Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Not sure what caused this discoloring. The only thing I've done with the bass lately is some sweaty gigging. Please tell me it can be fixed

People these days spend a lot of $$ to get their bass to look like they actually gig, you did it the old-fashioned way.

Looks like some non-colorfast clothing interacted with it.

All is not lost...try some fine white polishing compound or 3M Perfect-It 3000 (Trak Auto or similar) on a clean diaper, and rub a dub dub.

Try on one of those edges first--if you are going to make a difference, that will show it quickest and best. Thjen you can move on to flat surfaces if it works.

Keep me in the looooop on this.

Marc, I have a white Fender Strat that did the same thing.

Did you wear a black t shirt when you gigged with it?

I'm going to try what Paul suggested tomorrow, then only gig in white t-shirts

marc61 wrote:I'm going to try what Paul suggested tomorrow, then only gig in white t-shirts

You'll look pretty silly in that Thrash-Death-Metalcore band of yours in a white t-shirt, Marc!

I used this stuff today...Didn't do much...on the side I noticed(of course after using it) that it said not to use on clearcoats. Hope I didn't do more damage, although it doesn't appear so.

Jeff...Thrash-Death-Metalcore? We a Ramones style punk band. Punk as a root music, not necessarily a lifestyle White T-shirt totally ok.

The reason it sez not to use on clearcoats is that it's quite aggressive and softens some brands temporarily.

It appears that you've dyed your instrument's clearcoat. Have you considered wiping it with a cloth dampened in bleach? Sounds crazy, but if the color penetrated with perspiration (water) as its carrier, then perhaps bleach will get it out. Again, try it on a small area of the edge before moving to the guitar's face. Bleach will not attack CV unless it's really soaked with it. Try it out, and then wipe it off quickly. If it works but dulls the gloss, let dry thoroughly and use Scratch-X and Zymol to bring the gloss back.

jingle_jangle wrote:The reason it sez not to use on clearcoats is that it's quite aggressive and softens some brands temporarily.

It appears that you've dyed your instrument's clearcoat. Have you considered wiping it with a cloth dampened in bleach? Sounds crazy, but if the color penetrated with perspiration (water) as its carrier, then perhaps bleach will get it out. Again, try it on a small area of the edge before moving to the guitar's face. Bleach will not attack CV unless it's really soaked with it. Try it out, and then wipe it off quickly. If it works but dulls the gloss, let dry thoroughly and use Scratch-X and Zymol to bring the gloss back.

Paul, would you recommend diluting the bleach and, if so, by what proportion bleach/water?
(I have a similar situation and am following with interest.)

Ron, I'd first try a 50/50 mix and see if that has any effect. If not, I'd try full-strength, with caution. Wear protective gloves...

no bleach on hand. will be giving it a go..with caution...tomorrow am

It's a no go with the bleach

Shoot. Well, it was worth a try. Sorry...

I've got no idea how deeply this dye has penetrated into your instrument...if it's only .001" or .002", there's a chance that a light wet sanding with #1000 paper will cut away enough of the CV to remove the stain. Then a re-buff to bring the gloss back is required.

But, as you've already surmised, this is not for the faint of heart/don't try this at home, etc.

I'm not scared...just gonna have to wait until later this week....

Ron, let us know if any of this works on your Strat

My 1975 4001S WHT WT has a few light blue spots from sitting in the case:
Although these have not bothered me, I knew that one day I'd have to try to fix them. I will hope that they aren't too deep.