cleaning

[John Rosett]

i have a teens gibson 'a', and i'm wondering what's the best way to clean it without hurting the beautiful varnish
"patina" that it has.
thanks, john

[Mando Medic]

Just how dirty is it? In my shop I use Naptha for cleaning really dirty instruments. Put some on a rag and rub and until clean and then I use a little martin guitar polish on it. Kenc

[atetone]

I am working on a 1916 Gibson A, trying to get it fixed up and it is absolutely filthy. Dirt ground right in.
I have tried to clean it with soap and water which took the heavy grime off but it is still dirty.
Part of the problem I think is that the finish is worn in places.
Do you think that Naptha would hurt the worn sections of this mando?

[Bradley]

David Harvey at Gibson OAI has some cleaner/polish designed specifically for the older/vintage mandolins which have Varnish finishes.Think its about $20 a bottle

[Mando Medic]

Naptha will not hurt the finish. It is in fact used in fine violin shops to clean instruments. If it does not clean the instrument at that point then you need to take it to shop that can clean it. I have some other solutions I use, but wish to not discuss it on line. Kenc

[johnnymando]

Try Frank Fords site,frets.com,theres a formula that I've tried with good success.It had distilled water,amonia and backing soda as ingredients.Softens up the grime and dirt(especially on fret boards)

[MANDOLINMYSTER]

I clean mine will steel wool and Fedron http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif just kinding. Anybody out there know what Fedron is? I also use Naptha for those old attic finds, but for the less soiled, a damp cloth and some spit seems to do just fine, and don't forget the inside, I toss a damp/almost dry rag around inside to pick up the dust bunnies or is it kitties and what ever else is in there http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[Brian T]

Isn't Fedron a trade name for dry cleaning fluid? Seems to me I remember seeing the name on some cans of what we called PD680 when I was in the NAvy.

[wheelhoss]

Does anyone have David Harvey's email at Gibson OAI to obtain his vintage instrument formula?

[MANDOLINMYSTER]

Hey Brian, #Fedron is this really nasty rubber rejuvinator stuff that typewrtter repair techs and copier techs #used to use to clean parts, it is on the list of highly carcinogenic solvents. It would eat right through anything # http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif

[Brian T]

Okay! That's where it came from. I worked as a typewriter repairman in the Navy. We quit using Fedron and started using PD680. Worked almost as well.

[Bradley]

They actually sell it at Gibson OAI....