Any ideas how to remove this black stuff?

[jwise]

Hi Paul-
I was hoping you might be able to help me. My 67 365 has this strange black stuff around the replacement tuners, under the edge of one of the toasters, and under the edge of the jack plate. I've tried with just a little scratch-x to see if it comes off, but it's very tough.

What would be safe for the finish (it's original as far as I know- I've owned it for 20 years and the black stuff was always there)?

Thanks- John

See pix:

[jingle_jangle]

Looks like some sort of wax residue that darkened...odd indeed.

I'd suggest some 3M Perfect-IT 3000, or other fine polishing compound, on a cotton cloth. If possible, you should remove the tuners and jackplate so you can really whale away on it. Soft cotton cloth for application, of course! One it's been dispatched, you can follow up with the Scratch-X and Zymol.

If it was brought into my shop, I'd strip the hardware and get it under one of my buffing wheels. Wheee!!! No more black residue, shiny varnish. Total elapsed time: about twenty minutes, including removing and replacing hardware.

[jwise]

Thanks- I was thinking about replacing those tuners with something a little more graceful/original anayway. Unfortunately- I just put new strings on her.

I've just started playing her again after a number of years sitting in a case. I'm trying to decide if I will keep her or just go back to the old acoustic.

Again- thanks for all the help.