Sorry for the stupid question but I have a strat with a nitro finish and it has shiny patches where my arm rests on the body. What it the best way to remove it? I have some grade 00 steel wool but I thought that might do more harm than good. The shiny patch is built up good enough that guitar polish beads up on it.

I'm guessing that may be a Highway? I regret I have nothing but bad news for you.

Sorry, but you're stuck with your shiny patches I'm afraid. What you've done essentially, is polished them into the surface of the paint/lacquer with your forearm and wrist. Modern Nitro finishes are SOOO delicate. And actually for me, that's part of their charm. I knew it when I chose a guitar with that finish. It's difficult to make a Poly finished guitar look aged and well played if you treat it fairly - that finish just goes on and on. For Pete's sake don't go at it with wire wool unless you like the natural wood look. Clean only with the breath of angels and the finest feathers.

In a few years time - and despite my careful handling - my blonde Highway Strat is going to look like it's done 6 world tours in the care of a one armed, blind, 300lb roadie called Igor. I can't wait..

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Fender Highway & Classic 60s Strats, Fender Toronado, Telecaster, Gretsch Projet, Charvel 3, PRS SE Soapbar II & Custom 24, Burns Batwing and many others!

I say DON'T polish it, let it wear out naturally

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Blues with a feeling.

GUILD GUITARS: MADE TO BE PLAYED!

Naphtha, also known as lighter fluid, works well to clean a Nitro finish. Try it. You won't be disappointed.

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And it's too late to lose the weight you used to need to throw around.

- Pink Floyd