How to Clean and Polish Rusty Frets (Before & After Photos)

[@jamalabdul2009]

I bought the entire Music Nomad cleaning and string changing kit and I’ve used this to clean the frets on one of my Strats. It really makes cleaning frets easy and I recommend the fingerboard cleaner as well!! Great video Shane!!!🎸🎸👍🏾👍🏾

[@jamesf2918]

I really like this video because it lets you really flex your camera/editing chops and it’s just beautiful from a cinematography point of view. I’ve also used this product and several other products from that company and they all work great

[@davidyoung8875]

That product works the best. Been using it for over a year. It's incredible.

[@intheblues]

It only took about *2 months* for the frets to get this bad! I couldn't believe how nasty it got so soon thanks to a damp issue in the house. I hope this video is helpful if you have the same issue at any point. Let me know if you've used the same fret-cleaner before. Links below. 🛒Sweetwater - imp.i114863.net/oeDj9Y 🛒Thomann - bit.ly/3BrnCH7 🛒Sky Music - alnk.to/2jI89LJ 🛒Amazon UK -amzn.to/3bdziCP 🛒Amazon Canada - amzn.to/3oX86vr (affiliate links)

[@melodica5407]

2 months? It looks like 2 years

[@intheblues]

@@melodica5407 Yeah it does. There was a damp issue where the guitar was stored. Even with silica gel packets in the case, it still went bad.

[@anthonyward8587]

Great info Shane. Would love to see more of these types of videos.

[@yankeepeters2270]

Cool video Shane. I use this kit and it really does clean them up. Keep making these types of videos when you find a product or process that’s worth sharing. They absolutely help.

[@locar12]

Great video Shane! DiY-ers will surely learn a thing or two from these, and will also give peace of mind in buying stuff such as Frine polish. Since this does not involve grinding, drilling, or hammering action, i use an inexpensive cordless drill with mini buffer attachment instead of microfiber. Less elbow grease in removing dirt and mildew, and more shine 👌🏽 Keep rockin Shane! Cheers from Philippines 🇵🇭

[@myronsamuels8798]

do you use a polish, compound or wool pad?

[@Mr.D34]

I have this and it really works great. I clean my frets with every string change, this really makes it fast and cleaner. Their product is also safe for the fretboard.

[@Fret-knot]

It does what it says on the tin.... Makes a pleasant change. 🙂

[@markpearce8191]

I use this same stuff. Works really well and very easy to apply

[@seanmccann2513]

I have both the Music Nomad Frine fret polish and the Stew Mac fret erasers. The fret erasers are great for smoothing and polishing frets that have physical wear, frets that feel rough or don't allow smooth bends when playing. The Frine fret polish works well for regular cleaning where the frets are dirty, not worn.

[@intheblues]

Thanks for the tips!

[@spencerarnold3810]

I’ve got a nic in one of my frets - string catches slightly when trying to bend….. will the erasers help ? Thanks

[@Treehousefairy]

I just got a cool silver affinity guitar the downside it’s used, kinda old and rusty.. this video prevented a breakdown.. thankssss!

[@MisterTotality]

I used this same product for the first time last November, and I can confirm that it works great. As shown here, you're bound to get some of it on the fretboard, but just wipe it off immediately. As an additional step not shown in the video, I would recommend cleaning and re-hydrating the wood of the fretboard. If the frets are tarnished enough to need this kind of treatment, then the fretboard is likely dry and dirty, too.

[@becik3632]

Thank you for the video I just bought this kit just now I can't wait to try it and I'm sure to save money I have 3 guitars to make and thank you again! And nice job by the way I was looking for a video of polish frets and came across your video I subscribed! Keep up the good work

[@flooptydoo1178]

Very nice! I use fret polish with an old sonicare toothbrush. It does a good job of getting into the tight spaces.

