vintage Jazz finish

hyperba55 · #1 05-12-2008, 05:47 PM

I just picked up a 1972 Jazz Bass for a pretty good price. It's definitely a relic, not in the best of condition, but the neck and electronics are good. Sounds killer too.

However, it doesn't look like it has been cleaned in a LONG time. The finish also isn't in the best of shape. I tried wiping it down with a rag - first with some water, then with some naptha - and this yellow-ish/brown-ish "goo" (for lack of a better term) came off of it.

The bass has a black finish, maple neck.

My question - is there a clear coat that can come off (that maybe yellowed over time), or am I just wiping off decades of grime and cigarette smoke?

Any advice on cleaning materials for the finish, keeping in mind that there are bare wood areas, and the finish is pretty badly checked/dinged. Would regular guitar polish harm it?

Thanks ...

GeneralElectric · #2 05-12-2008, 06:07 PM

Try the Fender Meguire's kit. It clean stuff pretty nicely.

I personally never clean my basses though

John Wentzien · #3 05-12-2008, 06:16 PM

Lemon -oil

Caca de Kick · #4 05-12-2008, 06:29 PM

When I aquired all my vintage basses, I use Maguires high tech yellow. I take my time and use it sparingly, and it comes out looking great. Obviously I don't use it on the bare wood sections.
I actually use the Maguires on all my instruments; my newer basses, and polishing paint after ones I did refinish projects on.

If you just try using anykind of water and soap, it will just smear and dull up. And yes, the brown you are getting is just grime and funk.

Pilgrim · #5 05-15-2008, 04:31 PM

Virtuoso cleaner, followed by Virtuoso polish. The Virtuoso line is specifically formulated to be safe with all guitar finishes. That's a valuable bass - do it right.

http://timsguitarworkshop.stores.yah...premguitp.html

62bass · #6 05-15-2008, 06:20 PM

What you're wiping off is years of gunk and grime, wax and cigarette smoke. The Fender factory finish is very tough stuff and resistant to almost all chemicals. Soap and water, paint thinner, alcohol and even paint remover won't harm it. I never use the fancy cleaners sold in music stores. Dish soap and water and naptha will get it off. If it looks dull after a thorough cleaning, that's just years of wear on the finish. Paints such as white will yellow over time also.

You can use guitar polish if you want to make it a little shinier.