Using your Ernie Ball Music Man John Petrucci JP15 Electric Guitar is a breeze. First, make sure it's properly tuned using the Schaller M6 - IND locking tuning machines. When you're ready to play, use the 3 - way Toggle pickup selector to switch between different pickup sounds. The onboard 20db gain boost can be used to add extra power to your sound when needed. For the piezo bridge system, it gives a unique acoustic - like tone. As for maintenance, keep it in the provided Music Man hardshell case when not in use to protect it from damage. Wipe the body and strings regularly with a soft cloth to keep it clean. In different climates, the roasted maple neck and fingerboard are designed to be stable, but still try to avoid extreme temperature and humidity changes. If you need to change the strings, use the RPS 10 Slinkys #2240 with the specified gauges.