[@GRBAquatics]

Very Cool. Thankyou. I have always used the Green dish Scrubbies, They do amazing job of revitalising strings and Frets without damage. This polish looks much better. Cheers

[@peterschmidt9942]

As soon as a product has "Guitar" included on the packaging, the mark up is 200% LOL. Most people don't realise you can use stuff you've probably already got in the garage. Save yourself $20 and just buy a fret protector off ebay and a box of fine grade steel wool from Bunnings. I bought a box of steel wool maybe 15 years ago and still going through it LOL. If you really want to use polish, any metal polishing cream will work too - check your local auto or hardware store. And as a bonus - if you don't want to pay the exorbitant price of Stewmac erasers - pop into officeworks or an arts supply store. They have erasers with grit in them too and will do the same thing for a fraction. Personally, I just run some white spirits (Naptha) up the fretboard to give the whole thing a clean (about $5 at Bunnings), because you don't just take the strings off and polish frets (do you??). Spirits will take 90% of the grime off everything and clean the frets too. If there's some stubborn stains, I'll use an eraser from Officeworks. If I'm feeling extra energetic I'll just get either the No2 Kitten car polish or the Stewmac guitar polish out to shine the frets, but generally the first lot does the trick. And before you buy the expensive "fretboard conditioner" of choice, buy a bottle of Howards furniture polish. For $30, you'll never have to buy fretboard polish again.

[@intheblues]

Some of us don't have a garage. ;-)

[@peterschmidt9942]

@@intheblues 😂🤣I thought it was always a right of passage to have a shed in Oz LOL

[@javierv.g.5231]

@@peterschmidt9942 but are all those items 100% safe for guitars?

[@peterschmidt9942]

@@javierv.g.5231 Sure, if we're talking just shining frets. Most guitars these days are sprayed with acrylic so using car polishes is fine. I'd be weary of using them on nitro finishes though. A lot of guitar builders and repair places use Naptha for cleaning, they just call it something different in Oz (Shellite). There's also nothing magical about furniture polish either as that's generally what fretboard cleaner/conditioner is anyway - it's only job is adding oils back into the timber as it dries out. Unfortunately the guitar industry is shrouded in mystery and magical mojo. When in reality that couldn't be further from the truth. Basically most Fender guitars were sprayed with auto colours - that's why they have the same limited colours as cars of the time. The important thing to note is don't use any polish that contains silicon as that can seep into the paint making it harder to repair/repaint in the future without stripping it back. As with any polish, test it on a small area before going hell for leather. You can buy metal polishes anywhere - Bunnings, Supercheap (look for metal polishes and mag wheel polishes). While you're there pick up a pack of bulk microfibre clothes - you can shine your frets and guitars with for $5. I do lots more than just shining frets on guitars LOL

[@fishypaw]

That definitely worked. A while ago, I refretted my 20yr old strat with stainless steel frets. I was looking at it yesterday. It's been a few months since I changed strings, so the strings are dark and rusty, like yours, but the frets are still shining. I also love how they feel to play. If I have to refret other guitars, or buy replacement necks, it's gonna be stainless steel all the way.

[@aladolfsenjustanoldguy2045]

I've used this and it works great.

[@anejo333]

I've never seen that one before. Looks like it did a great job I'm going to have to see if my local shop has it. Thanks for the video Shane

[@intheblues]

Thanks, mate! It works great and judging by how little I used for the full fretboard, it should last a long time.

[@scottreynolds6317]

Excellent video! I am interested in care and maintenance vids. Thanks Shane!!!

[@kenobisghost7302]

Planet Waves do a similar product called, "Detailer". I really enjoy these tech videos! I often use them as reference. Best bit I learnt from you is to take pictures of soldering before changing anything. I remember the Electro Socket upgrade you did on your Tele. After I watched that I immediately upgraded mine.

[@calbrockocat8728]

i use Music Nomad F1 for the fretboard and their Guitar Detailer. Both products are fantastic. I haven't needed Frine yet, but when I do I will buy it. Always like "maintain your guitar" videos, Shane.

[@erikpedersen7977]

I really enjoy your videos. I have purchased some items because of your reviews. Keep up the very good work.

