Clean Your Electric Guitar #1

[@rejeanbeaudette6929]

Jimi Hendrix invented the "lighter fluid on the guitar" trick back in 1967...but it only worked once per guitar.

[@Dug6666666]

Yes Jimi's cleaning accident is well documented and should be a lesson to the youngn's how not to clean your guitar.

[@derpdorf7054]

@@Dug6666666 lol

[@michaeljechon6139]

I love the deadpan, Canadian "humour" ( humor for those of us in the states) along with it being informative. One of the best guitar maintenance videos I've seen!!! Good job, sir

[@guitarwhores753]

I like your vids because it's like you resent making them. It's like your wife is forcing you to go to brunch with her parents after drinking all night.

[@sclogse1]

This force you speak of...perhaps a book should be written about this force. Maybe H.G. Wells book From The Earth To The Moon, with the mysterious substance Cavorite, invented to counteract gravity, was really a metaphor for this stopping this....force.

[@paolunna]

Sounds like Ee or from Winnie the Pooh, on acid

[@sgrabenstetter]

What would recommend with cleaning the yellow smoke grime off a pickguard? I have an old 1964 Epiphone Newport bass that was obviously owned by a smoker.

[@gear772]

Dave, how do curl my straight hair?

[@Weissherz]

***** then how can i straighten my curly hair ?

[@theedrstrangelove]

Naphtha is not the same as methanol. Methanol is wood alcohol although sometimes it is called wood naphtha. Naphtha is a distillate from petroleum.

[@grrrr71]

i only discovered you the start of the year and i think youre a total legend. love watching your vids, better than tv.

[@mkg28]

I find silver polish clothes very effective in removing tarnish from frets. gets the job done without removing any material of the frets

[@onzkicg]

Matt Glidewell silver polish clothes- what do you mean? Where to buy that? I bought a used 80's guitar and its coming soon, expecting it to be very dirty so I'm watching these cleaning techniques.

[@ChrisBonJovi]

"I know there's gals out there watching... I neglect you. I'm sorry." LOL

[@fenderblues1744]

Too much linseed oil will raise the grain, the best I've found to keep moisture out is silicon spray, good for tremolo stops rust.

[@taxisteve929]

Lighter fluid is an oldie but goodie on electrics. Probably every old electric has had it used. I have a 100 year old acoustic with no finish left....I used bore oil on the fretboard....I know a damp cotton cloth is good for most, but what should I use on this...same thing and just make sure it's not wet...just damp, or a dry cloth??

[@patrickbear6727]

I know that a professional guitar repair guy might laugh at what Dunlop charges for their stuff but I bought the Dunlop System 65 Guitar Maintenance Kit awhile ago and I like it so much that I bought another one because I was starting to run low on Cream of Carnauba wax (oh that stuff is so good.) I have 12 guitars of all kinds and this kit really covers everything--if you don't have open grain fingerboards look for a simpler kit that doesn't have the fretboard Cleaner & Prep and Conditioner because you can't use them on maple necks (just use the standard cleaner and Carnauba wax.) The kit comes with a couple of nice clothes but you will need a bag of T-shirt rags too. It also comes with a piece of 8000 grit sandpaper (well it's not sand"paper" because it's got a stronger backing) which is great for polishing frets. I am not disagreeing with anything that Dave is saying or doing, I simply love this Kit and I use it every time I change strings--guitar spa day. My only complaint about the kit is that the fret board conditioner applicator is stupid. It's nice for the first 12 or so frets but then it doesn't fit so I just dab the liquid onto a rag. Just really nice and easy, good instructions for your first few times, I feel really safe using it on any guitar and the end result is really impressive. Thanks Dave for all of your videos!! You really make guitar maintenance and repair fun!

[@evilcowboy]

The shit on the fret board after the scrub is the stain that was put on it at the factory. I also use boiled linseed oil. It's a very fine oil on wood because it gets into the pores to protect the wood deep down and if enough coats are applied it ends with a very shiny finish. Colt used that method to protect wooden grip back in the 1800's. Getting that kind of finish requires patience since boiled linseed oil takes around a month to completely dry.

