Cleaning a double bass?

[jebo]

What is the best way to clean the strings, fingerboard, neck and body of a fully carved double bass without causing any damage to it?

I have been told to buy rubbing alcohol for the strings.

[PaulCannon]

Rubbing alcohol will remove heavy gunk from the strings, but you need to be very careful to keep the alcohol away from the varnish. I would also avoid getting it on the fingerboard; regular exposure to moisture on the fingerboard will gradually warp the board.

Best way to clean a fingerboard is with very fine steel wool (grade 000 or 0000). Be sure to wipe up the board and top after with a dry hand towel. The steel fibers can scratch the varnish if not removed immediately.

When it comes to cleaning the varnish, you have many options and it can be a little complicated. Some varnishes are very soft or delicate and can be damaged by many cleaning products. This isn't an issue with most basses, but I would defer to an expert regarding which cleaning products work best for certain varnishes. It also helps to know whether the varnish is oil or spirit (alcohol) based.

If you have a lot of rosin dust caked on the top, a citrus-based cleaner can work nicely. I've also had good luck with Kolstein cleaner and polish. Spit can also do the trick.

[jebo]

thanks paul!

what about the neck?

[Andrew McGregor]

Bass necks are either varnish or, more usually, bare wood; just rub it down, it doesn't really need anything more. Very fine steel wool is fine, but don't do that too often or too enthusiastically as it will remove a little wood.

[aaronallen]

It's also a good idea to blow out all the dust and crap that collects inside the bass. You can use an air compressor or the pump for an air bed works OK.

[johnclassick]

Perfect...just a rub down on the neck, just what I was looking for. Lots of gunk up there...must mean I've been practicing a lot.

www.johnclassick.com