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Post subject: How To Clean a Sticky CV Tele Neck?
Posted: Sat Oct 24, 2015 12:27 pm
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I purchased a Squier Classic Vibe Telecaster (butterscotch blonde finish) about two month's ago. The finish is quite beautiful and very glossy. When I first got the guitar, it felt like I was holding a piece of glass. Now, after playing it for a couple of months, the neck feels sticky and slows down the movement of my left hand as I slide it up and down the neck.

What are my options to correct this? Can I clean is with soap and water, or alcohol? What about sanding the finish on the neck? That would seem to be quite an arduous process, as the finish seems quite thick.


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Post subject: Re: How To Clean a Sticky CV Tele Neck?
Posted: Sat Oct 24, 2015 11:31 pm
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I saw a video on youtube by a guitar tech for some famous band who used alcohol wipes on maple fret boards. You can use a slightly damp rag but make sure it's not too wet. You don't want moisture getting under the frets.

As far as sanding the fret board. I would suggest buying one of those OOOO steel wool pads. Not steel wool but the Scotch Brite pads. They won't leave any metal shavings. It doesn't take much. Just follow the direction of the frets. Stay off the frets but a little won't hurt. Do the back of the neck while you're at it. Makes a world of difference.


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Post subject: Re: How To Clean a Sticky CV Tele Neck?
Posted: Sun Oct 25, 2015 1:17 am
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There are a lot of commercial guitar cleaning products, like Fender's own CS 4Step pack
That kind of stuff is the recommended option

The traditional cleaning method is a cotton rag, aided with Zippo fluid if needed - that's safe for any finish type.

On sanding:
If you were happy with the neck when it was new, try just cleaning it.
Also, you just might like the feel of GHS Fast Fret
Trying those options does nothing irreversible to your guitar.

If you decide you want to matt the lacquer on the back of the neck, an almost idiot proof way is this:
- take a sheet of fine (#800, 1000, 1200...) wet/dry paper
- cut the sheet in four
- put one piece in a bowl of water
- let soak for five minutes
- grab the paper on two corners, wrap it around the back of the neck, do just a few strokes
- dry the neck, test the feel
- repeat if necessary.

And: learn the habit of washing your hands before you start playing :wink:


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Post subject: Re: How To Clean a Sticky CV Tele Neck?
Posted: Sun Oct 25, 2015 7:51 am
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Be careful with commercial products. Many of them say not to use them on maple.


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Post subject: Re: How To Clean a Sticky CV Tele Neck?
Posted: Mon Oct 26, 2015 1:13 am
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hamfisted wrote:
Be careful with commercial products. Many of them say not to use them on maple.

Could you elaborate that "not suitable for maple" part, I've not seen any such notices.

In general, trusting a commercial product from an established manufacturer (e.g. Fender, but there are dozens of others) is IMHO a wiser decision than any internet wisdom... :wink:

Plus, the guitar in question is a Classic Vibe; they have a polyester finish, which tolerates just about any cleaner imaginable. The maple might be exposed after some (tens of) thousands of playing hours, but by then a fret job will be due, and the tech will re-lacquer it in the process.


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Post subject: Re: How To Clean a Sticky CV Tele Neck?
Posted: Mon Oct 26, 2015 6:57 am
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Wasn't calling your knowledge into doubt as I'm sure it's more extensive than mine. I have Dunlop's 02 Fingerboard Cleaner and it says don't use it on maple. Thought I'd pass that along.

I see what you mean about the heavy poly finish.

I retract my statement.


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Post subject: Re: How To Clean a Sticky CV Tele Neck?
Posted: Mon Oct 26, 2015 10:23 am
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No harm done, I don't claim to be more knowledgeable, just older... :wink:
On the dinosaur ages there were no commercial products (and no internet to get advice), so everybody just had to test for themselves. Today, the commercial products are good, so I'll always recommend those over the old tricks - like Zippo fluid (safe), Lemon Pled (debatable), spit (hell no), alcohol (I can think of better uses), Coca-Cola (wha?!?) etc.

And you're not totally wrong, either. The Dunlop 02 cleaner (& other similar products) is for rosewood (ebony, etc.) type fretboards withouth the lacquer finish, so that isn't a good option for lacquered maple.


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Post subject: Re: How To Clean a Sticky CV Tele Neck?
Posted: Mon Oct 26, 2015 8:37 pm
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I doubt you're older than me. :lol:


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