tlwwalker Posted December 20, 2010 Share Posted December 20, 2010 I got a new 2009 Gibson ES-335 Satin Black in March 2010 I have noticed a gree/turquise color on the fret tang only of four of the frets. I think it is a mild corrosion of the metal. This is visible on three from the top, one from the bottom. This is an unbound fretboard, so the ends of the frets are visible on both sides (top & bottom) of this right handed instrument. The frets are completely seated. The ends of the frets appear to be below a clear finish material (laquer or nitrocellulose). There are no rough edges to the frets. This does not affect the comfort or playablity or tone. I wonder if this is just a natural, common and expected development of the instrument. Has anyone any experience like what I have described above? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neilpanda Posted December 20, 2010 Share Posted December 20, 2010 got any pics of the problem? that would really help. I think I had the same problem on my first epi (unbound as well) wasnt a problem for me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
surfpup Posted December 20, 2010 Share Posted December 20, 2010 Steel wool. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EVOL! Posted December 20, 2010 Share Posted December 20, 2010 Steel wool. If you do use steel wool make sure you test with very light grade like 0000 and make sure it is non-oiled. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mcmurray Posted December 20, 2010 Share Posted December 20, 2010 It happens to the best of us. Do what surfpup said, but mask the fretboard and pickups with masking tape before polishing! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy R Posted December 20, 2010 Share Posted December 20, 2010 I think Pics would still be good because from his description it almost sounds as though there is corossion happening on the viewable side of the fret tang that would be under the finish... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tlwwalker Posted December 20, 2010 Author Share Posted December 20, 2010 Per requests, here is a picture. Top of neck, nut + first (green dot) and second fret (all clear) Comments welcome. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy R Posted December 20, 2010 Share Posted December 20, 2010 Per requests, here is a picture. Top of neck, nut + first (green dot) and second fret (all clear) Comments welcome. Hmmm Looks like a case of fretboard shrinkage where sweat and moisture have gotten in there. You're going to have more trouble if you don't get that looked at. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TommyK Posted December 21, 2010 Share Posted December 21, 2010 It appears moisture has gotten under the finish and corroded the fret tangs. Not sure steel wool will do much good here. The corrosion is probably deeper into the fret slot. Either live with it or have it re-fretted, then a finish touch up to the neck in the area of the fret ends. I've seen green corrosion squidging out from under the frets the full width of the finger board. There is stainless fret wire available. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neilpanda Posted December 21, 2010 Share Posted December 21, 2010 hmm, I guess I didnt have your problem. wood shrinking is pretty typical in the winter, definitely get it checked out Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LarryUK Posted December 21, 2010 Share Posted December 21, 2010 Isn't it a warranty issue? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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