Using this Fender Japan Elemental Jazz Bass Guitar is easy. First, make sure your guitar is properly tuned using the vintage - style tuning machines. Plug it into an amplifier and adjust the settings on the amp and the guitar's controls to get the tone you like. When playing, use the pickups to create different sounds - the bridge and middle pickups can be combined for a variety of tones. As for maintenance, keep the guitar in its gig bag when not in use to protect it from dust and scratches. Wipe the strings with a clean cloth after each use to prevent rust. If you're not going to play the guitar for a long time, loosen the strings a bit to relieve stress on the neck. And remember, don't expose the guitar to extreme temperatures or humidity as it can damage the wood and hardware.