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Thread: Cleaning & polishing "German silver"

  1. #1
    Martin Stillion mrmando's Avatar
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    Default Cleaning & polishing "German silver"

    So I have an old National tenor with the nice shiny "German silver" finish (it's actually a nickel alloy, or so I understand). Been playing and singing with it. Trouble is, I sing like a sprinkler head, if you know what I mean. What's a good product I can use to keep the instrument clean and shiny?
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  2. #2
    Carpe Mandolinium
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    Default Re: Cleaning & polishing "German silver"

    Is it lacquered?


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  3. #3
    Martin Stillion mrmando's Avatar
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    Default Re: Cleaning & polishing "German silver"

    Uh...

    It's metal. Bell brass body with the "German silver" finish.
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  4. #4
    Registered User Galileo's Avatar
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    Default Re: Cleaning & polishing "German silver"

    mrmando,

    Follow the link, about half way down is information on cleaning your National instrument.

    http://www.nationalguitar.com/learn/...ational-guitar

    All the best,

    Robert

  5. #5
    Registered User mtucker's Avatar
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    Default Re: Cleaning & polishing "German silver"

    Quote Originally Posted by mrmando View Post
    Bell brass body with the "German silver" finish.
    Mothers non-abrasive metal polish will spruce up your nickel/silver plating no problema.

  6. #6
    Martin Stillion mrmando's Avatar
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    Default Re: Cleaning & polishing "German silver"

    thanks!
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  7. #7
    Registered User Ivan Kelsall's Avatar
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    Default Re: Cleaning & polishing "German silver"

    You can buy silver polishing cloths which have an anti-tarnishing agent 'built-in'. I've used one for years to keep my Banjo spruced up.They're inexpensive & last for ages. I also use one to keep my frets tarnish free on all my instruments,
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  8. #8
    Destroyer of Mandolins
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    Default Re: Cleaning & polishing "German silver"

    I'd proceed with caution. Most banjo parts are actually chrome plated, not nickel-silver. See my response in the duplicate thread. I'd do what the National people tell you to.
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  9. #9
    coprolite mandroid's Avatar
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    Default Re: Cleaning & polishing "German silver"

    I'd guess since its spit, soap and water, then maybe windex?

    Or how about Vodka? as alcohol it evaporates.
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