Gold Hardware Issues

heinpete · Post by **heinpete** » Thu May 12, 2005 7:49 am

Does anybody know what is the most efficient, but also gentle cleaning and polishing method for the golden hardware of the 4004Ci/Cii basses? How quickly does it wear off by regular use, cleaning and polishing with standard car wax?

The chrome hardware of the 4004Laredo seems very endurable.

The dark finger (sweat) staining on the nickel hardware of the 4001 sometimes is hard or even impossible to remove by polishing. Also any recommendation for that appreciated!

jwr2 · Post by **jwr2** » Thu May 12, 2005 11:32 am

Chrome lasts a long time ... Gold doesn't ...

simer4001 · Post by **simer4001** » Thu May 12, 2005 1:02 pm

You can always replate it. It isn't too expensive

jps · Post by **jps** » Thu May 12, 2005 1:10 pm

"Chrome lasts a long time ... Gold doesn't ..."

That's why my 4004Cii sports chrome!

bottom4 · Post by **bottom4** » Thu May 12, 2005 1:45 pm

Peter, I just use the RIC polishing cloth.

I’ve had my Cii for approximately a year and 8 months with no problems with the gold that I’ve noticed!

rickenbrother · Post by **rickenbrother** » Thu May 12, 2005 1:53 pm

"I just use the RIC polishing cloth".

...yeah, I think you are only supposed to use a soft dry cloth like the RIC polishing cloth to get the most life out out the gold finish on the hardware.

ilan · Post by **ilan** » Thu May 12, 2005 8:11 pm

I've heard that jewellers have a special cloth soaked with some mild cleaning fluid for cleaning gold or gold-plated jewelry. That's the advice a friend of mine was given when he wanted to restore his vintage Gibson Byrdland.

jnbass · Post by **jnbass** » Fri May 13, 2005 8:49 am

my solution for gold plating?

don't play it! (runs for cover from Jaymi)

jwr2 · Post by **jwr2** » Fri May 13, 2005 8:53 am

Jared ... the guy with dozens of Rics ... and he almost never plays them ...

redvette · Post by **redvette** » Fri May 13, 2005 10:24 am

When I cleaned up my 1995 4004C, I took all of the gold parts off and washed them with mild dishwashing detergent. All look like new. The other method as mentioned above is a jeweler's polishing cloth. The main thing is to stay away from abrasives.

heinpete · Post by **heinpete** » Mon May 23, 2005 2:01 am

Hi Jeffrey (Jps)!

I'm buying a 4004Cii to compare with my 4004Li (different PU positions). I assume the 4004Cii will become the keeper, as I slap/pull quite some time and the Laredo

has the neck PU in an obstructing position. If I then change the hardware on the Cii to the chrome one of the Laredo I would like to change the jackplate too. Is there any legal issue with that, despite the Laredo getting younger? You kept the gold one on your Cii.

Or can I get the gold plating off completely in an easy way? On my experience it vanishes from the frequently used spots quite quick, but then stays at the edges and other places. Like to hear more comments...

incubus2432 · Post by **incubus2432** » Mon May 23, 2005 5:25 am

I've used my 4004LK at one gig and two practices and when I went to clean it after the last show it appears that the gold is showing signs of wear already. Maybe I just didn't notice it before the show but now I see where it is dull and the plating looks "thin" at the upper edge of the middle pickup (part time thumb rest). The tops of the volume/tone knobs are looking a little splotchy also. I can't imagine it is wearing so quick but I inspected it often after I got it and think I would have noticed it before.

For cleaning I only used the Ric cloth and the lightest mist or furniture polish (for the hardware).

I'm going to look into having the gold parts replated and then clear powdercoated. I'd switch to chrome pieces but I think that would kill the look in this case.

jnbass · Post by **jnbass** » Mon May 23, 2005 8:26 am

nooooooooooooooo

incubus2432 · Post by **incubus2432** » Mon May 23, 2005 8:45 am

No what? That I actually played it at a gig (or played it at all)?
Was it a reference to the cleaning method or simply dismay that the plating seems frail?

dannyboy · Post by **dannyboy** » Mon May 23, 2005 10:55 am

The gold pick guard on my 650 Excalibur is all worned out where my fingers are touching. I tought of it as an issue for a while and then convinced myself that it wasn't so bad since the guitar was satisfying my needs and my taste. It was made to play and if it has to look like it, well, tough luck. I'll replate it when I will be ready to put it in a glass case on my wall...until then, it's going to look like a well used guitar!!!