Paul Balmer obtained his first acoustic guitar in 1959. He studied classical Spanish guitar to grade 8 and Teaching Diploma level. Over 50 years he has owned acoustic guitars of every type, all of which have at some time required setting up adjustment and repair. He is the author of Fender Stratocaster Manual, Gibson Les Paul Manual, Fender Telecaster Manual and Fender Bass Manual. He lives near Kettering in Northamptonshire.

Know your acoustic guitar - classic, flamenco, Parlour, Dreadnought, Selmer Gypsy, Resonator, 'cello' and acoustic-electric guitars explained. Buying an acoustic guitar - used and new options, pitfalls, authenticity issues, getting the right guitar for the job. Tuning - what to do if the guitar won't stay in tune, string checks, machine heads, saddle and nut, electronic tuners and their limitations. Fault diagnosis - body and lacquers, neck and frets, pick-ups and tone, bridge adjustment and replacement, machine heads, string guides. Set-ups - alignment and lubrication, nut adjustment, bridge height and string length, truss rod adjustment. Maintenance and repairs - fretwork repairs, replacing kluson and grover tuners, earthing and RF issues (for electro-acoustic guitars), repairs to non-truss rod necks, cellulose repairs. Replacement parts and common modifications. Case studies - including Ramirez, Epiphone 12-string, Martin Dreadnought, Gibson L5, Selmer Maccaferri, Yamaha budget Dreadnaught, Archtop, Resonator guitar and Parlour guitar.