remove or thin finish from neck

[mas746]

what is the easiest method people have found for removing or thinning the finsh from the back of the neck? I'm looking to smooth it up a bit to help in ease of playing, I need all the help I can get!

[sunburst]

Easiest for a player is, play it for years.

For me, a scraper followed by sand paper would be quickest and easiest.

[ronlane3]

0000 steel wool is what I used. I masked off the areas that I did not want to remove and then just rubbed it until I was happy with it. (Which was removing all of the finish.)

[dwllal]

Use a white or red 3M scuff pad. It work great.

[aries753]

dwllal, like a scotchbrite pad?

[Greenmando]

0000 steel wool is what I used. #I masked off the areas that I did not want to remove and then just rubbed it until I was happy with it. #(Which was removing all of the finish.)
Make sure to use a "painters grade" steel wool, many prepackaged pads have silicone or oils in them that can ruin the finish you wish to keep.

[BlueMountain]

You might want to mask off just a bit above and below the areas you want removed, then TRY to NOT rub all the way to the tape. The tape will prevent you going TOO far and damaging the finish you want to keep, but if you rub right up to the tape, you can end up with a sharp rub line, and that doesn't look very much like it's due to ten thousand hours of playing.

[dwllal]

Kevin, Yes, it is the 3M Scotchbright brand. I learned this technique from the Guitar Factory. They are well respected luthiers in Central Florida. They told me that instead of removing all of the finish to the bare wood, you can use a smooth/medium scuff pad to ruff the the surface of the finish so that your hand will slide freely on the back of the neck. I have done this to my Smith Creek and my bass fiddle. Start the process slow and just remove a little at a time until you get the amount of slide that you are looking for. This will dull the shiney finish, but works great.
Good luck...Darren

[aries753]

Thanks Darren.
My Mid-Mo has almost a bare neck so I can slide OK. But the Washburn feels like I have glue on my hand.
I will give the Sctochbrite a try.:D

[ronlane3]

Tom, As suggested just below your post, I masked off the portions that I wanted to keep and took all the finish off the rest.