Varnish care

[mikeyes]

I just got a Fern V and was wondering what products others might use to care for the finish. Varnish is very soft and sensitive (although I understand it hardens with age, but I may not live that long) and you can't just put anything on it.

Any help is appreciated. I know that you should use a high quality violin polish, but brand names would be helpful.

[mandoJeremy]

Hi Mike, I will tell you what Gibson relayed to me about my varnish Bush. They don't recommend any kind of polish for 6 months to a year. If it has to be cleaned they say to use a 100% soft cotton cloth slightly dampened with water to clean with. Then use a dry part of the cloth to dry it. After that initial time period, Dave Harvey makes one of the best polishes for it and you can get it through Gibson since he works at Valley Arts.

[mandoJeremy]

Also, if you are cleaning with the water technique just do a small portion at a time so it doesn't dry up and leave watermarks.

[mikeyes]

This instrument was built in June of 2003 so it is probably ready for the Dave Harvey polish if it needs it. There are scratches on it from being slightly shopworn (I got a very good deal)but I don't want to learn to french polish on it as of yet.

I have to admit, Gibson makes a great varnish mandolin and I want to keep it preserved as much as possible.

[mandoJeremy]

Call up BigJoe or PM him and he will hook you up with that polish. From what I understand there are not many that are better than Dave's polish and I have heard that from other people besides Gibson. I don't think I would worry about the scratches. My poor Bush model already has a few scratches and chips....gives it character.

[mikeyes]

I'll email him about the polish.

BTW, Jeremy, are you still using the Gibson strings on your Bush V?

[mandoJeremy]

Oh yes. Bush strings all the way but I am still waiting to try the JS74 Stainless Steel wound strings by D'addario. I don't know that I will change because the Bush strings just give me the perfect tone I look for and I think I have a winning combination with the mando and strings but if the JS74's sound better I will switch.

[mikeyes]

I found the Bill Monroe strings (.041-??) a little harsh and that the D'Addario J74's are a better match for this instrument. I am also finding that my usual pick is not as good as one of my old signature David Grisman picks. I have a lot to learn about this new Fern V.

My wife surprised me by buying it for me and I guess I'll have to keep her too <G>

[mandoJeremy]

Wow Mike, that is the kind of wife I am looking for!!!! You know I still have about five of those original Grisman picks but only in black and white, but for some reason the tortoise colored ones always sounded better and I don't have any of them left. That might explain why the Golden Gates were always only available in the tortoise color after they quit making the David Grisman picks.

[mandoJeremy]

For the record, I am not a fan of the Monroe strings either. For one, I can't use phosphor bronze strings because I corrode them too fast and if I had to use them because I was out of my monels it would be the J74's.

[addcourt]

Mike: #I'm coming in a little late on this thread, but I wanted to let you know that I've been using Dave's cleaner and polish formula on my MM for about six weeks and it works wonders. #I bought the mando used and it came with some surface sratches and a good bit of varnish "gumming" at the upper neck. #The first couple of applications helped, but it took probably three or four to cure all the problems. #Basically, it went from a near distressed look to near mint(not good in some folks view). #I really like Dave's formula. #Regards.

[mikeyes]

Mike,

I got a bottle from Valley Arts in Nashville, they sold it to me over the phone with no problem and you are right, it is great. The two oz bottle costs $20 but is enough for about 50 mandolins http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif because you only have to use a small amount to polish the mandolin.

[onlyagibsonisgoodenuff]

You're supposed to polish these things? http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

[mandroid]

I apply johnsons paste wax to protect varnised wood against sweaty Me. got a big tin, when its gone, next, maybe carnuba.
http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif

[mandoJeremy]

I don't think I would ever use a wax on a varnish finish even though I will attest to the fact the carnauba wax is the best cleaner I have found for an ebony fretboard. You better stick with Dave Harvey's formula.

[mando andy]

Hey Mike,
The Harvey's Polish is really great--used it on my '21 A-2 and it did wonders. Call Big Joe in Nashville and he'll send you a bottle.

Sorry you missed the Long/Compton concert and workshop in Madison this summer. It was great---contact me off line and I can give you more details about it.

Andy Morton
Madison, WI

[mikeyes]

Andy,

Send me a note at mikeyes@charter.net.