I have spots on my bridge and knobs! HELP!!

[bassstrangler]

I appreciate those who offered realistic solutions. But, as typical to Talk Bass the usual bullspit interrupts information.

For those who care the bridge is spotted not pitted. It appears the coating to give it the Cosmo Black look is evaporating. The bass was never gigged and was actually only played a couple of times. I checked with the previous owner(an acquaintance) and he informed me he would have never played it enough to get sweaty nor that he isn't a prolific sweater nor did he rest his plucking hand on the bridge. The best we could figure was the bass has sat in a plush lined Ibanez case for over ten years and those parts actually came in contact with the case's interior, the tuners show no sign of this spotting and don't come in contact with the lining.

 

[bassstrangler]

The proof is in the lining.

 

[AndreasR]

Don't put vinegar on it. Acidity promotes oxidation. Clean it with a baking soda solution.

 

[Vinnie Boombatz]

 

[DavC]

damn ... i hate getting Spots on my Knob ... !! happened when i was out on the road , in the 70's ...

 

[bassstrangler]

damn ... i hate getting Spots on my Knob ... !! happened when i was out on the road , in the 70's ...

I hoped you used Brasso or rubbed it vigorously with aluminum foil and water. It was a shame the internet wasn't around then to give you tips on how to remove them. Hopefully, you didn't spread your spots to other's knobs or parts.

 

[jmlee]

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Ah, Brasso...on an unrelated front...years ago a drummer friend decided his cymbals needed cleaning. He went at them with Brasso, following directions. What happened? Hit a crash cymbal and the sound was "thud". Very amusing but not helpful.

 

[beans-on-toast]

I use a product called Autosol Metal Polish. It works very well on chrome and other plating, removes oxitation, and leaves a protective wax coat.

I've seen it at Walmart, here is another source: Autosol® Metal Polish - Lee Valley Tools

 

[Iridescentone]

No, but I have noticed some people like to attack other people's opinions & make it personal.

The age-old question: Why do people who live in glass houses like to throw stones?

If you don't like other members firing back at you for your sarcastic ad hominem remarks, then why fire the first volley?

 

[Iridescentone]

You can't really get rid of the pits, but you can easily removed corrosion, tarnish, and minimize the visibility of any pits in chrome...

View attachment 1660128

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...with aluminum foil. The pits are still there, but the foil cleans them up, smooths the edges, and leaves them as just a little spot.

Thanks for posting these pics. Great example of how well alum foil works. For cleaning up hardware on a crusty old bass, the results in your pic would seem to satisfy a lot of us. I was surprised at how mine turned out. Even more surprised that I'd never heard of the foil trick until recently.

 

[Killed_by_Death]

It also turns your gold hardware to chrome

If you don't like other members firing back at you for your sarcastic ad hominem remarks, then why fire the first volley?

I didn't make it personal & call you a wad!

 

[SirMjac28]

It doesn't fix anything, but Flitz Polish did wonders for my bridge and knobs that had similar corrosion!

+1 I agree if this stuff can't fix it then it's time to replace the hardware shouldn't be too difficult to find used.

 

[Killed_by_Death]

I appreciate those who offered realistic solutions.

Have you tried any of them?

 

[bassstrangler]

Have you tried any of them?

Tried the vinegar to no avail. Not a piece of foil in the house, so will have the wife get some next shopping trip. If the foil trick doesn't work then might explore a polishing compound. It's not that bothersome, if it's fixable then cool, if not it's certainly a great bass regardless.

 

[Killed_by_Death]

When I get a new (used) instrument in & the bridge (or hardware) is that bad, I soak them in vinegar overnight.
No need to worry about it being acidic or promoting oxidation, since you'll wash it off & let it dry before re-installing it.
You can use a toothbrush soaked in the vinegar to brush off the spots. You will probably end up with non-Cosmo black chrome, though.

This kind of worries me, because the hardware on my S520 guitar is cosmo black & I went out of my way to buy cosmo black nut caps (locking nut) & cosmo black knobs for it

 

[Westsailor]

Yup acidic sweat does that......mine grows barnacles,sucks but part of some lives.

Beat me to it

 

[cazclocker]

Oh, and a friend of mine recommended for all things,,,
If you've got spots on your knob, you should soak it in cider.

LOL....

 

[Mustang Surly]

Wenol is another metal polish with very fine abrasives that won't scratch.

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[Killed_by_Death]

If you really want it off there put some baking soda in a small bucket, smear it all over the bridge, then pour vinegar into the bucket & stand back!