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Old 02-10-2008, 05:36 PM
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Join Date: May 2007
how to clean a bass?

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I admit, I've always just shoved my crappy old bass into the gig bag after shows.

now that i have a Musicman stingray, I need to learn how to take care of it.

I was going to just visit musicians friend and grab a generic cleaning kit. Is there anything specific you guys would recommend? I'm looking for post-show cleaning, as well as the occasional (once a month?) fine tuning and cleaning of the pegs, etc etc.

Thanks!!!!!!!!!
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Old 02-10-2008, 08:24 PM
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After playing your guitar wipe off all of the lacquered surfaces paying attention to the areas your body comes into contact the most. For instance, if you play sitting in the studio your right forearm will rest on the lower bass bout. If you don't use a floating thumb technique then wherever you mount your thumb will require a bit of extra attention. Wipe the strings down, too. Make sure to get the towel under the strings. While it's under there wipe off the fingerboard, too. A spritz of guitar polish on the lacquered surfaces wiped on and buffed off makes for a deluxe job.

Part of the regimen depends on you. If you sweat a lot, for instance, you will have to be more conscientious.

When you change strings, or every couple of months, use a good cleaner on the paint and lacquer. Your local B&M will have a few things to chose from. Avoid anything that claims to be a cleaner and a polish. These product usually do neither well. Windex works well. it is best not to spray anything directly onto the instrument. Spray it onto a cloth then apply. Follow up with polish.

The fingerboard is cleaned with naphtha. Apply directly to the board and wait a minute or so for it to work on the gunk. then wipe it off with a clean towel. You can use a tool like a small ruler to work both sides of the fret. Follow up with a coat of oil. What kind? Use the TB search function. You will find enough opinions on that subject to write a book. Let the oil soak in for a minute or two then wipe back off. That is the basic regimen for the occasional cleaning.

Fingerboard cleaning and oiling only need be done once or twice a year. Much more and you run the risk of having punky wood at the fret slots. It's not much of a problem until the guitar needs to be re-fretted. Then you will pay extra for repairs to the soft wood.
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