reset if you take all the strings off at once. Any guitar tech or mandolin tech can show you where to place the bridge for correct intonation. The bridge should be placed exactly halfway from the 12th fret to the end of the lower bout.

What about my strap button?
Tacoma and most all other Guitar Manufacturers do not install strap buttons at the factory due to each player having his or her preference as to the placement of the button. Some guitar players prefer the underside of the heel, some the back, and some prefer the "tie it to the headstock" option.

How do I install a strap button?
Part of the warranty card includes a template for installing the strap button. We recommend taking your guitar to an experienced repair tech or luthier for proper installation of a strap button. Proper strap button installation will not void your warranty, but damage incurred during or as a result of strap button installation is not covered under warranty.

What nut widths do your guitars have?

What finish compounds do you use on Tacoma guitars?
Tacoma gloss models, use lacquer based UV polyester applied to the thickness of about three layers of standard paper. It is then sanded flat and buffed to a gloss. On Tacoma satin models, they use an acid catalyzed 15% sheen conversion varnish.

What types of finish options does Tacoma have available?
All gloss models have the option of the following finishes with a $150.00 up-charge:

BK - High-gloss opaque Black
CB - Transparent Amber to dark Cherry teardrop sunburst
SB - Transparent Amber to dark Tobacco teardrop sunburst
TC - Transparent Dark Cherry

*** To order, simply add the appropriate suffix to the model number - BK, CB, SB, or TC.

How do I clean my guitar?
Gloss finishes: Apply a small amount of pump polish to a soft dry cloth to clean the surface. If desired, use a dab of Carnauba wax on a soft cloth and apply in a circular motion to the surface. Then simply buff to a high shine.

Satin finishes: DO NOT USE oils, polishes, or waxes. To do so would eventually fill in the grain of the wood causing unsightly buildup. Instead, we suggest that you use a slightly damp soft cloth with a dab of mild liquid detergent to clean the soiled areas of the body and the back of the neck. Use a clean, damp section of the cloth to remove any residual detergent. Use a dry area of the cloth to buff away moisture.

For fingerboard and bridge maintenance: Tacoma recommends using high-grade lemon oil. After removing the strings and bridge pins, apply a light dab of lemon oil onto a clean dry cloth and gently rub into the bridge and fingerboard. Avoid heavy applications, especially on the fretboard, as it may accumulate underneath individual frets.

Case types?
Standard hardshell case: molded black vinyl over a durable wood construction, three chrome latches, molded Tacoma Guitars logo, and a beige plush interior. Great for easy transport and general storage.

Deluxe hardshell case: molded brown vinyl over durable wood construction, five brass latches, logo neutral, and extra thick blue plush interior. Great for daily gigging, transport, small tours, and general storage.

*** Please note that Tacoma cases are NOT covered under their " Lifetime Limited Warranty" and are not OFFICIALLY approved by the Airline Transport Association (ATA) for adequate protection from in flight damage to instruments).

Will using Medium weight strings harm my guitar?
Tacoma Guitars are factory strung with D’Addario light gauge round wound strings (.012-.053). Switching string gauges can put unnecessary stress on the bridge, saddle, nut, and may require a truss rod adjustment for optimal playability. For simplicity's sake, Tacoma  recommends continuing the use of light gauge strings. Any damage incurred by switching string gauges may void the warranty.

Which strings do I use for my 5-string bass?
Tacoma sets up their five string basses with
D'addario strings using gauges .045 - .130. For replacement strings.

I have a damaged instrument. What can I do?
All warranty and non-warranty work must go through an authorized Tacoma Guitars dealer. Depending on the nature of the problem as determined initially by a local dealer, consumer owned units must be shipped back to the factory for evaluation by one of our experienced luthiers. If the determination is found to be covered under warranty, repairs will begin immediately and will take approximately six to eight weeks. If the evaluation is determined to be non-warranty, Tacoma Guitars will contact either Ed Roman or the consumer to authorize the repair costs before any work is performed. For any consumer owned unit, the consumer is liable for shipping charges both to and from the factory as expressed in the Limited Lifetime Plus Warranty.

Humidity and Your Guitar
Solid wood instruments are very responsive to their relative environments. A basic rule of thumb is; if you are uncomfortable with the temperature and humidity in your room/ house/place of storage for your guitar, then your guitar is uncomfortable there as well. If humidity levels are out of balance your guitar could warp, crack, swell or incur some type of trauma. Keeping humidity constant doesn't have to be difficult, however it is necessary to maintain the beauty and sound of your guitar for years to come.

The relative humidity (RH) of the air surrounding your guitar should be between 40% and 60%. If you store your guitar on an open stand, your guitar is subject to whatever humidity the outside air happens to be. This is fine if the humidity outside happens to stay around 50%, but in most cases you will want more control over humidity as the temperature/dryness of the air can vary indoors just as it can outdoors. An easy solution is to store your guitar in the case when not in use. The case can affect how the guitar responds to the humidity and can be used in conjunction with a humidifier.

However, just as a guitar can dry out, it can also become too "wet." An overly moist guitar will show signs of swelling on the top or back. It can compromise glue joints and loosen bridges. If your guitar is showing signs of excessive moisture, a simple solution is to use a silica gel packet. These can be found at any music store and can be placed in the case with the guitar overnight to reduce moisture.

How can I tell when my instrument was manufactured?
Manufactured dates can be determined from the serial number on the inside of your instrument

• The letter in the first position refers to the year in which it was produced. The letter system began 1998 with the letter B. (B = 1998, C = 1999, etc.) If there is no letter in the first position, congratulations! Your guitar was one of the first units we produced!

• The next three digits reflect the Julian calendar date of the manufacturing year by number of days. (105 = the one-hundred and fifth day of the year, etc.)

• The '5' in the 4th position reflects that this instrument has a 'bolt-on' neck. If the number were a '0' it would reflect a standard set-neck instrument.

• The next two digits reflect the daily production number.

• The final digit of '0' denotes that it is a First Quality instrument.

How long is the manufacturing lead-time?
Tacoma manufactures instruments on a made to order basis. Most Tacoma instruments take six to eight weeks to manufacture. The average lead-time can vary by the number of orders placed for that model.

Is my guitar solid or laminate wood?
Tacoma Guitar tops have always been solid wood and since January 1st 2001, all guitars have been manufactured with all solid wood.