Frequently asked questions

Welcome to our frequently asked questions. We’re really glad to have you here and as a customer.
Here are answers to the most common questions.

Brand

Who founded Karma Guitars?

Karma Guitars® is a brand operated by R1CHBOYZ LLC. The brand was born in Navojoa, Sonora, in 2019, making instruments for Regional Mexican music, with a great team of designers, luthiers and engineers who are passionate about building instruments that matter. From the beginning we’ve worked closely with professional musicians from all over Mexico, learning from their decades of experience to understand what really works on stage, in the studio and in the hands of people who play every day.

Our master luthier has more than 15 years of hands-on experience working at the C.F. Martin & Co. factory located in our city, Navojoa, Sonora, one of the most respected names in the world in acoustic guitar building. His experience brings precision and tradition to Karma Guitars, and backs our young brand with credibility and proven know-how.

Our guitars are the result of deep local knowledge, shaped by years of feedback from Mexican musicians, and of the technical precision of some of the most advanced workshops in Asia, the same facilities other iconic brands trust.

By combining the soul of Mexican music with the top-tier craftsmanship and capabilities of the East, we can offer guitars that feel authentic, sound incredible and meet the highest quality standards without an inflated price. We’re proud to be part of that tradition and to deliver that level of excellence in every Karma guitar.

Where are Karma guitars made?

Every Karma guitar starts in Mexico, where our team carefully designs every detail and technical specification: wood selection, body shapes, dimensions and sound.

To bring those designs to life, we work with the most renowned manufacturing plants in Asia, which iconic brands like Takamine, Yamaha, Ibanez, Fender and Breedlove have trusted for decades. These workshops are known for their precision, their consistency and more than 50 years of experience building high-quality guitars.

Every Karma model is produced under strict quality standards to make sure that what leaves the factory meets the same expectations we set here at home. That combination of local design and world-class manufacturing is what gives Karma guitars their unique identity.

How can I get a sponsorship with Karma Guitars?

You can send links to your work and information about yourself to sponsorships@karmaguitars.mx. To be considered you need a minimum of 10,000 followers on one social network and to post playing content consistently. Learn more on the Sponsorships page.

Due to the volume of requests, we may only be able to reply to those who are selected. Even if you don’t hear back, THANK YOU for considering Karma Guitars. Without the support of musicians around the world, we wouldn’t be the brand we are today.

Can Karma Guitars share my photo or video?

We’d love to see you playing your Karma! When you post, use the hashtag #karmaguitars and don’t forget to tag @karmaguitars in your stories. We like to feature and celebrate the guitarists who play Karma. Sharing your music and your moments helps our community grow and inspires others, so don’t be shy.

Guitar care

What can I do every day to keep my instrument in excellent condition?

To keep your Karma guitar looking and sounding its best, get in the habit of gently wiping it down with a microfiber cloth after every session. This simple step removes the sweat, oils and dust that can slowly wear down the finish and affect the wood over time. For a deeper clean, polish your guitar about once a month with products made specifically for musical instruments, always avoiding harsh chemicals or rough materials. These small daily and monthly habits will help your guitar stay beautiful and comfortable to play for many years.

What should I use to clean my guitar?

Caring for your Karma guitar with gentle cleaning will keep it looking and sounding great for years. Here’s how:

1. Microfiber cloth
After every session, wipe your guitar down with a soft microfiber cloth to remove fingerprints, dust and oils. This simple step helps protect the finish and keeps your instrument shiny.

2. Guitar polish
Use a polish made specifically for acoustic guitars. Apply a small amount to the cloth and gently follow the grain of the wood to bring out the natural beauty of the finish. Keep the polish off the fretboard.

3. Fretboard care
If your fretboard needs cleaning, use a cloth lightly dampened with water; never use polish on the fretboard. Every now and then you can apply a little lemon oil to hydrate the wood, always wiping off the excess.

4. Strings
Wipe the strings down after every use to remove oils and residue; they’ll last longer and sound cleaner.

5. Avoid
Never use household cleaners, abrasive cloths or paper towels: they can damage the finish and the materials.

6. Storage

When you’re not playing it, keep your guitar in its case or on a stand to protect it from dust and humidity changes.

