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ArtVandelay@lemmy.world

Guitar cleaning tips? (lemmy.world)

submitted 1 week ago* (last edited 1 week ago) by emb@lemmy.world to c/guitars@lemmy.world

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I know this is probably beyond a dumb question I'm overthinking, but any special considerations to take when cleaning a guitar?

Finally had a string pop on my main electric after like 10 years, figured I should just replace that whole set. And while they're off, might as well give a nice touch up all around.

The basic obvious approach I have in mind is to use combos of paper towels, q-tips, warm soapy water, and isopropyl to remove any gunk I can see in any crevices, wipe down the surfaces, maybe polish any metal.

Any spots I might overlook? Do I need to be worried about water or alcohol coming in contact with the fretboard or any part of it?

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[–] gigastasio@sh.itjust.works 9 points 1 week ago

You can get “specialty” guitar cleaning polish at pretty much any music store. I don’t know the difference between them and other cleaning products you might already have though.

You’re going to have a lot of gunk on the frets and fretboard. When you go to clean that off, just be wary of any cleaner that’s abrasive or has chemicals that are harmful to wood.

Rusty parts, I like to use naval jelly - awesome pink goo that you can get pretty much anywhere. Dissolves rust and is gentle on the base metal. And this is your opportunity to clean up dust around the bridge, pickups, and nut.

Also, if you’ve been playing the same strings for 10 years, you’re going to think you got a whole new guitar when you put on fresh ones.