LUTHIERS!! HELP!!

[Bassman402086]

Help!
Luthiers,
What do you use to remove rosin buildup off of wood surfaces
on a double bass. Where can I get it? About how much, for how much($) ?

[Borderfort]

First, try warm water.
Don't soak it! Just put some on a cotton cloth and rub gently.
Wipe it off fairly frequently so the wood doesn't soak it up.

Next, I'd try warm water with a little (maybe two or three drops per glass) of dishwashing liquid in it.
Same routine.

There are some commercial potions available, but that is what I do first.

[Bassman402086]

Originally Posted by Borderfort

First, try warm water.
Don't soak it! Just put some on a cotton cloth and rub gently.
Wipe it off fairly frequently so the wood doesn't soak it up.

Next, I'd try warm water with a little (maybe two or three drops per glass) of dishwashing liquid in it.
Same routine.

There are some commercial potions available, but that is what I do first.

What are the other commercial components that I can use.
Thanks,
Sean

[Silversorcerer]

Originally Posted by Bassman402086

What are the other commercial components that I can use.
Thanks,
Sean

Petz Rosin Remover, which is a combination of solvents that are safe on most finishes, specifically it is a trichlorethylen and paraffinoll mixture, proportions not listed. This is available from Lemur Music in small 1.7 oz. bottles for just under $5. If you are removing rosin from wood with a finish this works well enough. Unfinished wood, for example an unsealed unfinished maple bridge, scraping gently will work better. I have not found soap and water to be very effective at removing rosins that I use, which are not water soluble and I don't think it is a good idea to put a water solution onto unfinished wood. Soap is basic (caustic) in pH and could change the chemistry of the wood. There is no harm in using some on finished wood, but if your rosin is like mine;- Pops, Oak, Carlsson, Hidersine;- don't expect it to do much.

[Brent Norton]

As a rule of thumb, avoid alcohol - if the varnish is spirit, the alcohol can melt it. If it's spirirt, oil, lacquer or just about anything else, you can use mineral spirits, available at your hardware store.