Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Hi everyone! I have a 1977 4001, and over the years, the keywinds (Schallers?) have dulled...no more sparkle or shine. Is there any way to restore the lustre to them?

Thanks!

I believe tuners from that period were nickel plated and not chrome plated and that’s just what happens over time unfortunately.

This is a pic of my 74’ish 4001 circa 1980 complete with dull tuners!

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Looks like a dark version of overall "Walnut" (not sunburst style) which was pretty rare. Either that or a brownish version of Burgundy. In either case, purty!

There are nickel (semi-chrome) polishes and clothes out there. You might want to give one of them a shot (be careful not to get any on your finish). Or if it really bothers you, you could get them replated. Personally I look at it like my yellowing binding, it's just part of playing a cool bass!!! History, mojo etc!

My Epiphone JL Revolution Casino has nickel-plated hardware, and I have used Maas metal polish to bring the shine back. Of course, it's not permanent, as the sulfur-containing compounds that are exuded in sweat react with nickel and dull it back up.

Mother’s Mag and Aluminum polish works great for nickel bass parts. Paper towel. A few daubs. 5 minutes of rubbing. Just polished my nickel tuners a few weeks ago. Went from dull gray to sparkling silver.
Also 5 minutes of elbow grease and it will defog your plastic headlight covers to crystalline clarity.

lumgimfong wrote: ↑Mon Feb 27, 2023 1:31 am Mother’s Mag and Aluminum polish works great for nickel bass parts. Paper towel. A few daubs. 5 minutes of rubbing. Just polished my nickel tuners a few weeks ago. Went from dull gray to sparkling silver.
Also 5 minutes of elbow grease and it will defog your plastic headlight covers to crystalline clarity.

Why didn't you tell us this before I went and bought a new (used) car late last year?