Cleaning bass finish

[Leftybass12]

If this is in the wrong thread, please tell me.

The finish on my Stingray is a bit dirty. I cannot remember, besides guitar polish, what to use to clean the finish. Any suggestions?

 

[Wescottguitar]

Do NOT use guitar polish. They are all crap. Use a product designed for cars. McGuire's auto cleaner/polish is outstanding for cleaning guitars.

 

[Leftybass12]

Thank you!

 

[nervous]

I have come to really like naptha for cleaning. Works well, dries fast and no residue. Safe on everything, finish, hardware, fretboard, etc.

 

[Turnaround]

If this is in the wrong thread, please tell me.

The finish on my Stingray is a bit dirty. I cannot remember, besides guitar polish, what to use to clean the finish. Any suggestions?

Never use guitar polish to clean an instrument. Use a cleaner. A polish is for polishing - i.e. shining it up. If you don't clean it first you will be sealing the dirt onto the instrument making it harder to remove later.

As far as cleaning goes, check out a real expert:

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.

 

[the yeti]

pledge?

 

[Pilgrim]

Virtuoso makes both a cleaner and a polish. Both are guaranteed safe for all guitar finishes. Excellent stuff!

I know many people use automotive products on guitars - I don't.

Virtuoso Premium Polish and Cleaner - Home

 

[Epidrake]

I second the suggestion of Virtuoso, it's amazing stuff.

 

[Leftybass12]

Thank you all very much! Going with virtuoso

 

[Venom of God]

I have a couple of those Ernie Ball guitar condoms that I'm yet to try, usually just use that Gibson cleaner/polish in the orange bottle. Always makes my basses come up great.

 

[john b carvalho]

One more vote for Virtuoso,great stuff.

 

[testing1two]

pledge?

Please, please, please NEVER use Pledge or any consumer grade product with silicone or silicone byproducts. It may work fine but it makes finish repairs impossible because the silicone bonds to the clear coat and that bonding is irreversible. Those who spray guitars or repair guitar finishes will not come within a country mile of Pledge, Armor All and other silicone based protectants.

There are so many other alternatives that are readily available and inexpensive. I love the Virtuoso Cleaner and Polish but even I will concede they are overkill for the average poly finish. Naptha is also a fantastic cleaning agent if the buildup is significant, but for everyday cleaning a damp cloth is more than adequate followed by any decent liquid guitar polish (Dunlop, Martin, etc).

One funny thing about the Virtuoso products: in some cases they actually work too well. I cleaned and polished my poly finish jazz bass and now the finish is so smooth and slick that it slides off my leg if I play sitting down.

 

[lowendblues]

I dont know,,, I use Stewart MacDonald's preservation polish with good results.

 

[Leftybass12]

Wow, didn't know there was so much information on this. Thank you all very much!