Dave F Posted November 21, 2012 Share Posted November 21, 2012 I recently bought a vintage Martin uke ('40 circa). I know this is not the forum for it, but I use this one more than any other and know quite a few of you have some great vintage Gibsons. My question is, how do you care for the cleaning and upkeep. There is some checking but not that bad for its age. The is some separation starting in the center below the bridge and a little at each end of the center of the back. but nothing has really opened. Thanks for your input. Here's some pics http://photobucket.com/davef-martin-t1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ParlourMan Posted November 21, 2012 Share Posted November 21, 2012 Superb, looks in great condition given the age. Congrats. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
duluthdan Posted November 21, 2012 Share Posted November 21, 2012 That IS a pretty little unit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
j45nick Posted November 22, 2012 Share Posted November 22, 2012 Since it seems to be built exactly like a little guitar (including the two-piece book-matched back), I think you would clean, repair, and maintain it exactly like a vintage guitar. What a little jewel! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
L5Larry Posted November 22, 2012 Share Posted November 22, 2012 Vintage/old instruments really require no "special" care. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tvguit Posted November 23, 2012 Share Posted November 23, 2012 I agree, except that I might add one thing that I have been seeing lately. I would suggest not waxing/polishing a vintage instrument. There are many products out there for polishing guitars that include a carnauba wax or something similar. Vintage guitars/instruments often have finish checking that wax just won't come out of. It dries and highlights all the flaws. If you feel the need to clean a vintage guitar start with a lightly damp soft rag. I use old undershirts. If that doesn't work, use a little bit of "Ronsonol" lighter fluid. This contains a chemical called Naptha that is a light solvent that won't harm a nitrocellulose finish. Use very little because it can cause some haziness on a very damaged finish. Unfortunately, I haven't had any luck getting dried wax out of finish cracks even with Naptha. Anyone else had this problem and found something that worked? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
j45nick Posted November 23, 2012 Share Posted November 23, 2012 Unfortunately, I haven't had any luck getting dried wax out of finish cracks even with Naptha. Anyone else had this problem and found something that worked? Try using a cotton swab (Q-tip) dipped in naphtha, detailing the finish cracks. That will sometimes do the job. Follow up with a dry swab to soak up excess naphtha, Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tvguit Posted November 23, 2012 Share Posted November 23, 2012 Try using a cotton swab (Q-tip) dipped in naphtha, detailing the finish cracks. That will sometimes do the job. Follow up with a dry swab to soak up excess naphtha, Will do, Nick. Sounds like you have been through this hell before! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jt Posted November 23, 2012 Share Posted November 23, 2012 Unfortunately, I haven't had any luck getting dried wax out of finish cracks even with Naptha. Anyone else had this problem and found something that worked? Try a soft toothbrush dipped in naptha. It works wonderfully. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
j45nick Posted November 24, 2012 Share Posted November 24, 2012 Will do, Nick. Sounds like you have been through this hell before! I usually learn the hard way, but I do learn....... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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