Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

What can I use to clean up the tuning keys on an old guitar. Soething that will shine them up but not damage the head finish. I've thought about the polishing kit for a Dremel - just seems too drastic.

Micahel, you could use Naptha (lighter fluid). Depending on how much dirt and buildup there is, you could use Naptha and the dremel with a soft cleaning tool.

Although I have never tackled cleaning and old set of tuners, this is what I might try if I was presented with the task. If there is other build, tarnish, etc. then you might need to use something different. The Naptha is good for dirt build up, sweat and spit. If they are Gold plated you can still use Naptha but be careful with any other polishes as it might remove some of the plating. Good luck. I hope they turn out nice.

Thanks Bill,
This guitar is 30 years old - the keys are not gold, but are tarnished. I really don't want to change them for new ones for obvious reasons.
I worry about the dremel tool and sliding off the metal onto the wood headstock - need a steady hand!! (Kinda like going to the dentist when he gets that drill out... Yikes)

Thanks for the info - I think I'll ponder for a while...

michael, I didn't realize they were still on the guitar. Yeah, I'd reconsider using the dremel or, if you do, use it on a low speed so you have maximum control and use a "fine" tool.

I know with my dremel I have some soft (cotton) cleaning tools that if you used with some polish might be effective and if you slip it won't hurt the guitar. It sounds like you need some kind of tool to cut through the buildup. Have you condiered carefully removing the turners to clean, then reinstalling?

Hey Bill,
Yes - I've considered that. However, as my luck goes, I'd strip the head out of one of the screws, only one mind you! and then I'd be - well you know - like the thingy with the stripped head!

Bill - thanks for the advice.

I would suggest taking them off the guitar to do this. Find a piece of scrap wood (e.g. 2x4), drill a hole that will accomodate the tuning peg, then insert the tuner and screw it down (one screw is enough). You can then clamp or hold the wood so that it doesn't move. Take an old toothbrush and some naphtha/lighter fluid/Goo Gone and scrub away. That should remove any junk or crud. You can then polish the tuner with a cotton rag and/or Dremel with a soft tool. You might not even need any polish to get the results you're looking for.

Thanks Adam - good idea

Mike, you can simply mask off the tuners with masking tape--two layers is fine.

Then apply a little naphtha, Goo-Gone, or Dr. Stringfellow with a small cheap artists brush and let it soak in a bit. (See the posts on this stuff under topic: Sticky Neck in this Forum). Too much and you'll make the tape a sticky mess!

Use a Dremel with a speed control, set as low as possible, and a #428 1" Dremel wire brush. Using this on a non-speed-control Dremel will destroy it and possibly your headstock as it flies apart. My own preference is for a Foredom Flex-Shaft with a foot pedal; it's more controllable in terms of speed. Go easy and don't stay in one spot too long.

After corrosion removal, I use a tiny drop of watch oil from a needle-type watch oil dispenser, to lubricate each shaft where it goes into the housing. Open keys just get a drop where the gears mesh.

Thanks J-J...
Hey - just saw the pix's of your 381 on another thread.
Man what an awesome job you did. The finish almost doesn't look real - it's like you can see down through into the guitar.
Kinda 3D-ish. Ever think about applying at RIC?
'Appreciate the idea for masking off - that outa work fine. I really don't want to take the keys off. I've got sewing machine oil which is very thin.

Hey Mike:

That's RICK's factory finish, and it is incredibly deep. That's one advantage of conversion varnish over solvent-evaporative clear lacquers and ordinary varnishes.

The humble pickguards are mine, though...snif...

Still - you did a good job - that is one very cool guitar. Keep that one at home and do your gigg'n with a Gibson or something else...

The guitar is a parlor piece. Everytime it gets taken out of its case in a group, I get a bit embarassed, but proud at the same time. And I'm not exactly a shrinking violet. I have others from which to choose for heavier use. It's not that the guitar won't take real world use, but that I choose not to let it.

Non-Rick people all seem to think it's an old guitar that I restored. They are surprised when told it's brand new!

My 660-12 just underwent the same treatment this past week, too.

Next!

660-12...
Oooooooo - pictures, pictures
lem-me see, lee-me see...

OK, Mike; they're not really good shots yet, but...

Wow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
lem-me playit... lem-me playit...
Man - that is very, VERY cool...
A guy that owns a RIC like that has to be good look'n.
Let me get my wife in here... Father's Day is com'n up...
You need to start a thread on this one as well!