Cool Inspection Lights

There are two very useful tools for looking inside acoustic guitars. The first is a standard, telescoping auto inspection mirror, (mine is made by General) with a flashlight attached. The photo shows how easy it is to see the inside if you are looking for loose braces or cracks.

The second tool is this decorative rope light I found at a home improvement store. It's sold by the foot and is perfect for lighting up the inside of the guitar. Not only is it flexible, but also it stays cool to the touch. I use it with a strip of plastic mirror that I found at a plastics shop when I need my hands free to do a repair. I use these two tools every week and they have repaid themselves many times over.