Musician's Friend vs. Home Depot

[azfryguy]

In a nut shell what’s more practical for the musician who works on his/her own instruments. Is it the Dunlop, Fender, Ernie ball products you buy at music stores, or is it the oils and polishes you buy at Home Depot, Lowes, Ace?

I have limited experience with both, for example. I have used Dunlop Micro Fine 65 Fret Polishing Cloth and super fine Steel wool. I don't really have a preference either or works for me, but I have read of people using Lemon juice, fish oil, car wax and even ketchup to enhance the beauty of the instruments

I figured who would know the answer to this question better than TB's own Luthier community!!!

[pica]

I just buy my stuff at my local guitar shop. While I'm sure the stuff from Home Depot is probably cheaper, I'd rather support a local store.

[azfryguy]

my local music store doesnt have much

[Greenman]

Originally Posted by azfryguy

In a nut shell what’s more practical for the musician who works on his/her own instruments. Is it the Dunlop, Fender, Ernie ball products you buy at music stores, or is it the oils and polishes you buy at Home Depot, Lowes, Ace?

I have limited experience with both, for example. I have used Dunlop Micro Fine 65 Fret Polishing Cloth and super fine Steel wool. I don't really have a preference either or works for me, but I have read of people using Lemon juice, fish oil, car wax and even ketchup to enhance the beauty of the instruments

I figured who would know the answer to this question better than TB's own Luthier community!!!

You forgot snake oil.

A lot of music store products are repackaged existing materials.

[Musiclogic]

I rarely ever shop at music stores anymore, most everything I need is at Lowe's or Home Depot except my wood, and for specialty tools, I look to Stew Mac and LMI or Woodcraft and Rockler

[Rip Topaz]

Originally Posted by Musiclogic

I rarely ever shop at music stores anymore, most everything I need is at Lowe's or Home Depot except my wood, and for specialty tools, I look to Stew Mac and LMI or Woodcraft and Rockler

^agree. Completely.

[yczi]

Originally Posted by azfryguy

I don't really have a preference either or works for me, but I have read of people using Lemon juice, fish oil... and even ketchup...

Wow...that must be THE smelliest bass ever! O.o

Originally Posted by Musiclogic

I rarely ever shop at music stores anymore, most everything I need is at Lowe's or Home Depot except my wood, and for specialty tools, I look to Stew Mac and LMI or Woodcraft and Rockler

Ditto, though. Most everything I need is at Home Depot. For brass inserts for my
drums and bolton bass necks I get them at Ace Hardware or Rocklers/Woodcraft, along with some more 'commonly found' exotic wood (there's an oxymoron for ya..). Most other specialty items I find on dedicated instrument lutherie sites such as the aforementioned Stewmac and LMI.

I do try whenever possible to fashion stuff from scratch. Typically, my motto is, if I can make it instead of buy it, not only will it be cheaper, but likely better in the longrun. This is from tools, to jigs, to natural finishes for basses and drums, to surface cleaning solutions....and even a vegan high electrolyte drink for my drummer (brother). Making all the stops!