Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Hey all. A "tech" question, but since this doesn't really involve my RICs, I've put it here in the "Others". My problem: On the chrome/nickel pup covers and other area (Maestro cover, etc) on my Gretsch Tennessean reissue and a Gibson SG there is what appears to be the early beginnings of corrosion - they resemble cloudy fingerprint smudges, skin oil, etc, but don't just wipe off, very stubborn. I have a bottle of Turtle Wax Auto Chrome cleaner but am leary of damaging the finishes. Strangely, other Gibsons and Gretsches I have do not have this problem, and my RICs are fine. Any others see this/what have you done? -jack

The Turtle Wax cleaner won't hurt the chrome. I don't know about the guitar finish. It sounds like the chrome plating on those two guitars might be thin.

IT WILL hurt the chrome. It is far too gritty for fine plating like guitar chrome and nickel. Use it in your '57 Lincoln bumpers, but keep it away from your guitars.

These guitars show signs of the chrom plating wearing off, exposing the nickel underneath. Nickel plating is much less durable than chrome, so it will cloud. Gretsches are known for thin plating, especially on the gold parts. The gold on an aluminum Bigsby arm will go bye-bye after one sweaty use or one vigorous cleaning.

My tip--try Nevr-Dull wadding. This is the nutz for nice chrome and aluminum.

Thanks, sir, will try the Nevr-Dull.

Depending on the year (true vintage instrument) of the SG or if it is a reissue such as a '61 RI it has nickel plated hardware and pickups, not chrome. These look cloudy soon after purchase. link

I remember my '63 SG Standard, purchased new, did have nickel-plated hardware.

The Nevr-Dull worked like a charm. Thanks!