how to clean fender bridge

[nathank333]

i did a quick search and didn't see anything obvious come right up, if there's another thread, redirect me.

simple question, what's my best and easiest method for cleaning the bridge from my p-bass? it looks like there is some corrosion in the little screws that adjust each saddle, and on the actual bridge it's just kind of grimey. the hardware is gold.
all re's are well appreciated.

[ubnomnar]

I use Q-Tips & WD-40 to detail clean bridges.

[nathank333]

wd-40 for the whole thing? or just for the areas where you adjust the saddles?

it seems like once i take it off, the body of the bridge and the saddles will probably clean up nicely with just a wet rag or something, maybe some soapy water or rubbing alcohol if the grime is really thick.

but i'm wondering about the other parts including the springs and saddle parts where it looks like there may be some corrosion. I'm also wondering if i really need to disassemble the whole thing to give it a good cleaning. and if i do, i could probably replace the springs and maybe the little screws for height adjustment if they are actually corroded bad.

any thoughts or past experience??

[SMILEYSIXX]

I clean mine with a mixture of WD40 and rubbing alcohol on a Q-tip to get the hard to reach areas then soak it in alcohol and rinse tih water then blow dry it.

[nathank333]

sounds like the process i was looking for, do you mix the wd40 and the rubbing alcohol? how?

[ubnomnar]

Originally Posted by nathank333

wd-40 for the whole thing? or just for the areas where you adjust the saddles?

I use WD-40 on the whole thing. In addition to the Q-Tip, I have also used 3M "Blue Scrubbies" with WD-40 to remove heavier gunk. Sometimes I completely dissassemble the entire bridge... sometimes I just use the Q-Tip to hit the 95% that it can reach. 0000 steel wool is also very helpful for cleaning up tarnished "old" chrome, springs, and screws... but not for use on "gold" or "smoke" finish metal parts.

It's an old car detailing tip to use WD-40 to remove gunk and tar from the paint or other surfaces. A while back, people were swearing that rubbing it on their skin helped with achy joints... I kid you not!

[SMILEYSIXX]

Originally Posted by nathank333

sounds like the process i was looking for, do you mix the wd40 and the rubbing alcohol? how?

WD40 is a liquid, just in an aerosol can. I spray it into a shot glass about halfway then fill the other half with rubbing alcohol.

[fhm555]

WD40 is a solvent. It's got some lubricating qualities because it was formulated to be a one shot cleaner/lube, but the majority of it's content are mild solvents.
Another thing about WD40 that might be of interest. Once all the liquid evaporates from it, the solids left behind are VERY hydroscopic. If you live in high humidity or sweat on your stuff a lot, WD40 will actually promote rust.
If you like spray cleaners which are also lubricants, CRC products offers a product named Master Mechanic that will do everything WD40 will, except attract moisture.

[Rockmusician]

I use Flitz Metal Polish and a Dremel tool with a soft cleaning wheel.