Wax question MTD 435

dorkwad1234 · #1 03-01-2010, 10:08 AM

i recently bought a used MTD and and trying to figure out what kind of wax treatment was used by the previous owner. ive spoken to tobias and he recomended butchers wax, but im pretty sure the original owner didnt use that.

whats most destinctive about the finish on the bass is that is smells JUST like play dough....

so does anyone know what guitar waxes smell like playdough?!

Brams77 · #2 03-01-2010, 10:17 AM

To my knowledge mtd are not waxed. They have a special finnish very thin that feels and looks like a wax/oil.
Why should you try to wax that anyway?....

Ewo · #3 03-01-2010, 10:21 AM

I use Butcher's Wax Boston Polish on my 535. Yep--it's what Mike recommends, and Mike is da man!

http://www.bwccompany.com/

As for the PlayDough smell...eh, carnauba wax kinda smells like that, no?

bass12 · #4 03-01-2010, 10:24 AM

Could be carnauba. In any event, that's a great-looking 435 you have there!

VroomVroom · #5 03-01-2010, 10:45 AM

How does the finish feel? Sounds like it may have been a wax (automotive or otherwise) that was applied too heavily. Probably no big deal unless the feel is sticky in spots, or the look is bit hazed or splotchy. The wax will break down over time, with variations in temperature, friction, etc.

If these are issues, you can remove the wax in those spots by applying a dilute all/general purpose cleaner with a clean cotton rag. (I use auto stuff - Meguiar's APC is a great inexpensive option - @10:1. just be sure to use a good product with simple ingredients..."Simple Green," for example, is horrible and will leave behind a nasty film.) The finish on these instruments is remarkably durable, but it's certainly a good idea to apply a very light coat of Butcher's Wax (or equivalent) for a layer of protection. Good luck...

One other thought, just based on the scent - any chance the bass simply sat in the case for a long time? I notice an interesting scent when I open the case to my MTD...similar enough to play dough that I figured I'd mention it.

dorkwad1234 · #6 03-01-2010, 10:47 AM

awesome thanks for the responces

i guess ill get to guitarcenter and smash my nose in a few cans of carnauba.

my main concern is that if i switch over to the butchers boston (which i already treat a warwick with) will i be somehow be harming the finish thats already there.

VroomVroom · #7 03-01-2010, 10:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dorkwad1234

my main concern is that if i switch over to the butchers boston (which i already treat a warwick with) will i be somehow be harming the finish thats already there.

You've got no worries there. At worst you'll create some wax buildup, which will leave the finish as I described in the previous post - splotchy, and under certain light a bit hazy.

dorkwad1234 · #8 03-01-2010, 10:57 AM

hmmm good call vroomvroom, i thought the bass made the case smell that way.... but maybe its the other way around.

funny you mention Meguiar's though, a friend of mine had mentioned the thought that their wax smelled like playdough... previous owner might have treated the bass a bit with that.

anyway the finish is uniform pretty much throughout, with the exception of one spot near the neck pickup which looks like it has seen some playing action. that spot is particularly glossy.