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Double Bass Cleaning a double bass?
- Thread starter jebo
- Start date
- Jan 24, 2002
- 2,117
- 950
- Disclosures
- NS Design / AER Endorsing Artist
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 Invalid Link Removed can work nicely. I've also had good luck with Kolstein cleaner and polish. Spit can also do the trick.
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 Invalid Link Removed can work nicely. I've also had good luck with Kolstein cleaner and polish. Spit can also do the trick.
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.
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.
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. 
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I see basses and I wonder why my hand carved bass doesn’t have that varnished look. Don’t know much about varnish on a bass. Anybody to clue me in? Thanks
^ yeah pics would help.
do you mean a varnished look similar to this bass? Which I think looks great btw.
Expected varnish wear on a 12 yo bass?
do you mean a varnished look similar to this bass? Which I think looks great btw.
Expected varnish wear on a 12 yo bass?