[@davestrong8889]

I use the same kit. It does a great job. Don‘t forget to oil the fretboard before putting on the new strings.

[@markpetten9777]

Frine fret polish is my favourite stuff to use but for me the bonus was the fret protectors. Those were worth it alone.

[@doogledog1740]

Thanks, Shane. The Music Nomad stuff I've used has been good. I was put onto them via recommendations in Phil McKnight's KYG vids.

[@jamesshaw476]

Lizzard Spit fret polish kit works great too!!

[@intheblues]

Thanks, James. I haven't heard of that one before! Cheers.

[@eddiejr540]

Music Nomad makes great stuff…I have their guitar set-up tool kit…it’s definitely worth the money…I’m currently using Lizard Spit fret polishing pads and they work great as well …rock on my brother!!!

[@DennisJPolson]

Great video, Shane. Those frets shine like new now. I’ve used several Music Nomad products including Frine and I have been quite satisfied with the results.

[@Da_Porkchop_Xpress]

Awesome Shane. I was actually thinking of doing this the other day

[@hypertensionwarriors]

Hey Shane. I bought this yesterday to clean up the frets on an ‘00 tele i got yesterday that looked like it could use some TLC. However if you look closely, up against the fretboard meeting the fret it looks as if you can see a greenish tarnish of some sorts. I applied the same product you used but it didn’t work. What are your thought? I was told a 0000 steel wool could be safely used. But im inexperienced at tech/care for guitars so i was unsure. Thanks again for your channel!

[@masterquan4891]

Mine are starting to look really bad on my Fender Stat, looking grow actually. I need to remove the grim and oxidation. Thanks for the update.

[@stevemiller1203]

Shane I’ve used this and agree, works great

[@lostreb]

Another great product demo and review, Shane. I am a satisfied user of almost every product Music Nomad offers. I am not about to say some of the methods I use are better than the Frine Fret Cleaner, just methods I've used. I use white Scotch-Brite pads with the fret board guards as well as the old fall-back blue painters tape (which used to be just old fashioned masking tape when I started playing in the early 60's) on the fret board, as well as to cover the pickups when I used to use 0000 steel wool. Then there's the Tropical Shine 4-Way Colossal Buffer (that women use to buff their nails with) which I think is my girlfriend's favorite method because every time I use her buffer, I get her a new one. 😅😅😅My method of preference just depends on circumstances. I am also sure there are others that will swear by other manufacturers offerings for cleaning frets. I will say that the best method, is whichever method each individual prefers or finds easier or more convenient to use. Please keep the informative demos, reviews, and videos coming.

[@bassyey]

I use scotch-brites too. The most gentle ones. Works like a charm and doesn't shave off the fret. I think steel wools are too hard for frets and might damage them after a few cleaning, scotch-brites are softer.

[@landonbailey]

Music Nomad stuff is awesome! I have a few of their products.

[@eddiejr540]

Landon…have you tried their guitar set-up tool kit…it’s about $60….but it is so worth it…all the tools you need and its idiot proof cuz they tell you how to use each tool…I use it at least once a week!!

[@milandjordjevic7952]

Yes they are the best thieves in a guitar industry, an amazing skills .With $ and marketing they can do a lot of things on a back of a real inventors and small luthiers and tool makers. Only ''the best'' can do that/ s ☺

[@NickGranville]

Thanks Shane, seems like a good system for this.

[@crustymunky1570]

I recommend you put some support under the point where the neck meets the body. Working like you have it set stresses that joint. Thanks a lot for the video

[@Archtops]

I use Manicure & Pedicure Buffers to clean, buff and polish frets. They work unbelievable.

[@BenDewhirstMusic]

There's no feeling like good polished frets! My solution is to refret the guitar in question with stainless steel 😉

[@regperatrovich9406]

I enjoy this type of content.

[@RR-ho5ek]

Nice that everything you need comes in one package, but you can also use mothers aluminum polish in the same way. It looks just like that stuff, and it works exactly the same way.

