Double Bass Polish and Clean

[Jay Corwin]

What do you guys use to clean and polish a lacquer finished laminate?

 

[RedLeg]

pledge. works and smells purdy

 

[zeytoun]

You're lost, RedLeg. And your advice is irresponsible.

OP, in generally a soft cloth is great for everyday cleaning. Your bass is obviously less delicate than a varnish finished bass, but especially if your bass is vintage, you want to still be careful.

So to determine exactly which polish/clean your bass, you'd want to know (1) is your bass vintage? (2) how thick of a lacquer do you have? and (3) are you talking heavy duty cleaning, or day to day?

 

[Jay Corwin]

It's a Shen SB-80, not vintage. Only a couple of years old. I would like to give it a thorough cleaning and polishing soon since it looks like it has never had one (I bought it used about 2 months ago).

I don't know how thick the lacquer is.

I do use regular old microfiber clothes to for everyday instrument polishing.

 

[zeytoun]

For something thorough, you could try something like this
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or this
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[Greg Clinkingbeard]

Pledge contains things that will break down a finish in time.
You don't need anything more than a slightly dampened cloth. Polish it up with a dry one.

 

[forester]

[QUOTE=clink;7126692
You don't need anything more than a slightly dampened cloth. Polish it up with a dry one.
yep..and a pair of these

 

[zeytoun]

I appreciate the emphasis on avoiding harsh solvents (and avoiding solvents in general for every day cleaning), but a damp cloth isn't going to remove rosin build up, or other gunk built up over a couple years.

He already is using just a cloth for every day cleaning. He's looking for something for a thorough clean.

 

[Heifetzbass]

Naptha works really well to remove Pop's rosin, it is not as toxic as some of the solvents, but you still need to use it in a well ventilated space (outside) and with a respirator.
BG

 

[reedo35]

Naptha works really well to remove Pop's rosin.
BG

From the strings, or from the Bass?
I like Kolsteins cleaner and polish the best.

 

[kurt ratering]

stay away from things containing silicon. its my understanding that the silicon works its way under the laquer and can lead to what ive heard refered to as "fish eye". its a bluish hue in the finish. has anyone seen or heard of this happening?

 

[vejesse]

"fisheye" happens when you try to spray lacquer over wood that's contaminated with silicone. You can't develop the condition after the finish has been sprayed.

The Chinese bass in question is probably finished with polyurethane or acrylic lacquer.

 

[kurt ratering]

thanks, good to know!

 

[Heifetzbass]

From the strings, or from the Bass?
I like Kolsteins cleaner and polish the best.

Both. Of course, test in an inconspicuous area of the bass to make sure none of the finish softens, but I have never had any problems. Pop's is actually a petroleum product, so the Naptha (ronson lighter fluid) dissolves it really nicely.
BG

 

[Blaine]

my teacher twenty years ago swore by toothpaste and baby oil.