What’s this green stuff on the fretwire - Page 2

phavriluk · #16 07-19-2020, 12:42 PM

My opinion:

Seeing as how OP has a premium guitar, I suggest climbing the ladder of cleaning aids starting at the very bottom: Does this stuff come off by rubbing a t-shirt on it? If not, how about a t-shirt dampened with naphtha (lighter fluid)? Still there, get a luthier to take a look. Might come off readily with white Scotchbrite, but ask first. No sharp objects for me.

Dave Hicks · #17 07-19-2020, 12:47 PM

I got this on a mandolin when I left in the case for too long. I played it more and the stain wore off (it's probably still in my fingers somewhere).

D.H.

seannx · #18 07-19-2020, 12:49 PM

Have you reached out to Collins for advice? You are probably not the only one who has had that happen.

ogradyboy · #19 07-19-2020, 12:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by seannx

Have you reached out to Collins for advice? You are probably not the only one who has had that happen.

Sent an email to Collings earlier today. They are pretty good at responding quickly. Will see what they have to say.

I’ve tried Dunlop Cleaner and then the Polish with a soft cloth (for guitars at a marked up price I’m sure). Scraping 24 fret edges with an X-acto would likely work - and I would tear up the binding in the process Dang clearcoat!

phavriluk · #20 07-19-2020, 01:07 PM

When I send an email message, nobody replies until they're good and ready, if ever. And they get to choose and prioritize the incoming messages. . Recipient is in complete control. When I make a phone call, I get to talk with somebody unless that entity uses voicemail during the business day. I'm harder to avoid or blow off.

charles Tauber · #21 07-19-2020, 01:25 PM

Frets are more or less "T" shaped. The top of the "T", the rounded crown, sits on top of the fingerboard. The tang is inserted in the slot in the fingerboard and is visible only at the end of the fret if the fret extends the full width of the fingerboard. The tang is not visible on fretboards with bindings.

Removing corrosion from the crown of the frets is easy. 0000 steel wool rubbed parallel to the strings will easily remove it.

Removing corrosion from the ends of the tangs is not easy if there has been a finish applied over the ends. Essentially, you'd have to remove the finish on the ends of the tang to access the corroded ends. In other words, unless you remove the finish on the side of the neck to the depth of the tangs, you won't be able to remove the corrosion on the ends of the tangs.

ogradyboy · #22 07-19-2020, 01:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by charles Tauber

Removing corrosion from the ends of the tangs is not easy if there has been a finish applied over the ends. Essentially, you'd have to remove the finish on the ends of the tang to access the corroded ends. In other words, unless you remove the finish on the side of the neck to the depth of the tangs, you won't be able to remove the corrosion on the ends of the tangs.

This is the dilemma as the corrosion is NOT on the crown and is only on the tang. The finish does not cover the tang. But if a fingernail scrapes the tang and catches the edge of the finish that easily lifts off. I’m a new expert [emoji53]

3notes · #23 07-19-2020, 02:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ogradyboy

Sent an email to Collings earlier today. They are pretty good at responding quickly. Will see what they have to say.

I’ve tried Dunlop Cleaner and then the Polish with a soft cloth (for guitars at a marked up price I’m sure). Scraping 24 fret edges with an X-acto would likely work - and I would tear up the binding in the process Dang clearcoat!

If you're seeing the fret ends there is no binding.

ogradyboy · #24 07-19-2020, 02:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 3notes

If you're seeing the fret ends there is no binding.

This...

charles Tauber · #25 07-19-2020, 04:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ogradyboy

This is the dilemma as the corrosion is NOT on the crown and is only on the tang. The finish does not cover the tang. But if a fingernail scrapes the tang and catches the edge of the finish that easily lifts off. I’m a new expert [emoji53]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ogradyboy

The photo shows the finish having chipped from the end of the fret tang.

If the frets were installed after the finish was applied, then there won't be finish on the ends of the tang. That seems to be what you are saying.

If the ends of the fret tang are exposed, you could try rubbing the ends with naphtha on a cloth of Q-tip. You could try something like Brasso on a Q-tip, keeping it as much as possible on the fret tang and off the finish. Check the Brasso on an inconspicuous place on the finish to ensure it doesn't harm the finish. After removing the corrosion, clean off the Brasso with naphtha.

drive-south · #26 07-19-2020, 05:39 PM

I'd give it a light rub with Scotch brite. Then a little naphtha on a soft cloth.

jimmy bookout · #27 07-19-2020, 05:47 PM

One of my Gardiners has some of that oxidation on the tang and I ignore it. Whatever you do, BE CAREFUL! The possibility of making things worse is STRONG.

ogradyboy · #28 07-19-2020, 08:15 PM

Thank you all.

3notes · #29 07-20-2020, 07:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ogradyboy

This...

Not sure why you quoted me here. If the neck has binding the fret ends wouldn't be exposed.

I see the issue now. Many will scream NO when I post this but this is how I would take care of it if it was bugging me..... I'd clean it with a damp cloth, get it 'dry' and take a Sharpie and simply change the color to black by 'dotting' the trouble areas.

If the finish is lifting, and it was bugging me.... have a luthier fix it.

JERZEY · #30 07-20-2020, 08:04 AM

Its corrosion. It happens. It usually wipes off pretty easily thats why you dont see it building up on the top of the frets. Over time it causes pitting. I have seen this mostly on very old guitars or new guitars with cheap fret wire. It should come right off with some fret polish but if its pitted you are going to need to re-finish the ends of the fret wire.