cleaning/polishing/shining up frets?

[magentaplacenta]

I'm looking for a way to clean/polish/shine up my frets. From the recent refinishing neck post:

>I did both...I also Q-tipped my frets about 2 hours later with a light amount of alcohol to remove any oil/wax residue that might be on them.

A) What kind of alcohol would one use?
B) What else can you use?

Also, can you use the same thing on the Floyd Rose?

 

[Brian]

Fret Care

The Ernie Ball can't and will not recommend you use a flammable substance...

However, alcohol would probably take some of it off, but after the material starts drying the material won't be completely taken off.

Thanks

Brian

 

[dwf1004]

Just to clarify, Brian, you understand I used it only on the frets, right? I'm dumb, but I sure as heck ain't stupid!

I used just regular rubbing alcohol, pure and simple. The Q-tip was dipped, then tapped (on the side of the bottle) a lot to get as much of it out of the cotton, so it was basically just dampened. I ran it along each side of the fret, then followed right afterwards with a dry Q-tip to remove the alcohol/residue/gunk off afterwards.

I know that EBMM doesn't recommend this as an option, heck, I'm not even recommending it, to be honest with ya. I just needed something to help me accomplish the job without sacrificing the finish or useability of my neck. (I chose rubbing alcohol over ammonia or gas. )

It worked for me, but:

1. Your mileage may vary (if you choose to do so)
2. I am not responsible for any actions you take on that behalf from this point forward.

 

[magentaplacenta]

So what does The Ernie Ball recommend to clean/polish/shine frets?

What about that Tarn-X stuff? Remember those old infomercials? Cleans silverware and stuff.

 

[tommyindelaware]

yo yo yo..........hold up here !!!!!! no chemicals on the frets...or fingerboard please !!!!!!!!!. if you want yer frets lookin like new.....use 0000 steel wool. take masking tape......and cover the finger board completely..leaving the frets totally exposed.......then rub across the fret..one fret at a time...rub in the oposite direction of the fingerboard grain. they come up quickly......... shiney again. only takes about 60 seconds a fret. don't be afraid to use some elbow grease.
tommy in delaware (alderson)

 

[eugewong]

I've been using a silver polishing cloth from a jewelry store.

Similar to silver polishing cloths used to shine up wind instruments (eg. Saxophones, trumpets...etc)

Works great for me, though i've always worried about long term side effects. I try to keep the cloth away from the finish and the wood as much as possible though...just in case.

Euge

 

[weirdoku]

Polishing Fret baord

I would recomend dr.ducks axe wax as they r the best
perfect results after 2-3 rubs

 

[magentaplacenta]

I changed my strings last night and went over the entire fretboard with a "dry" toothbrush.

It worked great.