[@zagan1]

evilcowboy Should need a stain as rosewood has its own oil

[@crazyuncleduke9]

Back in the late '60's I put patchouli oil on my fretboard. I don't know if it was any good for the rosewood but all the hippie chicks seemed to like it....Cheers

[@demoras]

I freaking love your videos, man. You're a no-nonsense kind of guy, and I like that! Gets right to the point without a lot of fuss, cusses every now and then and delivers fine work. Consider me subscribed!

[@DriveCarToBar]

thats the difference between boiled and raw linseed oil. Boiled (which isn't actually boiled) has various solvents mixed in to dry faster. It is used as a wood finish to protect wood, keep out moisture and add a gloss finish. Works great on gun stocks. Raw linseed oil can take 2 weeks or more to cure which is why its great for fingerboards. It lasts a nice long time and keeps moisture in. Not the best for other things like finishing wood or oil based paints.

[@FreightandCargo]

I love the commentary, it was educational and entertaining.

[@andy5962]

Hi Dave, I couldn't find that Simple Green Max in the U.S. I found regular Simple Green Concentrated. The label says to not use it on unfinished wood. Because you're wiping it right off, it should be okay, right? I used it already on a couple of guitars, (both rosewood,I havn't tried it on ebony yet) before i read the label, and it works great. I just want to make sure I'm not damaging the fretboards. Thanks in advance for the help!

[@Songwriter4God]

@davey4557 Dave, do you use boiled or raw linseed oil?

[@justanotherdummy3448]

Dave I use windex on everything except bare wood if you use it on your feet board don't douch it wipe it off fast as you can than let it dry for mabe half hr than do the linsead oil.

[@butteredbiskit3497]

I use Windex too. Its good if your guitar isnt that dirty. It's safe as long as you spray it on the rag.

[@tehsimo]

Definitely Recommend fine steel wool to polish frets. Brings them up really nice (provided they aren't gouged to death)

[@eddzed406]

Dave, I have an 'I-been-ezzed' EDB 500. The Ergodyne series with the plastic bodies? Just wondering if the old lighter fluid trick will be fine on the finish/body material? Keep up the great advice, been a huge help! Cheers

[@rusholmemike]

Dave, have you ever tried 'bore oil' - used on woodwind instruments - after cleaning with a solvent like lighter fluid. Is your linseed oil the boiled variety?

[@callanhulett503]

Love the videos Dave. Humorous and informative 👌 What's your opinion on the Music Nomad cleaning products?

[@DavesWorldofFunStuff]

It's good

[@nigelptl]

hey davey, i see you are using Demco artist series purified linseed oil. These are specifically used for oil paintings. I live in dubai, all i have here is Daler Rowney purified linseed oil, again used for oil paintings. Same thing right? no harm? I did come across boiled linseed oil in ace hardware, but my guitar is not piece of furniture.

[@tjtjjj]

This lady loves your videos. As always, thanks for all the helpful info

[@crucify40]

Hi Dave- love your vids. Funny AND informative! In your opinion what is the best thing to clean/polish both a poly and nitro guitar finish? I have a Gibson and an Epiphone.

[@strocat25]

I cleaned my bass a few minutes ago with the help of your videos... little ronsonol and some linseed oil and this peavey millenium's quilted maple cap is back to errrrrr old self.... trans blue really shining =)

[@christopherdidonna4843]

Dave: Really, it puts an awesome shine on Rosewood.

[@sivad2]

Dave, what would you recommend for cleaning a butt load of chrome? I have a banjo that needs some cleaning up and I'm not sure how to go at it without destroying the chrome. Thanks for the vids, always love watching.

[@sivad2]

Great! I'll pick up some. Thanks for the quick reply and again for the vids.

[@RandySchartiger]

+sivad2 I used to play banjo, this stuff works well too. www.simichrome-polish.com/

[@stevestewart-sturges2159]

Dave I have a ancient acoustic, possibly from the mid 60's, and the finish has cracked over the years, from temperature variations and humidities, I'd guess, but I'm leery to use the lighter fluid on it, concerned it might affect the finish negatively or seep into the cracks... there's no exposed wood, but except for the neck, the finish is crazed, looks awesome and still sounds great... Ideas, or is fluid okay in your opinion ? Cheers!

