If I May ...

steverok · Post by **steverok** » Tue Jan 24, 2006 1:14 pm

Back to the topic at hand - guitar finishes. Sorry for the non-Ric content here, but I need advice from the Master Curmudgeon. I have been in the hunt for an acoustic 12-string, and couldn't wait for Ric to get back on the horse. I really liked this Guild GAD-G212. I was hooked on it, and had the deal all set, when I noticed this flaw in the finish, on the lower right, it looks like the guy in charge of the final touches liked Cheetos :

I went through with the purchase, getting the guy to knock off an additional $75. He led me to believe that I could send it back to Guild/Fender for a repair, but the Fender rep, who I called, was not so understanding. He suggested I take it to a Fender service center, but no one around here deals with finish issues. I am inclined to exchange it, but I am concerned that I would not like the new one as much. I would also have to fork up a decent chunk of extra cash. Is this something I could tackle myself? The Guild web site says the finish is high-gloss polyester. I could live with it, it's not visible in all lighting, but it is on the face of the guitar. It's too darn bad that so many guitar manufacturers are so willing to ship such sweet guitars with obvious cosmetic flaws. Makes you appreciate how Rickenbacker goes about their business.

jingle_jangle · Post by **jingle_jangle** » Tue Jan 24, 2006 2:19 pm

Looks like a stain in the polyester. Whether or not it's repairable depends upon how deep it goes into the polyester. I can't really tell without seeing the instrument in person.

If it's not too deep, it could be repaired by block sanding with #800 through #4000, wetted with Windex, then hand or machine buffing.

If it goes deep, leave it, as refinishing the top is the only option.

steverok · Post by **steverok** » Tue Jan 24, 2006 2:33 pm

Thanks for the input. Jeez, 6,358 posts, that is astounding. You are a machine. It is a damn fine guitar, I guess there is something to say about manufacturing in China, you get alot for your money. I'll probably leave it, but, if you're ever in South Florida, let's have a sanding and buffing party !

jingle_jangle · Post by **jingle_jangle** » Tue Jan 24, 2006 2:48 pm

Bring some Crisco, fixings for some caipirinhas or mojitos, and a few South Beach babes and you're on.

Let's see, next flight to Miami is...

steverok · Post by **steverok** » Tue Jan 24, 2006 2:58 pm

Jocularity is always welcome in my world !

I meant to ask you, I acquired all of your recommended products - 3M, Scratch-X, and Zymol - for polishing my 360JG. I recently applied the products to my drum set, using these Turtle Wax red cotton cloths. The drums are fine, but when I washed the rags, they turned my towells and bathroom rugs purple. No way in hell am I using those things on my Ric. Sorry I need my hand held all the time, but what do you recommend for CSCCs? Something I can easily find is preferred. Thanks.

Steve

bitzerguy · Post by **bitzerguy** » Tue Jan 24, 2006 5:41 pm

Cotton diapers. (Thanks Paul)

They really do the best job.

...Dean

jingle_jangle · Post by **jingle_jangle** » Tue Jan 24, 2006 6:17 pm

Cotton diapers. Thanks, Dean.

I'm trying to acquire a collection of these for my retirement.

I buy them from diaper services, well-used (less scratchy), in 50 pound bales at $5 per pound. That's a few hundred at a time. I use 'em on my cars, guitars, and around the house for all sorts of chores.

The Turtle wax red cloths are dyed with cheap vegetable dyes that are non-colorfast. They are also a cotton/hemp blend and are VERY scratchy IME, compared to diapers.

jojo99 · Post by **jojo99** » Tue Jan 24, 2006 9:45 pm

>The Turtle wax red cloths are dyed with cheap vegetable dyes that are non-colorfast.

Well then, thank god diaper skidmarks are colorfast! Are "processed" applesauce and mashed carrot stains considered a vegetable dye? (insert collective non-parent Ewww here)

ozover50 · Post by **ozover50** » Tue Jan 24, 2006 11:15 pm

Hahahahahahahaha!!

jingle_jangle · Post by **jingle_jangle** » Wed Jan 25, 2006 4:29 am

Both the substances which you cite are natural colorants, although their odor limits their use.

When I receive the diapers, they are as white as the driven snow and as soft as a baby's elbow.

sowhat · Post by **sowhat** » Wed Jan 25, 2006 4:41 am

mmm... looks like i've posted my misprinted (and then corrected) New Year banner to the wrong section... No offence meant to anyone, just kiddin'...

steverok · Post by **steverok** » Wed Jan 25, 2006 4:54 am

Can you suggest something else ? I don't do daipers, my man. I was hoping for something I could wash and re-use.

jingle_jangle · Post by **jingle_jangle** » Wed Jan 25, 2006 5:01 am

Diapers can be washed and re-used.

Pampers cannot. Maybe you're thinking of Pampers?

Diapers can be purchased new at Babies R Us.

Cotton T-shirts also work, but not nearly as well, as they are so thin.

steverok · Post by **steverok** » Wed Jan 25, 2006 5:05 am

"Diapers can be purchased new at Babies R Us"

If you knew me, you would realize what a humurous suggestion this is ! Steve won't set foot into Babies R Us ! I guess I'll have to go with the cotton T-shirt then. Most of my friends wear Pampers ...

jingle_jangle · Post by **jingle_jangle** » Wed Jan 25, 2006 5:10 am

???

Get with it, Steve--it's where the New Breed hang out.