squeaky neck

[nightflight]

I bought a new-to-me guitar and I have a peculiar problem. I love it, mind you. But my left hand really squeaks on the BACK of the neck, between maybe frets 1-5, when I play.

The neck is clean. My hands are clean. I don't have this problem on my other guitars.

Thoughts?

[RRuskin]

Originally Posted by nightflight

I bought a new-to-me guitar and I have a peculiar problem. I love it, mind you. But my left hand really squeaks on the BACK of the neck, between maybe frets 1-5, when I play.

The neck is clean. My hands are clean. I don't have this problem on my other guitars.

Thoughts?

Some finishes are like that. Buffing the neck with 000 gauge steel wool can help.

[TBman]

The back of the neck of my Furch was really noisy when I first got it. I'm just letting it naturally quiet down by playing on it. 7 months later its a lot quieter.

[Steve DeRosa]

Originally Posted by RRuskin

Some finishes are like that. Buffing the neck with 000 gauge steel wool can help.

The USA Guilds from the Westerly period were particularly notorious in this respect (I've owned four), to the point where it took a good 2-3 years before the finish finally settled in - fringe benefit is that IME they're less prone to checking/handwear than most other makes. Personally, if it's a relatively new guitar with a nitro finish I wouldn't sand the neck - leave it out of the case (in a safe area) as much as conditions permit for the next couple months, and see if things begin to improve...

[jpmist]

Originally Posted by RRuskin

Some finishes are like that. Buffing the neck with 000 gauge steel wool can help.

I'll add that talcum powder works also if you don't mind a little mess. . .

[The Bard Rocks]

Originally Posted by RRuskin

Some finishes are like that. Buffing the neck with 000 gauge steel wool can help.

Exactly what I'd suggest. Or maybe even 0000 gauge.

[Mandobart]

Originally Posted by RRuskin

Some finishes are like that. Buffing the neck with 000 gauge steel wool can help.

Four ought. 0000. Or green scotch brite if you have a magnetic pickup.

[nightflight]

Thanks everyone.

It's a new-to-me acoustic guitar... 25 years old and relatively beat up. So I doubt it's a matter of the finish settling in. It has been cleaned and repaired, so it's not dirty either. I'll try a fine steel wool.

Much appreciated!

[s2y]

Loosen your grip.

[bufflehead]

Originally Posted by RRuskin

Some finishes are like that. Buffing the neck with 000 gauge steel wool can help.

0000 gauge might be better.

EDIT: I hadn't read further in the thread to see that others have already made this recommendation. Apologies for my haste.