Double Bass Tuning plate shining

[JasonBurnham]

Hat is the proper product to clean up the tuning plate/ hardware?

 

[Eric Hochberg]

I like 'em aged looking.

 

[GrowlerBox]

I'd use my sleeve before my hat.

 

[paulnixon]

I also used my sleave before the hate.

 

[robobass]

It depends on certain things. Were the plates lacquered (you would need to remove it)? Are there deep pits and scratches? Is it all brass or is there iron too? Most people leave it alone. I polish metal for part of my living and I wouldn't bother with it myself. I tried hand polishing them once and abandoned the idea quickly. But if you really have the bug you might try a silver polishing cloth if they're only slightly dulled. More aggressive would be Brasso and lots of cotton balls. (Try the back of the plate first, of course). You could also contact someone who deals in antique furniture who might know of a plating shop which could electrochemically strip the plates, tumble polish then, and even gold plate them if you want. It probably wouldn't be that expensive, and far less headache.