Neck sanding. How is it done?

[grobe]

I have been using steel wool on the back of my J-bass neck to get rid of that stickiness. It works great but only for a few hours and the stick gradually comes back. I want to try light sanding. I was wondering what the best way to do this is. Should I remove the strings and neck to make it easier to work with? What grit do you recommend? Any other tips so I don't screw something up? Thanks for any tips.

[BigOldHarry]

Use Scotchbrite. Don't use steel wool - bits of the metal will get into your p'ups.

And do not use sandpaper unless you want to remove the finish altogether.

[grobe]

Thanks for the scotchbrite idea. It did the trick eventually.

[JustDavid]

I'll use sandpaper every now & then. Around 800 grit, & gently.

[stanknuckle]

I use 000 grade steel wool and put masking tape over the pickups to stop the steel wool bits sticking to them.

[unclemeat]

I sand the necks on every instrument I've ever owned. If you're talking a neck with a lacquer on it I start with 150 grit sand paper and GO LIGHTLY! Think of scratching the back of a kitten or something. Once most of the junk is off, go to like a 500 or 800 grit to finish it.

If you're neck is already bare and you want to clean the nasty oil/dirt from your hand - clean it regularly with Endust. It's in a yellow spray can and you can find it next to the Pledge at any grocery store/Wal Mart/Etc. It does a great job cleaning all the junk off your neck when used regularly (at least once for every string change is a good rule). It's also wax-free, which is essential if you want no residue left behind.

I got that tip back years ago when Eddie Van Halen's guitar tech used to send out like a monthly guitar care newsletter. I've been a big supporter of Endust since. :-P

[JustDavid]

To me it sounded like OP only wanted to clean the neck, not remove all the finish. Hence 150 might be a little strong

Do you then finish the neck with Tung Oil or something?

Any silicone in Endust?

[MNAirHead]

overall the rule is that if it comes in the spray cans - it has silicone and will build up and haunt you.

[unclemeat]

Originally Posted by MNAirHead

overall the rule is that if it comes in the spray cans - it has silicone and will build up and haunt you.

No silicone in Endust. It is a cleaner only, nothing in it to add polish/shine.

http://endust.com/ask_endust.aspx#AE1

EDIT: I've used it on every one of the 20 or 30 guitars and basses I've had over the last 10-15 years. It is awesome stuff. I'm not on their payroll.

[grobe]

Originally Posted by JustDavid

To me it sounded like OP only wanted to clean the neck, not remove all the finish.

Nope I wanted to very carefully take the laquer finish off w/o sanding into the wood. I stepped it up to 400 grit paper and the neck feels fantastic now. Much faster. Feels just like a Musicman.

Thanks for all the advice everybody.