Regular, careful cleaning keeps your Karma guitar like new and performing at its best, ready for any stage.

What’s the best way to maintain the fretboard?

To keep your fretboard in good shape, wipe it with a soft microfiber cloth after every session to remove oils and dirt. For deeper care, you can prepare a mix of 90% mineral oil and 10% lemon oil, apply a small amount at each fret and rub gently with the cloth. Make sure to wipe off the excess oil so it doesn’t build up. Regular maintenance like this helps preserve the natural beauty of the wood and keeps your fretboard smooth and comfortable to play.

What’s the right climate for storing my guitar?

The right temperature and humidity are essential to the lifespan and playability of any acoustic guitar. Keeping the humidity right helps prevent cracks and makes your instrument feel and sound great. Ideally, humidity should be between 45% and 55%. Temperature is just as important: your guitar should be kept at around 21°C (70°F) for optimal care.

If you live in northern Mexico or other regions with extreme heat, it’s especially important to protect your guitar from harsh conditions. High temperatures and dry air can cause the wood to warp or crack, so keeping your instrument in its case when you’re not using it is essential. Avoid leaving your guitar near heaters, in direct sunlight, next to ovens or fireplaces, or inside the car, where the temperature can swing a lot.

In very dry or overly humid environments, consider using humidity control products, such as humidifier packs, inside the case. They help regulate humidity and protect your guitar from climate-related damage.

What’s the best way to store my guitar?

The safest place for your Karma guitar is always inside its case. Even when it’s stored in the case, it’s important to maintain the right humidity and temperature to protect your instrument. If you prefer to keep your guitar out of the case, make sure the room is climate controlled, with air conditioning or heating as needed, plus a humidifier or dehumidifier to keep the humidity stable. Storing it correctly helps preserve your guitar’s sound, finish and playability for many years.

How often should I change the strings?

How often you change the strings on your Karma guitar depends on a few things:

1. How much you play: If you play daily or perform often, it’s common to change them every 1 to 2 months.

2. String condition:
When your strings start to sound dull, lose their brightness or feel rough, it’s time to change them.

3. What your music needs: If you record or play live frequently, a fresh set of strings can make a big difference in your sound.

4. String type: Coated strings tend to last longer than uncoated ones.

5. Environment: Sweat, oils and humidity affect string life. Wiping them down after playing helps them last longer.

In general, strings last 1 to 3 months with regular use, but trust your ears and your hands: they’ll tell you when it’s time. Keeping your strings fresh is one of the easiest ways to keep your Karma guitar sounding incredible.

Can I change the string gauge?

Guitars are designed to perform best with a specific string tension suited to their body size, so we recommend sticking with the gauge suggested for your instrument. That said, switching to a lighter gauge normally won't damage your guitar. If you decide to try a different gauge, it's a good idea to visit a qualified local luthier or guitar tech to have your guitar set up for the new strings; that way you get the best comfort and the best sound.

How can I adjust the action or string height on my guitar?

For any major adjustment to your guitar's neck or string action, we recommend taking your instrument to a qualified local guitar tech or luthier. A proper setup ensures the most comfortable playing experience and helps prevent damage to your guitar.

Shipping

Do you ship to the United States?

Yes! We ship to Mexico and the United States.

Although shipping costs with carriers like DHL, FedEx and UPS can be high, many of our customers understand that those rates depend directly on the logistics companies and are necessary for their Karma guitar to arrive safely.

In Mexico, shipping is FREE on orders from $999 MXN.

Shipping to the United States is calculated at checkout based on your ZIP code, and the estimated delivery time is 7 to 14 business days. Import taxes and duties are the customer's responsibility. That cost reflects the actual expense of delivery and is not a markup by Karma Guitars.

If you're in the United States and have questions about your shipment, write to us from the Contact page; we want enjoying your Karma guitar to be as easy as possible, wherever you are. See all the details in our shipping policy.

How much does shipping cost?

For customers in Mexico, shipping is free on orders from $999 MXN; on smaller orders, the cost is calculated at checkout.

For orders to the United States, the shipping cost is calculated automatically at checkout based on your ZIP code. Once you enter your shipping details, the total updates to reflect the applicable rate.

That way you can see the exact shipping cost before completing your purchase. Once your order has shipped, you can track it on the Tracking page.

