How's best to clean old Fender

Tommy Auldridge · Post by **Tommy Auldridge** » 5 Oct 2007 1:55 pm

I have a really nice 52 Fender dual 8 Pro.
It appears like it once belonged to someone who smoked a lot. The finish is in near perfect shape. But, it looks like it should be cleaned. I'm afraid to do anything that might not be good for the finish.
Any sugestions as to what I should use. Thanks...
Tommy...

John Dahms · Post by **John Dahms** » 5 Oct 2007 2:57 pm

Start with #60 sandpaper and press real hard.
No, seriously, a mild detergent cleaner and warm water with a damp sponge will work if it is really groaty. Be real careful by the logo (cotton balls, maybe). the main thing is be patient. Go very slowly and carefully, remember it took 60 tears to get it dirty so you can invest a few hours to restore it. do a section at a time. This will allow you to see how much progress you make.

Rick Collins · Post by **Rick Collins** » 6 Oct 2007 1:51 pm

I know some will say alcohol is a no, no for cleaning a lacquer finish; but this worked great for me:

I cleaned a dirty 26" 1953 triple Stringmaster by using alcohol on cotton.

Of course you must stay away from the decal.

I cleaned the instrument with a small amount of alcohol carefully and quickly and let it dry for one day. I did this three times, cleaning it quickly and letting it dry for 24 hours each time.

On the fourth day I polished it with Nu-Finish car polish (it does not contain wax).

It took at least 50 years of dirt off and did not damage the finish. IT LOOKS GREAT.

Jim Kennedy · Post by **Jim Kennedy** » 7 Oct 2007 3:13 am

I read an article by Dan Erliwine, the luthier guru at Stewart McDonald, where he used saliva to clean the grime off of a late 50's Les Paul. The enzymes in saliva will loosen the grime, but will not harm the lacquer.

Tommy Auldridge · Post by **Tommy Auldridge** » 8 Oct 2007 1:44 pm

So, Jim are you suggesting that I should spit on my
guitar, or just keep licking it until it's clean ?
I'm starting to think I like it just the way it is.
Thanks anyway... Tommy

Sam Floyd · Post by **Sam Floyd** » 9 Oct 2007 8:38 am

Tom

I lived in Maryland for over 20 years. I moved to Virginia about 18 months ago.

Now on to your question. I just cleaned my late father's Fender Quadmaster. It was in pretty bad shape with a lot of build up of dirt and grime. I used hot soapy water. I dipped a terry cloth into the water with the tip of my finger and cleaned one small section at a time. What I found was this produced a light haze. I then applied a good quality guitar polish on it (Fender polish?). It shinned up very nicely. I have a picture of the finished product at this link.

http://bb.steelguitarforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=115710

V/r,
Sam

John Dahms · Post by **John Dahms** » 9 Oct 2007 12:22 pm

Sam, Wow! Now there's a rare bird. A very early 26.5" Quad Stringmaster. Very few of them around.

Jim Kennedy · Post by **Jim Kennedy** » 10 Oct 2007 9:00 am

The article suggested spitting on a rag and start rubbing away. After the heavy grime was removed he used an over the counter guitar cleaner to finish. Can't remember which one, but he recommends staying away from anything with silicone in it. As an aside, I met a picker once named Levi Loyd--Levi Loyd and the 501 Blues Band. He's played the same Les paul that he bought new in 1968. He never cleans the headstock. The rest of the guitar yes. You can barely read the Gibson logo. Lot's of nicotene stains and memories from the old days. So if you like that "grimey vibe" keep it. To each his own.

Mark Lynott · Post by **Mark Lynott** » 10 Oct 2007 9:49 am

I'd do the same as with any fine vintage instrument like yours, a plain (untreated) flannel polish cloth (some clean flannel or cotton t-shirt will do fine too), first just lightly wipe-off and where needed use the Erlewine "breath-fog". Don't rub, keep it light.

Extreme dirt and old polish residues can be cleaned with naptha on a lacquer finish, but don't let it soak in, just wipe on and off and as always "test on a small inconspicuous area". I'd avoid alcohol on any lacquer finish.

keep all liquids away from checked or missing finish areas.

Garry Vanderlinde · Post by **Garry Vanderlinde** » 10 Oct 2007 7:44 pm

Don't do anything rash, use a cleaner made for a nitrocellulose finish. Patina is a valuable commodity, don't destroy it. Protect your investment and the esoteric quality of the instrument. It will pay off in the long run. It is not suppose to look like a new shinny guitar. Take care of it and enjoy it for as long as you like. But it will not be yours forever.