[@reibass_1]

Hello, is there any substitute for this kind of fret polisher

[@sjazzp]

Cool video Shane, this is very helpful to a lot of your viewers that may replace strings without noticing how bad the frets could be. It looks you had George Harrison Rocky’s artwork in your fretboard 😆 The advantage of the rubbers is that they polish and soften the surface, I reckon this product is a good cleaner but if the frets are a bit scratched, rubbers will condition them. For those cases there are nail polishing files or buffers that have same properties of fret rubbers except the price tag and work well smoothing and polishing the surface of the frets

[@DanDjurdjevicplus]

Cheers Shane. Really appreciate this video.

[@DMSProduktions]

Music Nomad stuff is pretty good!

[@milandjordjevic7952]

Of course when they rip of people, that is good, sell others people hard work for a lot more. And some Guitarist love a good marketing and high prices

[@DMSProduktions]

@@milandjordjevic7952 LOL!

[@milandjordjevic7952]

@@DMSProduktions Yes it is lol but what can We do. They ripped me of as well, took my design for file.

[@DMSProduktions]

@@milandjordjevic7952 Oh sorry to hear that! WHAT did you design & who did the ripping off?

[@milandjordjevic7952]

@@DMSProduktions Music Nomad ripped of the part of ''safe edge'' in their S file, i mean they ripped others as well. But i can only talk about me.

[@frankiechan9651]

I like these kind of videos too Shane. Seems to work nicely as a fret cleaner/polish - I'd need to see the price though vs something like the good old Brasso polish that you can get from the supermarket for your silverware and a generic microfibre cloth. I've used 0000 steel wool before but have concerns for my pickups so have moved to the emery boards (for polishing fingernails) that you can pick up for a dollar or so from the dollar-shops or fashion/beauty outlets - they usually have 3 surfaces of varying roughness/grit from fine to very fine and polish up frets very well. The bonus being that it is polishing fluid free. I've also looked a micromesh polishing pads which you can get at a reasonable price. I also try and hydrate my fretboard if I'm cleaning my frets since I've got the strings off anyways.

[@JuddLofthouse]

Excellent keep them coming I love this stuff 👍👍

[@sr6382]

hi shane, does this work on stainless steel frets too?

[@linzgilbank1750]

Has the frine polish got like a little bit of abrasive stuff in it? Some of my frets are not rusted but slightly rough, will this stuff make the frets smooth?

[@markdakel9253]

Great content I hope to see more like this in the future

[@demian113]

I use a miracle polishing cloth on frets/fretboard every time I do restrings. The difference between a clean fretboard and tarnished frets is like night and day! Highly recommend you do it every restring. You'd be amazed at how tarnished they get from sweat, humidity, etc.

[@shanewalton8888]

Wow! That happened in the case? Perhaps you can do a follow up video about the dos and don'ts of storing your guitar to avoid moisture.

[@loosecannon7300]

Polishing frets is very therapeutic, I also oil the fretboard, lube the nut and a general clean while the strings are off.

[@rickcurtis2983]

Happich brand semi-chrome polish works the best for me.

[@TypeoS]

Hey thanks for this vid, I have 13 guitars some ive had for over 10 years, and we just finished building our home studio and I pulled all my guitars out of there cases and over half of them have have frets that look even worse then your guitar, gonna buy this asap!!! But still I wonder what causes this🤔

[@Faigh_as]

Oxidisation

[@JuanJaim]

In case you get some rust on the guitar's hardware, MusicNomad's guitar polish works a treat as well. Also, if you're still keen to keep some rubbers around the ones by Baroque work well and they're inexpensive.

[@aray887]

Lizard Spit MP15 Ultimate Fret Polishing System is a good one to use too. I'd suggest wearing rubber gloves when you use it though.

[@MDN1505]

For me i like to wipe the fretboard down with a wetwipe then use a soft toothbrush for that finer cleaning between the fret edges. Once thats done, polish the frets with Autosol and microfiber cloth. Last will be lemonoil for the fretboard.

