How do you clean your basses?

[Arni]

Hi lefties!
At first, thank you very much Andrew, for running this forum! I hope you are fine!

I got a wonderful lefty Alembic Custom 5string bass (Series I body) in a high gloss black finish. This monster is 17 years old, so there are some of small scratches on the body. How do you polish your basses?
By the way, what is the best way to refresh the rosewood fretboard?

Thanks in advance!

[Rodent]

hi Arni,

depending on just how bad the scratches are, and if the finish is something like Nitro or Poly, you can always use a microfiber cloth with polishing compound or swirl remover. granted, this will take a LOT of elbow work, but it will allow you to (relatively) safely remove those fine scratches to a high gloss shine

if the scratches are deeper and you know you have sufficient clear coat finish thickness, you could use a sanding block lined with a cork pad and wet-sand with something in the 6000 grit range followed by the buffing compound and swirl remover. be careful though, as the more aggressive sanding option could be risky if the finish is thin and/or you get heavy handed

it's always best to test in an area that will be unseen (like under a neck cover plate or pickguard) to make sure there aren't any reactions between the finish and the polishing agent you plan to use

all the best,

R

[pjmuck]

Hey Arni. Good to have you posting.

For a rosewood fretboard, I generally wipe it clean after every use with an all-purpose terry cloth towel (20% Polyamide and 80% Polyester), commonly used for polishing automobiles. You can find them at most auto stores or price club stores like Costco, Trader Joes, etc. (I'm not sure if you have these stores in Germany). I like them because they're gentle and don't shed fibers. Every 3 months or so I'll also wipe the neck with a light solution of lemon oil.

[andrew]

Hey Arni! Welcome, great to have you here. Post a pic of your new Alembic when you get a chance.

[AustinLeftyBass]

I don't.

[bbl]

"The dirt keeps the funk."

- James Jamerson

[Arni]

Thanks for all these advices!
I will check them out and hope to clean up my bass in the best way.

Andrew, here you can take a preview of the Alembic: http://www.leftybass.com/e_baesse.htm
As soon as it´s clean and a set of OPTIMA 2299/1B 045-125 gold strings arrived, I will post a better pic on LeftyBassist.com. Okay?

Arni

[Basshappi]

Hello Arni,
I have lurked on your site for many years and have greatly appreciated your commitment to us low end lefties! Please keep up the great work!

Also, my compliments on your personal collection, it is quite impressive!

I use Planet Waves guitar cleaning fluid and a soft micro-fiber cloth to clean the body and board. On my rosewood boards I use lemon oil, I just keep applying light coats until it doesn't absorb any more then wipe the excess away. Occasionally I will used a can of compressed air (like the type used to clean computers) to blow dust out from around the pickups and contols. I use electronic cleaner on the pots if they start to get a bit 'scratchy' and I also spray some on the end of a cotton swab and clean the contact surfaces of the jack.


Cheers!