Green Frets

steverok · Post by **steverok** » Mon Sep 19, 2005 3:05 am

The ends of the frets are turning green on my 330. I'm not sure if it was like that when I got it. It was made in 2001, but I bought it new in 2004. It is a bit unsightly and unappealing. I'd like to clean them off, or something. Any advice on this one ?

rickinroma · Post by **rickinroma** » Mon Sep 19, 2005 3:51 am

3M Finesse-it lotion

jingle_jangle · Post by **jingle_jangle** » Mon Sep 19, 2005 5:25 am

Francisco's right. But note that 3M makes an entire range of Finesse-It products, including sandpapers! The stuff you want is Finesse-It II Machine Polish

3M also makes a compound called Perfect-It III, which is available in 8-ounce bottles. You can also use Scratch-X by Meguiar's. CSCC recommended, too. Remove the strings.

In future, Dr. Stringfellow's protects. Spray onto a cloth, rub over fretboard and strings, wipe off and buff a bit.

steverok · Post by **steverok** » Mon Sep 19, 2005 5:31 am

You mean this ?

http://www.shop.com/op/aprod-p20190549?sourceid=13

It really works? How do you apply it? Thanks.

rickinroma · Post by **rickinroma** » Mon Sep 19, 2005 5:34 am

Yes, a luthier here in rome recomended it to me. I still have to buy it, so I didn't know which the exactly one is...And if I am not wrong it is quite expensive

rickinroma · Post by **rickinroma** » Mon Sep 19, 2005 5:38 am

I've seen the bottle at the luthier and it was black...maybe it was an old version...
put a small amount of lotion onto a cloth and rub the frets...It should work immediately without problems

jingle_jangle · Post by **jingle_jangle** » Mon Sep 19, 2005 6:13 am

The Marine version is in a white bottle, the automotive version in black. Same stuff inside.

When I say CSCC, I mean clean soft cotton cloth, which to me is a diaper or a cotton T-shirt. Synthetics will scratch the fretboard varnish.

steverok · Post by **steverok** » Mon Sep 19, 2005 7:16 am

Great, I just ordered some. So, you can polish the whole guitar with this stuff, using a CSCC? OK for any guitar?

jingle_jangle · Post by **jingle_jangle** » Mon Sep 19, 2005 8:16 am

In order:

1. Yes.

2. Yes, diaper preferred! (Clean, remember...)

3. I would use it on any VERY SHINY guitar. Not on a French-polished or thinly-varnished one. No prewar Martins, either.

steverok · Post by **steverok** » Mon Sep 19, 2005 8:22 am

So, don't use it on a Fender, especially the neck, right?

jingle_jangle · Post by **jingle_jangle** » Mon Sep 19, 2005 10:20 am

What Fender, what year, what model? They have hundreds and I am not a fan of their Strat-blitzkrieg marketing plan.

My RI Jaguar gets Perfect-It III, Scratch-X, and Zymol.

You're right about the necks.

"If it spizzles, then you must use padizzle."

(If it was originally shiny, break out the compound and wax.)

scottpro1969 · Post by **scottpro1969** » Tue Sep 27, 2005 1:08 pm

Steve,
Any luck with that product?? I have the same problem on a cheap bass, not a Rick that I just bought and was wondering about cleaning. That green stuff on the frets IS corrosion, correct??

jingle_jangle · Post by **jingle_jangle** » Tue Sep 27, 2005 1:23 pm

If it's GREEN then you must CLEAN.

Scastles · Post by **Scastles** » Tue Sep 27, 2005 1:31 pm

Thank you, Mr. Cochran, (posthumously for Johnny, not for you Paul but you do a good, near literal imitation)...but really, what does cause the greening? It's a combination of grime and sweat, isn't it?

jingle_jangle · Post by **jingle_jangle** » Tue Sep 27, 2005 1:42 pm

Yep, it's good old swime.

Acids in perspiration. Sodium chloride, too. That's why I use Dr. Stringfellow to keep 'em sharp.