Cleaning up

[John Bertotti]

Is there a preferred method for cleaning up a vintage instrument. In this case a Vega bowlback. It his soiled on the neck and basiclyy dulled in other areas of the bowl and on the top. Some areas have wood showing through. I don't even know what the finish is. Thanks All John

[Chris Burt]

Apply pure water in small amounts to a clean, soft cotton rag and rub the dirt away. Keep changing to clean areas of the rag as the previous area loads with dirt. This method works quickly and, if small amounts of water are used (no dripping rags), presents no danger to wood or finish.

[mando andy]

You can get a special cleaner from Gibson for vintage insturments -- called Dave's Cleaner--- I ordered by phone from the Nashville store (ask Big Joe or Charlie about it--I had trouble locating it on their website).

Excellent service and great stuff--did not damage finish at all--used it on my '21 a-2.

Andy Morton
Madison, WI

[John Bertotti]

Big Joe, Charlie I'm ready to order some of this cleaner if you think it would be appropriate for an old Vega bowl back? How do I order it I can't seem to find it on your website either. Thanks John

[Luthier Vandross]

Hey, get a tub of GoJo, you know... the waterless hand cleaner, and some soft cheesecloth. I am pretty sure it's the only thing I have ever used that conditions the finish.

Anyways, that's what I use on dirty Loars, and stuff.

M

[John Bertotti]

Luthier Vandross, perhaps that is a good cleaner but do some of those Loars have area of bare wood where the finish has worn away. I am looking for something to clean it up without staining the wood in the worn bare spots. Maybe the gojo will work for that but untill I'm certain I won't try it. I remember how greasy my hands use to feel after using it and wonder about the residue if any and how than to clean it off. Thanks John

[Luthier Vandross]

Finish missing is an whole other matter.

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M