Finger Gunk

[Jason42]

Am I the only one who read the title as Ginger Funk and expected something very different?

 

[Thumpin6string]

Windex or Spray Away window cleaners work well and usually won't harm the finish. Some degreasers like Simple Green may work too, but be careful.

 

[Loring]

You can get lacquer to refinish...

If you go on Facebook to the LADO owners and fans - you may be able to find Joe Kovacic and get him to refinish your neck. He is retired now so it’s a bit of a long shot.

You can also get spray lacquer from stewmack - harder to get if you’re in Canada

I have a few LADO basses myself and yeah they are a little heavy but really nice instruments

 

[Nickweissmusic]

Sounds like a layer of old nitro that needs to be physically removed. Stay away from acetone and alcohol, naphtha is a great cleaner, and I use high quality auto polishes, here’s a video of a gummy old refinish that I resurrected. And 0000 gauge steel wool is your friend if you’re not worried about a slightly matte finish, and it will remove/alter the color of stains, but the baby bum smooth feel is usually worth it

 

[Koog]

I'm not an expert, but I've had success using Ronsonol (lighter fluid) to safely remove, greasy, gummy (adhesives) from delicate plastic without doing harm. Not sure about a wood surface. Perhaps try out in an inconspicuous spot. Beautiful bass btw.

Naphtha is very similar to lighter fluid. Sorry, can't quote the chemical compounds of each so the experts can compare, but since Naphtha is used by many luthiers and was recommended to me by my favorite luthier, I have opted for that instead of Ronsonol.

Not intending to start a debate....simply pointing out that the two fluids are similar and one seems to be a luthier's choice.

 

[BooDoggie]

I'm not an expert, but I've had success using Ronsonol (lighter fluid) to safely remove, greasy, gummy (adhesives) from delicate plastic without doing harm.

Lighter fluid is made primarily of naphtha with small amounts of other ingredients.

Stay away from acetone and alcohol, naphtha is a great cleaner, and I use high quality auto polishes

I just cleaned the neck of a fretless that I picked up at a pawnshop using an automotive wax and grease remover that is basically naphtha... Naphtha will not harm any finish or wood that I know of and usually will not harm most common types of plastics. (But don't push your luck if you don't have to...) I buffed my neck down lightly with 2000 grit sandpaper for a smooth satin finish. It feels great...

Not intending to start a debate....simply pointing out that the two fluids are similar and one seems to be a luthier's choice.

Lighter fluid is naphtha with other chemical additives that you don't really need soaking into the wood of your neck...

 

[Nickweissmusic]

You know I just thought of something else; when I use Martin guitar polish that has mineral oil in it on my Godin guitar neck, it makes little gunky bits too, it must react with scuffed nitro, or just pill up old wax easily. Maybe that or something similar is what the seller used? Naptha and occasional steel wool are what I use to keep that neck clean and fast, and the steel wool has smoothed away some of the stain, but so have my fingers I use Ronsonol or pure VM&P naptha depending on what's closest at hand, haven't noticed any difference in practice myself.

 

[LetItGrowTone]

Simple Green is a very effective bug spray, so I don't trust it.
I use it, but not for long, and wash my hands. I should probably use gloves. Just my opinion.

 

[Lumdingo]

Simple green, plant based natural degreaser. Ive used it on vintage fenders and hofners with no adverse effects to lacquer

Wicked. Thanks for the recommendation. Cheers.

 

[primusfan1989]

Wicked. Thanks for the recommendation. Cheers.

Just don't use it on an unfinished fretboard (rosewood ect)

 

[jj.833]

Would you refinish the lacquer? I got '77 Fender, the nitro is gone in places of rough treatment. I never refinished anything and it is just like it was when I bought the bass 20 years ago.

 

[Raven Wood]

Hi Finger Gunk
Do you still have the Lado H400?
I appreciate the control cavity photo you posted, as I have the same model, except someone had frankenstined the controls to 2 pots and 2 toggles, gutting the 4 way selector switch.

 

[Raven Wood]

I would love to restore the controls to how Joe designed it.
If possible, would you be able to post photos that show values of the potentiometers, and also the values of the capacitors on the 4 way switch, and any info on the selector switch itself, so that I can try to find one?
Any help much appreciated!!
Raven