Fret Polishing.

[izumi]

hi,

I currently own a Stingray 5 with a rosewood neck, which I've had for about 6 months, and I was just wondering what would be good to restore the frets to their original sheen without being harmful to the neck.

((I apologise in advance if this information is available on the site elsewhere, my browser is too slow to support a search))

 

[bassmaniac]

There are a few different ways you can shine them up.
Obviously these involve loosening the strings from the machine heads and getting them out of the way. Best to clean the frets the next time you change your strings.


1- You can use some very fine steel wool - 0000 fine, and gently rub this on the frets and fingerboard. One problem with this method is the steel wool will shed fibers, so you will want to cover the pole pieces of the pickup with masking tape, and even cover the body with an old towel. Use a dust mask and goggles to protect your eyes and lungs from fibers.
2 - WD-40, rub a small amount of this oil applied on a small rag to your frets. It will not harm the rosewood. The one thing about this is is can be slippery and oily smelling, but works well, makes the rosewood look good too. Make sure you wipe off any excess and let completely dry before putting your strings back on.
3 - Butchers Wax - just like you would wax anything else. This method will take you longest since it will take you a while to get all of the wax off you have to get it out from the bottom of the frets at the fingerboard. Wax the whole fingerboard. This also makes the rosewood look good.
4 - take a pencil eraser and gently rub the the frets, don't rub the rosewood.