FOUND: A Wax For My SR500

[SurferJoe46]

I really hate branded-by-manufacturer products that come in dram-sized tubes and cost yards of money because they are approved and what the manufacturer says are needed.

I like automotive products, as they are really in the same venue as any product to protect what is really a fine, interior-type finish left to outside elements and hazards.

What I was worried about was the grain in the wood of my SR500 Ibanez that might hold and show the dried wax that could not be buffed off or removed without damage to the wood finish itself.

Since I have little idea of the depth of the finish on the body, I didn't want to risk removing any surface color.

The product that works perfectly for me is Meguiar's Deep Crystal Carnauba Wax, Step #3.

It is packaged in 16fl oz bottles for about 1/20th the cost of those itty-bitty containers of 'approved waxes' and palliatives from the manufacturer.

"Carnauba" is the wax from the carnauba bean, whereas "Carnuba" is a synthetic paraffin based wax that is not the same product. I do NOT recommend the latter as it will likely leave residue.

Step #3 has no cutting agents, abrasives or cleansers, just pure wax.

It works for me on all my guitars and instruments - and I can wax my car with the same product too. I haven't used it on my fretboards yet - and don't think any wax is necessary there anyway.

Just FYI, that's all.

[Bassamatic]

I use Zaino Brothers' Polymer car polish. It is not an organic wax, so it does not degrade over time. It is really the best polish I have found - ever - for instruments AND cars. It is very strong and actually helps keep things scratch free.

I contacted Sal Zaino about this and it turns out he is a guitar collector, and of course uses his polish on all his instruments. No silicones, no abrasives. One bottle lasts forever.

You must buy it online - www.zainostore.com

[testing1two]

For modern poly/UV based finishes I agree that automotive grade waxes & polishes are the way to go. Nitro finishes don't respond to these polishes the same way in my experience. For nitro, I have yet to find products that work better than Virtuoso cleaner & polish or Gibson's polish.

[PCR]

+1 OP.

I use Mothers California Gold Pure Carnuba Wax Step #3. This stuff works, feels, and smells EXACTLY like Virtuoso Polish.

I used to love Virtuoso, now I use Mothers.

Plus Mothers cost $10.99 for a 12oz bottle, Virtuoso cost $10 for a 4oz bottle.