Fret Polishing

[66pbass]

What is the feeling out there about fret polishing?

I was at a clinic with a touring/recording bass player who demonstrated how to do it, and he recommended it.
When I sold a bass through Elderly, they said that the frets needed polishing, and at the time I didn't know what they were talking about.

Is anyone doing it, and how often should it be done?

[azfryguy]

I love polishing frets and its super easy. I think everyone should it makes bending the strings easier and it should be done about 2 times a year.

[testing1two]

Here's the easiest way to get the job done:

Gorgomyte Fret And Fingerboard Conditioner

[winegamd]

Remove the strings and tape off the fret board around the frets with tape thick enough that you wont rub through. I also suggest taping off the pickups. Next, get some 0000 steel wool. Take a pinch of the steel wool, about a silver dollars size amount, and pinch it between your thumb and pointer finger. Rub along the length of the fret making sure to get the groove where the fret and finger board meet. Do this for all frets. If there is not much buildup from finger gunk around the base of the frets you can skip that and do the next step. Next, take a full pad of the steel wool and rub up and down the fret board length. This will put the final polish on the crowns. When they are polished to where you want them, un-tape the finger board, and restring it. It is pretty easy and shouldn't take more than 10 or fifteen minutes once you have everything taped off.

[testing1two]

If you're going to do it the old fashioned way at least use a synthetic abrasive like 3M Scotchbtite instead of steel wool. You can get the 0000 equivalent at any home improvement store and you eliminate the risk of getting magnetic fibers in your pickups. Micro Mesh abrasives work even better.

Or you could cut a 2 inch square of Gorgamyte and wipe down the frets and fingerboard and then buff with a clean t-shirt. It takes 5 minutes, requires no masking, conditions the fingerboard and shines the frets like jewelry.

[winegamd]

I don't like the Scotchbrite as I don't think they polish as finely as the steel wool, but that Gorgamyte is interesting. I had never heard of it and went to their site. Seems MUCH easier than steel wool.

[StereoPlayer]

I've used crocus cloth from a good hardware. For polishing metal.

[dblbass]

Originally Posted by testing1two

Micro Mesh abrasives work even better.

+1

[testing1two]

Originally Posted by winegamd

I don't like the Scotchbrite as I don't think they polish as finely as the steel wool, but that Gorgamyte is interesting. I had never heard of it and went to their site. Seems MUCH easier than steel wool.

The green Scotchbrite isn't as fine as steel wool but finer versions are available.