Cleaning a Les Paul?

[leovan83]

Hey guys,

 

Given the bad experience I've had with the virtuoso stuff leaving dots on my finish, what would you recommend?

 

I'd like to get Gibson products. I'm familiar with the Pump Polish, should I also get the "Vintage Restoration Kit"?

[JellyWheat]

I would just use an ever-so-slightly-dampened, soft cloth.

 

Gibson Pump Polish is easy to use... Go to your local shop and have them instruct you in the use of this polish, if you are not quite sure how to work with it. To be fair to Virtuoso, the problem you had was of your own doing, and had nothing to do with the quality of their products. Gibson polish would have probably done the same thing...

 

I would advise you to stay with the soft cloth approach before you really get yourself into the deep $h!t. These polishes are meant for occasional (quarterly) use only, not for a "daily dosing". Todays nitros are much more chemically stable than the nitro of the '50s and 60s, and do not require "intensive" care. You don't have to clean your guitar as often as you do your teeth or your glasses.

 

 

Regards,

JellyWheat

B)

 

Less polishing time = More playing time!

[Malchik]

I'd suggest Gibson or Martin branded pump polish. Spray on, wipe off.

 

I've never used waxes or buffs of any kind. The idea is to just get the grease and oils from your skin off, as they are acidic.

 

Nitro really only needs two things: wipe the oil off. Keep out of the sun.

[jmjohnson]

Gibson and Martin are my favorites. No real issue with Virtuoso, but the other 2 are easier to use overall, with Martin's getting the nod on - well, the Martins, and Gibson Pump Polish or Luthier's Choice on the nitro electrics.

 

The Gibson polish dries cleaner/clearer, though it seems/smells more chemical based; I like the film the Martin's leaves behind to better protect the surface in between applications, and makes damp-cloth cleaning eaiser.

 

For cleaning a slightly damp soft cloth is often best.

[strat-o-steve]

I would never leave any polish or cleaner to sit on the finish to allow it to soak like you did. Many swear by Virtuoso.....but Dunlop makes a good cleaning / polish system too. You really can't go wrong with the name brand polishes. Just don't use Pledge, or anything else with silicone as an ingredient!