[@stevestewart-sturges2159]

Okay, mate, I'll get onto it tomorrow ! Thanks for the prompt reply, and really appreciate your videos, plenty of great info!

[@christopherdidonna4843]

On my Rosewood Fretboard I use a walnut to get an awesome shine. I take the walnut and rub it into the wood and than wipe it down.

[@mit7771]

Dave, I would like to offer another tip for you. Try out stuff called " 'Mothers' Mag and Aluminum polish". The best metal polish I've ever used. I love it on hardware, just makes stuff shine better than new. Works on just about all metal, from aluminum to chrome, nickle to brass, Great stuff for any job. It's only about $11 a can, and I believe you can get it at Wal-mart or any other hardware store. I suggest you give it a try. GREAT for "Smoker" guitars! Anyway, great vid Dave, keep on rockin

[@jesusgarcia5887]

Hi Dave! I really enjoy your videos. I find that you give a lot of good advice. I cleaned my stratocaster rosewood fretboard yesterday with lighter fluid and then put some guitar conditioner/cleaner/protector solution on it. Afterward I cleaned the frets with never dull. I didn't cover the frets with tape though. When I looked at my guitar in the morning I noticed two of the frets had some white streaks on them. I haven't had a chance to investigate further since I had to go to work but is that anything to be concerned about? Thanks!

[@jesusgarcia5887]

Thank you! Keep up the great vids

[@alexb5287]

Love the hammer where did u get it

[@MarkoFakanana]

Maybe it's a stupid question, but what about that lemon oil? I heard from a few sources that it is not recommended to use it, especially on your fretboard (maple precisely). So, should I use it or not? Thanks

[@twilightyip]

Also, what do you think about baby oil? Or just Mineral Oil for Oiling the fret board?

[@leroy0053]

where can i get a brush like that??? and is that what i ask for if i go into a hardware store??? thanks in advance love your vids.....never knew this about lighter fluid....always wanted to know what to use on my chrome and bridge stuff.....thanks so much for taking the time and doing these vids!!!!!!!!

[@brucevilla7490]

Is there a difference between purified linseed oil and boiled linseed oil?

[@PavelNygryn]

TLTR: There is, but it's irrelevant in this case :) Boiled one takes longer to "dry" - which is not a problem, just feature. Also oil can be "boiled" and "purified" at the same time. Still no difference from the perspective of wood.

[@popaabert]

one is hot the other not

[@thurgoodjenkins4216]

Could you use a 100% tong oil??

[@pgnandt]

Dave. What about lanolin like BagBalm for the rosewood? Fore sake of not having linseed oil.

[@timmerfennell5403]

what would you use on a guitar that is starting to oxidize slightly.... I have a vintage blacktop les paul that seems to be going that way....I have heard not to do anything to using car wax and a buffer...the last thing i want to do is gooch it... thanks Dave, I love your channel!

[@UltraSamurai]

depends where it's oxidizing. if its surface rust. coke and aluminium foil will do the trick. obviously clean off the coke after.

[@jonno63]

used some lighter fluid and linseed on my Gibson es 347 35 year old guitar and I just want to tell you thanks for the advice it came out freekin beautiful

[@1fowlhunter]

I know you are a firm believer in linseed oil, but was wondering if you had tried the F-1 oil from Global Music Depot yet. I have been trying to find linseed oil here in SW Ohio and had an employee at a store tell me that we are unable to buy regular linseed oil in Ohio and Indiana at this point. Is the F-1 worthy of cleaning and conditioning my rosewood fret board? Looking for alternatives for linseed oil. Thanks

[@stephenbarton2625]

Can you show us a guitar that needs a neck shim? And how to do it? What to look for or what to measure

[@stephenbarton2625]

Dave's World of Fun Stuff I try to watch them all. Guess I missed it. Cool videos my friend. Thanks for doing all of these!

