Hi. Hoping you guys can help out. I have a nice bass, but it has a few very fine scratches in the satin neck. So fine that you can't really see them, but you can feel them when playing. Any advice for fixing this issue would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your time.
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Fine scratches on satin neck
- Thread starter slowreflex
- Start date
Satin what? Poly? Oil / wax?
If the neck is not fully sealed, there's a chance you can spot-steam the more obvious offenders with a damp rag and soldering iron. If impractical or ineffective, you can reduce the blems with a low-cut 3M / ScotchBrite pad.
Riis
Sandpaper scares the crap out of me. I've done more harm than good with sandpaper in the past. I appreciate for those that know what they are doing this probably works though.
I don't know the answer to which satin neck unfortunately. The specs just say Satin neck. Soldering irons scare me too, but I can look into the ScotchBrite option. Thanks.
What's the bass?
I use the well-worn green pads I find next to the kitchen sink. They conform to the neck contours. If you want to be tricky, you can buy the lower-cut 3M pads at Lowe's. You'll find these referenced frequently when de-glossing necks...worthy of a search. Keep in mind we're looking to minimize the imperfections without removing too much finish / material and/or exposing bare wood...we're on the same page.
Riis
It's a Sadowsky. Looking at the 3M pads, I think the 7441 and 7445 both look like they might do the trick. Hard for me to tell which of those two is the lighter touch one though. Not sure if you know the difference? Do I do this dry? This looks like something I can't really mess up as it is so light touch, so willing to do this to see if it helps.
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the 7441 (Aluminum Oxide) is a scuff sponge and the 7445 (Aluminum Silicate, Nepheline Syenite) is a light cleaning pad. the 7445 being the finer of the two. you'll want to wear a dust mask or better with these.
personally i prefer:
https://www.amazon.com/Ultra-Polish...ocphy=9030942&hvtargid=pla-312331433423&psc=1
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If you want to clean up the entire back of the neck, put a piece of tape across the headstock end and the heel end and lightly sand with the scotchbrite pad in between the tape lines until satisfied.
I'd go with the product @Arie X recommended. I have no experience with it but willing to go on a little faith. You can use it dry or with a polish or wax (3M Finesse It or Zymol, for example).
If you buy 'em and they work, mail me one!
Riis
Found the brochure for the 3M Scotch-Pads. 7441 isn't mentioned. On another website it says it is "For light cleaning of upholstery and chrome". I think I'll just get the 7445 as the alternative you mentioned isn't readily available in this country.
https://multimedia.3m.com/mws/media/119555O/scotch-brite-hand-finishing-systems-brochure.pdf
Thanks everyone for their help.
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What country?!?
The 7445 equates to #0000 steel wool so you should be okay. Check your progress frequently.
Riis
United Kingdom. Scotch-Brite doesn't seem to be a thing over here apart from people importing it. Maybe there is an alternative product here. I'll get it one way or another. Just might have to pay twice as much.
7441:
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Mirka might have something for you. If you go with steel wool, consider that your pick-up have magnets in them and protect accordingly
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Hmmm...never been there but I'll assume the Brits wash the dishes on occasion. You can probably find a suitable "scouring pad" substitute at the larger grocery stores.
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Riis
