What do you polish your Rickenbacker bass with??

[dog]

The standard answer to that question is ...

SX-n-zymol-sm.jpg

Without a doubt

[Lost Coyotes]

For just a simple, inexpensive cleaner/wax, John Hall and Rickenbacker still say Turtle Wax T-123.

[rickfan60]

Yes, that is what is used at the factory. The Scratch X and Zymöl takes it to the next order of magnitude.

[rickenbrother]

Turtle Wax T-123 works well and is fine to maintain an instrument that is in "like new" condition, not having much haze and without swirl marks. Turtle Wax T-123 is a very good, inexpensive product to put a protective shine on a guitar. I've seen it used at the RIC factory in the buffing room.
However, older instruments and/or instruments that have seen alot of playing time usually need a bit more TLC to keep the finish looking it's best. That's where Scratch X and Zymol really impress it's users as to how well they work.

[Lost Coyotes]

Yes, that is what is used at the factory. The Scratch X and Zymöl takes it to the next order of magnitude.

That's right, Ted.
I have the turtle wax and the scratch-x and zymol. Depending on what I need to do.

I gotta say, though, that I was surprised and happy that a common and inexpensive product would be able to do the job of a 'simple' cleaning and waxing on a fine hand made instrument. Listen to other company's hype, and one might think a more specialized product would be needed...others have their own more expensive solutions.

I prefer Zymol over TW in any case, for the fragrance...it's just cool. But I always get an urge for coconut cream pie after I'm done with it.

[Elnjaybass]

I always get an urge for coconut cream pie after I'm done with it.

mmmmm. Coconut Cream pie...

The manual says to use ONLY the RIC polish cloth because it is "specially treated" and others might mar the finish...

Truth there, actually special-treated with something RIC likes, or as is my understanding that there is a sort of "generic" company that makes the polish cloths that come as OEM with most basses, (RIC, MM, Warwick, e.g.) as well as the famous "aftermarket" Fender cloths and such...

What say?

[jingle_jangle]

I used to use Zymol but have went back to Gerlitz guitar wax,I found I get the best results with all my basses and not just the Rics, my axes look like glass when im done, plus found that the Zymol is a major dust magnet, and the Gelitz guitar wax isint.

It's not the Zymol that's the dust magnet, it's the finish on the Rick (and, incidentally, most other guitars, especially those finished in urethane or polyester). This finish is, essentially plastic, and builds up a static charge when wiped with a dry cloth. This can be exacerbated if too much Zymol is used, which leaves the surface greasy looking and feeling.

The trick with Zymol (given in the instructions on the bottle) is to lightly mist some cool water on the newly-waxed surface, and then wipe the damp surface to "burnish" it and to "set" the wax. This also removes the static charge. Clean cloths are essential, too, because the cloth itself can leave dust on the surface if you just wipe it dry with any piece of cotton or terry.

I've tried Gerlitz (in the shoe-polish tin). Nice gloss, true, but like 99.9% of the waxes out there for cars or guitars, it uses petroleum distillate (paint thinner) as its vehicle to dissolve the carnauba and allow it to go on easily. This means it can't be layered like Zymol, which is water-based.

[jingle_jangle]

For just a simple, inexpensive cleaner/wax, John Hall and Rickenbacker still say Turtle Wax T-123.

Read this thread on the RIC Forum:

http://www.rickenbacker.com/forum_view_ ... ad_id=9964

[Elnjaybass]

I'm getting an error from their Board; not uncommon though I beleive...

[dog]

I always get an urge for coconut cream pie after I'm done with it.

mmmmm. Coconut Cream pie...

The manual says to use ONLY the RIC polish cloth because it is "specially treated" and others might mar the finish...

Truth there, actually special-treated with something RIC likes, or as is my understanding that there is a sort of "generic" company that makes the polish cloths that come as OEM with most basses, (RIC, MM, Warwick, e.g.) as well as the famous "aftermarket" Fender cloths and such...

What say?

Try cotton diapers. The cloth of choice, recommended by Paul W. They work very well.

[Elnjaybass]

Something about diapers, tho...makes me think of....BABIES.....

No Kids- (got lucky!)

YES YES I know---They are a a blessing! Adorable, Darling, a continuum, a LITTLE ME! I LOVE Kids, but---

Thank You, No thanks..
(When I think of the JOY I have given my Father over his 97-years; and even tho I am caring for him now, and seeing to his needs....)

I'LL use the Polish cloth!

[jingle_jangle]

That's strange, diapers make me think of my future...

The polish cloth is great for a light dusting, with little pressure. Don't let it get gray with dust, however, because then it'll scratch yer geetar.

Diapers are recommended for the same reasons we use 'em on babies--they are soft, and absorbent. A scrap of diaper 4" X 4" (which is what I use to apply Scratch-X and rubbing compound) will load up really nicely with the polishing material and deliver it to the surface of the instrument with nary a scratch.

I've taken to using the 5" round terrycloth pads with sponge inside, to apply and damp-buff Zymol. Dampen slightly, wring excess moisture out, apply Zymol, work it into the pad, and go for it. Then buff dry with another pad or a diaper.

[Lost Coyotes]

Something about diapers, tho...makes me think of....BABIES.....

That's strange, diapers make me think of my future...

[cjj]

Something about diapers, tho...makes me think of....BABIES.....

That's strange, diapers make me think of my future...

All I can say is, well, that "Depends"...

[RobRick]

I polish my '74 4000 in Burgundyglo with a soft cloth and Pledge furniture polish. It has never looked better, and is in fantastic condition.

I do the same on my '02 4003 in Jetglo!