[@tapzapper2001]

@XmyAssYTmofo ya I was just asking..however it doesn't damage the fretboard !!..Like dave said it has been done for years ! Your not sanding it !! It only steel wool, its the left over shavings crap that would be an issue ! :)

[@christopherdidonna4843]

Dave, You are misunderstanding. I'm talking about a real walnut. I take walnut, remove the pulp from the shell and rub it into the fretboard. That would be pure walnut oil. The pulp is soft and does not scratch the board. It protects the wood by adding natural moisture to it. I've been playing for 51 years and have been doing this for 20. My Les Paul lives it, my '70 Martin D-28 loves it and my Strat (USA) loves it. I don't do this on my maple board Strat. I wouldn't use lemon oil because of the acidity, very bad. PS.I enjoy watching your videos.

[@evanshingles9241]

So I could use the basic simple green on the fretboard or is there a company called basis?

[@yuvaltankel5193]

He sounds like Mike from Breaking bad

[@ElectricBoogaloo007]

+Yuval Tankel He sounds like Tommy Chong.

[@sacredpotion24]

+Yuval Tankel hahaha you sire have awesome observational skills bro!!! haha \M/ \M/

[@1WRONGBROTHER]

Turtle wax express shine works great I use it on my78' strat,epiphone 310 and sg been doing this for years and have yet to have a problem,

[@TaffyRaphie]

Waiting for a video like this to come out. Thanks a lot Dave!

[@evanshingles9241]

Do you mean the regular simple green or is there a product called basis?

[@Jakeonite]

Never thought this video would make me laugh so hard

[@angrytroll27]

For a fretboard that has been dyed is there anything i should know bout cleaning it? would linseed wash it out for example??

[@rhykko77]

How long until the wiped linseed oil is dry and hard on the fingerboard ? thanks

[@lefty6string]

You are the man Dave! Just one question...what the F is a GOOCH? We dont know that word way down here in Virginia!! :)

[@BrickfallOfficial]

How many electric eels does it take to change a light-bulb?

[@nigelptl]

I remember one of your videos, the ebmm silhouette special with the unfinished neck. I got an ebmm sm signature guitar with an unfinished neck. do you think using the same purified linseed oil is good enough for it? EBMM website mentions tru oil and gunstock wax for maintenance of the unfinished neck. I did my reserach on tru oil, it has about 11% linseed oil.

[@LaBenno]

Rags with linseed oil on it.. can get hot even catch fire.. so water down or keep in closed container Thanks for vids. :)

[@adrianturner4298]

I put mine out to dry. once they are dry they are safe.

[@fanoboss]

A clean micro-fibre cloth dry or with a light spritz of water for cleaning the body and nothing more. I prefer not to use any petroleum based products. They are usually flammable, smell bad and are bad for our environment.

[@gear772]

Would tung oil work instead of linseed oil? Because I already have a big can of tung oil

[@tapzapper2001]

Dave how come no steel wool over the fret board? just curious your thoughts on it !! That's what I was always told to use !! Thanks again, Love your vids, great stuff !

[@bleikrsound6127]

Woodwind bore oil for rosewood fretboard. If it's good enough for my ancient 1500's Crumhorn, good enough for my fretboard (museum curator recommended).

[@Pitsoup]

I found purified linseed oil at Walmart, of all places. Found it in the art/craft aisle. 21/2 ounce bottle, it was only about $3,for us who only have a few guitars. Actually 6 guitars, but who's counting. Thanks Davey. Later man.

[@RoryLangevin]

I've used Pledge for 20 years...works fine...definitely going to try out Linseed Oil....thanx for the great vids & advice.

[@MrStarlight1980]

hi dave i have a old guitar with tobacco finish,it has many light scratches in the clearcoat. what can i do? maybe water sandpaper,and then polish up? thanks!

[@TaffyRaphie]

Hey Dave, I have a Hagstrom Viking with a "resinator" fretboard. Will all the cleaning stuff you mentioned still be fine on it?

[@jonno63]

linseed oil good for maple necks or rosewood only? dave?

[@TMS5100]

ernie ball recommends using birchwood casey tru-oil, is it any good?

[@leetattoo1976]

Hi there Dave, what are your thoughts on using tung oil for rubbing into the fretboard?

[@cowtippingrocks]

is it safe to use lighter fluid on an old finish thats quite worn and checkerd?