[@MikeLute]

Clean job, Shane! Maybe use some lemon oil or fretbord conditioner, the oil might protect the frets from getting rusty.

[@intheblues]

It's the type of material the frets are made of mixed with the moisture where it was stored. Gibson tarnishes very easily on some components.

[@maranganii]

I just use a dremel with a polishing wheel and rouge. easy as, give it a go if you have the kit sitting around - don't go too hard on nickle-silver frets though, or you'll be upgrading to stainless steel early, haha

[@3rdfloorstudio]

Looks great!

[@javierv.g.5231]

Quick question mate I’ve read a comment somewhere saying this leaves black stains on your fingertips when playing is this true?

[@intheblues]

Nope it's fine I quite literally just finished playing the guitar. The black stains are usually from old strings.

[@javierv.g.5231]

@@intheblues interesting cause the man making the video commented something about it and another user did too about the black stains but I’ll take your word for it, would you recommend this product or have another in mind 🤔

[@Ray-qi9oh]

How many times can we use this cleaner in a year? I already had mine but don't want to overdo it though

[@intheblues]

If the frets are tarnished use it, but also address what's causing the issue if your house is damp, there's nothing worse.

[@Ray-qi9oh]

@@intheblues well I do live in a humid country would that play any role on how many times i should apply it?

[@valueofnothing2487]

I tried the light sandpaper stuff, and the sandpaper got mucky, took forever, and it didn't get it as shiny as I wanted. Also, was concerned about getting metal dust in the air and eyes. Also also you have to get the right sandpaper for the right amount of corrosion, and so it's all annoying to keep track of all that. I think a polish might be better.

[@RobsTubeTV]

Frine is a great product, but per ounce price is ridiculous. Try it with a Dremel and polishing felt pad. I use Meguire’s M105 & M205 in a two step polishing method. This gets my frets glassy smooth and shines like tiny mirrors. Also, per ounce price a heck of a lot cheaper than Frine.

[@che2335]

I been using never dull polishing wad forever on my car too. Tape off the fretboard as you go removes no metal just contaminants for pure shine.

[@gregdavidson5898]

I either get this product or the Lizard Spit one....

[@mikehurley5052]

I never let mine get that rough in the first place, nice job though.

[@intheblues]

Good stuff. I was actually away for 1 month and probably didn't play the guitar for a month before that so by the time I got back it ended up looking pretty nasty. :)

[@havochowl6766]

This is really good product except for its fret guards... they have alot of clearance for fret sizes and its almost 99% that the polish will go make a little bit of mess in the fretboard

[@hamueramusic]

we call erasers "rubbers" in new zealand too!

[@eddiejr540]

Probably the absolute cheapest way would be to use 0000 steel wool…but don’t forget to tape off the pickups cuz it can get messy!!!

[@KaddysJamKave]

I just wash my guitars in the kitchen sink with the dishes. Works a treat :s

[@RapttorX]

removing the neck from the body and throwing everything in the washing machine works great too

[@zacharycollins6548]

We call condoms rubbers in the US.

[@russellzauner]

aw man, now you need more tone grime

[@n0nyabznss]

Similchrome would do a much better job.

[@mralgebro]

Dang, hope your other guitars were somewhere else!

[@intheblues]

Thankfully, the rest were okay this time. I had a bad issue with them a while back but none of the frets went bad like this.

[@DMSProduktions]

@@intheblues Makes a GREAT case for SS frets all round!

[@baabaabaa2293]

If we passed the hat around, bought some of this stuff...& sent it to Epiphone...dya rekn they'd use it? Why do Epi continue to sell guitars with scratchy frets...it can't just be me? ..once they're polished, no worries they're fine,

[@milandjordjevic7952]

They are thieves Shane, they ripped of my design a tool that is made in the UK and Europe. Moreover you can use any HQ car metal chrome polish, it's better quality and cost a lot less.

[@drno2141]

boring mate