bass maintenance

Ralome · Posted: Wed Nov 06, 2002 2:19 pm Post subject: bass maintenance

hi there,
I know I'm supposed to post this on another section, but no-one seems to be alive there!

Anyway, just a few questions if that's ok:
- I've decided to take my bass apart for the first time since I got it (about 3 years ago). Anyway, I took the pickups out and there was some weird white powder in there in some places (no, sadly it wasn't coke!). Is this supposed to be there? Is it a lubricant or is it nothing and I should clean it out?

- how do i clean my fretboard? I've never really cleaned it properly and I 'm worried about scratching it too much. What do you suggest to get rid of the gunk?

Thanks for reading, please help!

fatE · Posted: Wed Nov 06, 2002 8:42 pm Post subject: bass maintenance

I don't think the powder would be anything special (un-fortunately ). Did you buy it new?
It could be all sorts of stuff, but nothin' useful.

Is the fretboard Maple or Rosewood?
Maple is laminated with epoxy and can be cleaned quite easily.
Rosewood requires a bit more care, and quality timber maintenance products are best.
Ask at a shop who repairs or fixes guitars or fine furniture. (not a furniture shop!)
Rosewood is common to both industries.
I don't know that much about timber care to advise about products, so it's probably best to ask someone who does, but I hope this helps a little.

Legato · Growing Guppy Joined: 27 Jul 2002 Posts: 43

wierd white powder? ANTHRAX AAAAHHH!!!!

daveman · Posted: Wed Nov 06, 2002 11:35 pm Post subject: bass maintenance

The white powder is just polishing compound that wasn't cleaned up. Wipe it away.

If it's a rosewood fretboard, you can use lemon oil, or some of the special fretboard formulations available. You can buy it at most music stores. Ask for fretboard oil. Using a soft clean cloth, wipe it on, let it set a few minutes, then wipe it off with a soft clean cloth.

If the fretboard is especially grimy, you may need to use a bit of steel wool soaked in linseed oil to gently rub away the grim. Polish the frets with it while you're at it.

Ralome · Posted: Fri Nov 08, 2002 2:29 am Post subject: bass maintenance

thanks for your advice peeps. I'm pretty sure my fretboard is maple. I'll make sure I know what I'm doing when I next take my bass apart!

pereek · Posted: Fri Nov 08, 2002 10:39 am Post subject: bass maintenance

hey people
seeming wher eon the subject
i havent yet ventured into my ibanez and i wondering do i get into the pickups by un screwing that plastic bit at the back or does that just get into the wires and stuff

BoyWonder79 · Not So Newbie Joined: 09 Nov 2002 Posts: 6

Mine has screws right on the pickups... I guess the back hatch is where they put the wires, but what on earth do you want to do in there??

(==)====::

pereek · Posted: Sun Nov 10, 2002 12:03 pm Post subject: bass maintenance

quote:
Originally posted by BoyWonder79:
Mine has screws right on the pickups... I guess the back hatch is where they put the wires, but what on earth do you want to do in there??

(==)====::

clean all the **** out really

daveman · Posted: Tue Nov 12, 2002 8:22 pm Post subject: bass maintenance

Actually, the crap around and under the pickups isn't hurting anything, but messing with the guts of the pickups will destroy the instrument in a heartbeat. Don't mess with 'em. They have really tiny wire that can break just looking at it (almost).

Legato · Growing Guppy Joined: 27 Jul 2002 Posts: 43

quote:
Originally posted by daveman:
[B]The white powder is just polishing compound that wasn't cleaned up.
B]

right...so ralome are you dead yet?

Ralome · Posted: Sat Nov 16, 2002 5:59 am Post subject: bass maintenance

quote:
Originally posted by Legato:
right...so ralome are you dead yet?

shhhh! Yes.

BoyWonder79 · Not So Newbie Joined: 09 Nov 2002 Posts: 6

Don't hog all the guitar crud, share with the rest of us.

I caved in and cleaned mine too, amazing what a little furniture polish will do...