Tips for sprucing up a guit?

[bloosekid]

Hi all,

Do you guys have any tips to cosmetically spruce up a pretty neglected guitar? I'm currently re-stringing a bass, and since I'm at it, I'm also trying to restore it to its showroom shine as far as possible.

What do you use to polish the frets? I know you can use lemon oil to clean the fretboard but can we use it for the metal frets too?

What's a good way to touch up a deep scratch on the guitar body that has exposed the wood?

For the metal parts (like tuning pegs, saddles, knobs etc), how do you remove the tiny little rust-like spots/bumps that build up over time?

Thanks in advance!

 

[subversion]

Lemon oil does not have a scouring effect on metal parts. It’s more of a wood conditioner. If you apply lemon oil to your fretboard with the intention of cleaning it, make sure you use a dry cloth to wipe it off. If you don’t, it’s like applying soap to dirty hands without washing it off.

For fret cleaning, obtain zero-grade steel wool from your hardware shop. It’s the most appropriate for guitar/ bass metal components, it scours without scratching. If you wish to polish the metal parts, avoid autosol as it causes a green, moss-like build up over time.

 

[JamesChia]

i suggest getting the grade 00000 steel wool. you can clean the fretboard (no maple!!) and polish the frets as well.

 

[bloosekid]

If the metal parts have a gold finishing to it, would using the steel wool cause the finishing to all come off? I've got a can of Brasso somewhere; can I use it to polish the frets, tuning pegheads, saddles and knobs?

Thanks for the advice so far guys 8)

 

[marshall_law]

I know brasso got a tendency to remove the gold plating. I suggest while using brasso, try not to rub too hard on the metal.