Double Bass Rosin removal

[SAlcott]

I read somewhere that rosin can be cleaned off the top of a bass using an old credit card. My question is: Good or bad idea, and if good, across or with the grain?

 

[eh_train]

Good idea, in practice it has rarely worked for me. If you're going to try it, I'd definitely go with the grain.

Maybe I'm just unlucky, but most of my rosin removal involves some combination of alcohol, "goo-gone", and (yikes) acetone. The latter only while outside and wearing gloves..

 

[SAlcott]

Thanks-it's not that bad. I'll try a little at a time.

 

[1st Bass]

Rosin dissolves in turpentine, too… possibly less danger to your varnish.

 

[lrhbass]

The cleaner from Kolstein, always did the trick for me. Some may use Xylene I think also..

 

[SAlcott]

Thanks-I'll look into that. Xylene's a bit much for me to deal with.

 

[stefaniw80401]

Kolstein cleaner is just OK IMO...but it's safe. I use it with one of these fibrous cosmetic sponges. Takes a while. The idea is to soften an area of rosin buildup, then wipe it off with a dry microfiber cloth. Else you just spread dissolved rosin around.

 

[KUNGfuSHERIFF]

I’ve had success using the edge of my driver’s license, as it’s flexible and conforms to the top unlike a credit card. Always scrape along the grain.

 

[misterbadger]

I had a bass with a thick rosin buildup. Alcohol and paint thinner wouldn't touch it. I think my luthier used naptha to clean it up.

 

[SAlcott]

I did the credit card thing; it worked great.