Sticky Neck even after 0000 steel wool...

[L. L. Elwood]

I have an early 80s G&L that has become my #1. However, I've noticed on gigs where I'm playing for 2-3 hours the back of the neck feels pretty sticky about 1/2 way through the gig. I don't have super sweaty hands or anything.. It's a pretty typical early 80s (1983) high gloss maple neck.. probably nitro. I tried steel wool to reduce the gloss and it works a little. Any other suggestions to achieve that nice smooth satin feel?

Thanks!

 

[Zooberwerx]

Stolen from those smarter than I: wet-sand w/ 1500-2000 sandpaper and mineral oil. Clean-up w/ naphtha. Not sure if it works as each project bursts into flame halfway thru the process. Just kidding.

Riis

 

[96tbird]

I wouldn’t recommend further steel wool on a thin nitro finish unless you want bare wood.

Automotive paste wax (no silicone) and buff it until the rag gets warm in your hands and the neck is glowing and as smooth as silk.

 

[buldog5151bass]

Scotch Brite pad. Works better than steel wool, and no metal residue to adhere to your pickups.

 

[202dy]

600 grit is the gold standard. Higher grits are too close to polishing. 600 leaves enough tooth so that there is less surface contact with the skin. Wet or dry, your choice.

Scotch bright is messy.

0000 Steel wool is fine. Tape off the pickups first.

OP: Do you wash your hands before you play? Do you eat or drink on stage or during breaks? Pickup stuff off the stage floor? "Sticky" usually means "stuff on your hands."

 

[Nightman]

Based on the OP statement about the neck being fine until half way through a 2-3 hour gig sounds not like the neck needing sanding, but maybe just a wipe down with a dry clean cloth to remove what sweat and maybe hand lotion that has transferred from the hand onto the back of the neck.
You don’t have to have really sweaty palms to get the back of the neck tacky after playing for hours.
Just use a dry clean rag/cloth to wipe the neck down after a few songs and between sets.

 

[Bruce Johnson]

I recommend Nanowax. A little spritz and wipe before the show and between sets if necessary. It will be as slippery as you'll ever want it.

Don't do any more sanding or scrubbing on the finish.

There are many different brands of "Nanowax" available in auto parts stores and online. It's a really thin liquid of finely ground carnauba wax, with no silicones. A light spritz on the back of the back of the neck, a quick wipe with a clean micro-fiber cloth, and it's good for a few weeks of light playing, or a few hours of heavy playing.

Here's one brand as an example:

https://www.amazon.com/Pearl-Nano-M...id=1669142983&sprefix=nanowax+,aps,151&sr=8-7

 

[Nightman]

@Bruce Johnson, not my thread, but thanks for the info, Bruce!

 

[96tbird]

I recommend Nanowax. A little spritz and wipe before the show and between sets if necessary. It will be as slippery as you'll ever want it.

Don't do any more sanding or scrubbing on the finish.

There are many different brands of "Nanowax" available in auto parts stores and online. It's a really thin liquid of finely ground carnauba wax, with no silicones. A light spritz on the back of the back of the neck, a quick wipe with a clean micro-fiber cloth, and it's good for a few weeks of light playing, or a few hours of heavy playing.

Here's one brand as an example:

https://www.amazon.com/Pearl-Nano-Max-Spray-Wax/dp/B08PP1CZLH/ref=sr_1_7?crid=2GMMRNDNK5WT5&keywords=nanowax+spray&qid=1669142983&sprefix=nanowax+,aps,151&sr=8-7

I didn’t know this stuff existed! I mean i see that stuff in the auto aisle but always though it had chemicals unfriendly to wood added. Awesome.

 

[DwaynieAD]

Maybe your hands are sticky

 

[L. L. Elwood]

Thanks all!! I’m going to start by giving the nano wax a shot!

 

[J Wilson]

I wouldn’t recommend further steel wool on a thin nitro finish unless you want bare wood.

Automotive paste wax (no silicone) and buff it until the rag gets warm in your hands and the neck is glowing and as smooth as silk.

THIS. I'm not about to take sandpaper or Scotch Brite pads to any instrument.

Meguiar's or Mother's or Zymol fixes this, plus it's harmless to a glass, poly finish. I use this on my axes and it's like gliding on silk.