[@trillrifaxegrindor4411]

we canadians love dave.he is a fucking icon

[@straightshooter8662]

Wouldn't Howard feednwax be good as well? Also where is the link for the surgeon spung

[@evanshingles9241]

Dave, are there any alternatives to simple green max or could I just use the basic simple green all purpose cleaner?

[@evanshingles9241]

Thanks for the advice Mike, I found it very useful.

[@rickhirst3760]

Hey Dave! What are your thoughts on using mineral spirits instead of lighter fluid to clean fretboards?

[@twilightyip]

How would you clean the bridge, like on a Les Paul, theres all kinds of Dust and shit in mine I dunno what exactly to do.

[@tonyxass]

hey dave i've got a small question, what would you use to clean a gibson sg faded??

[@jboner668]

So does boiled linseed oil work then or do i need to find refined linseed oil? Sorry for being such a gooch!

[@TheDustyGuitarShow]

@davey4557 who taught you all this knowledge??? and would you take on an apprentice? great vid! :)

[@NicStride]

Hey Dave, I think you might be confused about Lemon Oil. Lemon oil isn't acidic and has pretty much shit all to do with lemons.. It's just mineral oil with yellow dye + lemon scent. Just for people reading this- Lemon oil isn't the same thing as lemon pledge or other cleaning product, I'm talking about stuff made for musical instruments. I use Planet Waves (It's a part of the D'addario company) lemon oil. It's only for fretboards through. Don't go putting it on the body. watch?v=qf61M3lBraY 4:00

[@CQDgeorge]

Dave, would it be alright to use lighter fluid for gold hardware?

[@Nath21runs]

would lighter fluid clean off oily stains from the finish?

[@jeremyvano29]

question for you dave. pure or boil linseed oil. I looked it up only to find 2 different answer. I bought the pure linseed oil before I checked it out. is pure linseed oil ok?

[@brutalbeetle]

Old english lemon oil isn't actually lemon oil at all, it's just mineral oil and mineral oils are pretty much safe to use. Genuine lemon oil, don't put on wood, it's acidic.

[@PlaneCrashClub]

rubbing acohol work for string cleaner right?

[@InASpiralState]

my guitars frets are a little tarnished. its a new schecter that i got directly from guitar center in its originally box. should i use never dull to remove the corrosion on the frets or tape off the frets and use 0000 steel wool?

[@johnhowe4079]

Does never dull prevent pitting ?

[@ralphbenites1819]

Dave .thank’s for the tips. Be safe. You do a lot of guitar stuff.is thair anybody that does drum kit restoration?on video’s? 🥁

[@omfg51]

dave i've got horrible news. i was looking for some lighter fluid to clean some thick grime on my les paul. i asked my grandmother if she had any, and she came back with " goo-B-gone" I don't like the results. i think it actually ate away my finish. am i screwed? luckily it was a relatively small patch, but it was on the front.

[@MrStarlight1980]

I will try my best,i really thank you for your help!

[@jamesnewland3195]

Dave can you use linseed oil on a maple fender bass neck

[@jamiecampbell88]

Is it ok to use lighter fluid would it not harm the finish on the guitar

[@bubsbarney3340]

dave was it you who showed hendrix to use lighter fluid?????

[@amoskamil6823]

why do you do everything back to front?

[@cobutler1]

What do you recommend to clean flattops? Same lighter fluid?

[@sayhai]

i can't find this linseed oil in my country...what other oil you suggest me??

[@evanomics]

I have a lot of buildup on the back of the neck on my 69 strat reissue. Would you use simple green and same technique as the fretboard or something else?

[@evanomics]

thank you, I will try that

[@justanotherdummy3448]

or windex

[@KingBig1984]

Why no to Steel Wool on frets? Just personal preference or a reason to it? I've used Steel Wool for years and think it does a fantastic job so just curious.

[@ZeroGravitySubstance]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/i5ColKiCj96iors Dave explains why it's a bad idea in this video. It's an outdated way of doing things and can quickly become a nightmare.

[@KingBig1984]

Thanks for sharing!

[@1thess523]

I'm glad i watched this video, i have a Korean Strat I'm going to clean and upgrade, got it at a pawn shop for $25!

[@1964danielito]

what about lemon oil?