Any suggestions on cleaning brass nut, frets & bridge?

circuitspore · #1 04-01-2007, 01:07 PM

I've got a 1980 Aria TSB-550 w/ a brass nut & bridge and (i think) brass frets. And they're pretty corroded/patina'd/whatever'ed. A recent issue of Vintage Guitar suggested using a light coat of 3-in-1 oil to loosen the corrosion and then using a brass-bristled brush to remove what you can.

Anyone else have a better method? I've attached some pics below so you can tell the extent of the corrosion:

martin shane · #2 04-01-2007, 05:53 PM

Nev'r Dull .... should be available at your local advanced auto parts store...

Turnaround · #3 04-01-2007, 08:06 PM

Good grief!

1. I would never use 3-in-1 oil to remove corrosion from brass. Especially where the oil might come in contact with wood.

2. Where possible (i.e. the bridge in your case) remove the tarnished part from the instrument and clean it with any kind of brass cleaner - there are lots to choose from.

3. Where the tarnished part cannot be removed (frets, nut) mask off the area around the part with masking tape (that's what it's for) and clean the offending parts with the same cleaner.

4. I would respectfully suggest that you play the instrument more often. And when you are done playing, wipe it off well with a clean absorbant cloth. Prevention is 9/10th's of the law (or something).

circuitspore · #4 04-02-2007, 05:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Turnaround

Good grief!

4. I would respectfully suggest that you play the instrument more often. And when you are done playing, wipe it off well with a clean absorbant cloth. Prevention is 9/10th's of the law (or something).

Haha! I guess I should have stated that the damage was not mine. This was a recent eBay purchase. It needed some electronics work and I knew it had come corrosion. I finally got the electronics working and now I'm moving on to cleaning her up. I've never had a bass get in this shape while in my care.

Thanks for the info.

202dy · #5 04-02-2007, 05:23 AM

As mentioned above, just about any commercial brass cleaner will take care of the rest. If you elect to remove the bridge, completely disassemble including the height and length adjustment screws. If they are rusted the steel wool will help remove any rust. If that does not do the job to your satisfaction, then soak the screws in Lime Away for fifteen minutes. Rinse very well, dry, and give a light coat of a thin oil or WD 40, which is particularly good for this.

The frets are nickel-silver. 0000 steel wool will take care of the frets in short order.