Hello all. I'm a total electric noob and was checking out an Epiphone Les Paul Special II. A budy of mine has one given to him as a gift a while back that literally has less than 1/2 hr playing time on it (28 min, me, this morning. Lol).
Anyhow, as a complete electric noob, I noticed the neck was sticky. Extremely sticky.
Is this something specific to brand? A characteristic of all electrics? Something that goes away?
Any input would be appreciated as I can get this guitar from him for almost free but if this is a persistent issue, I wonder if it would be worth it at all.
Thanks in advance.
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Sticky neck issues?
#2
Posted 01 February 2017 - 01:13 PM
That's a minor issue so take it on, you'll just have to test out what solvent works. I usually start out with something like 'Orange Clean' (mechanic's hand cleaner), then work up through other cleaners with just a smudge on a rag on your fingertip. Always hot water rinse on a clean rag or sponge. Acetone or denatured alcohol is too strong, but if someone tried to recoat it and it didn't cure you may have to try a lacquer thinner on a small spot. Try Goof Off, not Goo Gone as well. Hell, it could be beer, so try household stuff first. 2 parts white vinegar to 1 part warm water works too. Mr. Clean 'Magic Eraser' is cool. Worth a try. You'll have to play around with it.
I may not be good lookin', but at least I ain't got no money.
#3
Posted 01 February 2017 - 02:37 PM
Yep. It's normal, and over time it will wear in as the finish ages and cures.
Worse is during the summer when it's humid. Can be a bit bothersome. I just keep a clean cotton rag handy and wipe it down.
Some people sand the back of the necks down, but I wouldn't advise doing anything like that.
Worse is during the summer when it's humid. Can be a bit bothersome. I just keep a clean cotton rag handy and wipe it down.
Some people sand the back of the necks down, but I wouldn't advise doing anything like that.
/Ray
#4
Posted 18 May 2017 - 11:31 PM
Epi's have polyester finish. You can use 1000 grit sandpaper and lightly sand in circular motion to get a satin finish. This prevents your damp hands from sticking to the smooth surface. Similarly, Fender has satin plyurethane neck finish to prevent stickiness on their American models.
I don't hesitate to do the same with all my Gibson nitro finish. It eventually dries up or you can easily use a polish to gloss it up again. After a few years nitro lacquer hardens and won't be as sticky.
The old days, I used talcum powder before playing...dryer your hands and not as sticky.
I don't hesitate to do the same with all my Gibson nitro finish. It eventually dries up or you can easily use a polish to gloss it up again. After a few years nitro lacquer hardens and won't be as sticky.
The old days, I used talcum powder before playing...dryer your hands and not as sticky.
Old Rockers never die; we just fade away! 会長
#5
Posted 04 June 2017 - 11:04 AM
geetaruke, on 01 February 2017 - 09:03 AM, said:
Anyhow, as a complete electric noob, I noticed the neck was sticky. Extremely sticky.
Is this something specific to brand? A characteristic of all electrics? Something that goes away?
No, the electricity in the wood does this. Nothin' you can do about it...

#6
Posted 01 July 2017 - 09:52 PM
geetaruke, on 01 February 2017 - 09:03 AM, said:
Hello all. I'm a total electric noob and was checking out an Epiphone Les Paul Special II. A budy of mine has one given to him as a gift a while back that literally has less than 1/2 hr playing time on it (28 min, me, this morning. Lol).
Anyhow, as a complete electric noob, I noticed the neck was sticky. Extremely sticky.
Is this something specific to brand? A characteristic of all electrics? Something that goes away?
Any input would be appreciated as I can get this guitar from him for almost free but if this is a persistent issue, I wonder if it would be worth it at all.
Thanks in advance.
Anyhow, as a complete electric noob, I noticed the neck was sticky. Extremely sticky.
Is this something specific to brand? A characteristic of all electrics? Something that goes away?
Any input would be appreciated as I can get this guitar from him for almost free but if this is a persistent issue, I wonder if it would be worth it at all.
Thanks in advance.
cotton 100% rag, gibson cleaner/polish only on the back of neck and body, not fretboard, good for all finishes including the nitro. for the fretboard i do not have any suggestions. Id get slapped, and deserve it.

2018 Gibson Explorer
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2000 Les Paul Special w/hums
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Marshall JCM2000 DSL 401 12" CG 40w
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#7
Posted 02 July 2017 - 05:12 AM
kidblast, on 01 February 2017 - 02:37 PM, said:
I just keep a clean cotton rag handy and wipe it down.
That ought to do it. Once every third or fourth wipe-down, spray a little Gibson Pump Polish on the rag.
2011 Guild F50R burst
2002 Guild JF30-12 burst
2011 Guild F-212 XLCE
2008 Epiphone Masterbilt EF-500RAVS
2012 Epiphone Lennon EJ-160E VS
1972 Epiphone FT-160 12-string sunburst
2012 Epiphone Dot CH
2010 Epiphone Les Paul Standard trans amber
Yamaha Motif XS7
2002 Guild JF30-12 burst
2011 Guild F-212 XLCE
2008 Epiphone Masterbilt EF-500RAVS
2012 Epiphone Lennon EJ-160E VS
1972 Epiphone FT-160 12-string sunburst
2012 Epiphone Dot CH
2010 Epiphone Les Paul Standard trans amber
Yamaha Motif XS7
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