Orders

My order was canceled, but I was already charged. How long will my refund take?

If your order was canceled by the Karma Guitars team, most likely our system detected a high risk of fraud or there wasn't enough inventory to fulfill it. In either case, we'll let you know by email.

Keep in mind: refunds can take up to 15 business days to show up on your card. This timeframe depends entirely on your bank or card issuer and is not controlled by Karma Guitars. When an order is canceled, we don't charge or hold your money: the funds are handled through your bank's internal systems.

We understand this can be frustrating, but we assure you that your refund is in process and that we have no way to speed it up. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Warranty and returns

Does my Karma have a warranty?

Yes. Karma Guitars offers a 12-month warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship for the original buyer, under normal use. It applies to purchases made at karmaguitars.mx or karmaguitars.us (Mexico and the United States); if you bought from a dealer, the warranty is handled by that dealer.

For your warranty to be valid, you must register your guitar within 30 days of receiving it, and keep your proof of purchase (receipt or invoice) in case you need to file a claim.

If you have questions about your warranty or need help, see the full warranty policy or write to us at warranty@karmaguitars.mx; we're happy to help.

What is Karma's quality control process like?

Every Karma guitar goes through a strict quality control process before it reaches your hands. Once production is finished at the workshops we work with, our team in Mexico carefully inspects each instrument. We check structural integrity, setup accuracy, finish quality, electronics performance and overall playing comfort.

Before shipping, every guitar must pass this full inspection to ensure it meets our demanding standards. You can expect your Karma guitar to arrive free of manufacturing defects and ready to play right out of the box.

What do I do if I need to make a warranty claim?

If you believe your Karma guitar has a manufacturing defect covered by our warranty, follow these steps:

1. Have your proof of purchase handy: your receipt or invoice confirms that you are the original owner and the date of purchase.

2. Write to us directly at warranty@karmaguitars.mx. If you bought your guitar from a dealer, the warranty is handled by that dealer.

3. Describe the problem clearly: include your guitar's model and a detailed explanation of the issue. Photos or videos help us better understand the problem.

4. Follow the instructions we give you: warranty service is performed in Mexico, and shipping the guitar to the service center is the customer's responsibility. The service center is located at Av. Ignacio López Rayón 211-B, Centro, Reforma, 85830 Navojoa, Sonora, México. Don't send anything without your RA number.

5. Evaluation and repair: our team will evaluate whether the issue qualifies for warranty. If it does, we'll repair or replace your instrument in accordance with our policy.

6. Keep all messages and shipping receipts in case you need to refer to them later.

Remember: our warranty covers manufacturing defects for 12 months and, for it to be valid, you must register your guitar within 30 days of receiving it.

If you have any questions during the process, write to us; we're here to support you and your Karma guitar. See the full warranty policy.

Is the warranty transferable?

No, the warranty is not transferable and applies only to the original owner of the instrument.

How do I register my new instrument?

To register your new Karma guitar and activate your warranty, review the warranty policy on our site and then fill out the form on the Register your warranty page. Registration is mandatory and must be completed within 30 days of receiving your guitar.

Can a used guitar have a warranty?

No. The warranty applies only to new instruments purchased at karmaguitars.mx or karmaguitars.us; if you bought your new instrument from a dealer, the warranty is handled by that dealer.

I'm not happy with my purchase and want to return the instrument.

We understand that sometimes things don't turn out the way you expected. If you're not completely satisfied with your Karma guitar, we accept returns within 5 calendar days of receiving your instrument. Please note the following conditions:

- A 15% restocking fee will be deducted from your refund if the instrument comes back intact.

- If the instrument shows signs of use, the return may be rejected or accepted with a 30% fee.

- You must include all original documentation, packaging and accessories.

- All returns are subject to inspection by our team to confirm they qualify.

- The cost of return shipping to our warehouse is the customer's responsibility.

To start a return, write to us at support@karmaguitars.mx with your order number. If it's approved, we'll give you the instructions. Keep the original box and shipping materials to avoid extra packaging costs.

Refunds can take 15 to 21 business days to process once we receive and approve the return. See the full return policy.

Didn't find your answer?

Feel free to contact us; we will be glad to answer.