Naptha?

[wishicouldplay]

Has anyone had any issues using this? I've been using it every other string change & I haven't had any. I do notice I can't smell my laquer as strong as before, but that could be me just getting used to the smell. At this point I'm gonna continue its use, unless you guys have had any adverse effects.

 

[SamClemons]

What are you using it for?

 

[MrCairo46]

I use naptha to clean fretboard and all poly or nitro finishes. It cleans sweat, and dirt without harming the finish and evaporates quickly.

 

[SamClemons]

I would be concerned about using it that much, but I have not tried it. I go years without cleaning my fret boards. I know some folks tend to build up a lot more gunk than others. Guess it depends on how often you change your strings also.

 

[corliss1]

I don't really like cleaning fretboards, but if you're using it a maple finish neck that's nitro, that's the recommended cleaner. Rosewood would be a different story though...

 

[Gibson]

Naphtha!

 

[KokoTele]

It's slightly carcinogenic, so don't soak your skin in it. a dab or two on a rag won't be harmful.

It won't harm nitro, and the reason you don't smell the lacquer as strongly is just because the solvents have evaporated over time. Once that's done there isn't a lot left to smell.

 

[wishicouldplay]

Every other string change I notice build up on the fretboard. The back of the neck gets a gritty pasty feel too. After I use zippo fluid it is much smoother. While I'm at it I hit the whole body because of finger prints and such. I would say I change my string 2-3x a month.

 

[wishicouldplay]

It's slightly carcinogenic, so don't soak your skin in it. a dab or two on a rag won't be harmful.

It won't harm nitro, and the reason you don't smell the lacquer as strongly is just because the solvents have evaporated over time. Once that's done there isn't a lot left to smell.

I wish they made a car freshener with that smell. My wife thinks its weird I smell it all the time, but I just can't get enough of it.lol..

 

[KevinB]

Every other string change I notice build up on the fretboard. The back of the neck gets a gritty pasty feel too. After I use zippo fluid it is much smoother. While I'm at it I hit the whole body because of finger prints and such. I would say I change my string 2-3x a month. ]

You get build-up every ten days or so? Wow! Maybe you should wash your hands before you play?

I use naphtha to clean my (rosewood) fingerboards, maybe once a year before I oil them. In between I just wipe my guitars down with a clean polishing cloth. But, maybe I have different body chemistry that you do.

Rather than using Zippo stuff, just go to a hardware store and buy a quart can of naphtha from the paint section. It will be much cheaper.

 

[Thorpey]

Dunlop Jazz III peeking out in that photo?!

Good choice!

 

[sjtalon]

Been using it on all kinds of necks for years.

 

[wishicouldplay]

Dunlop Jazz III peeking out in that photo?!

Good choice!

Trying to use my fingers more & heard this was the pick to use. Now I can't use any others because they feel too big. My pickgaurd slightly bows there making it a great place to hold a spare.

 

[wishicouldplay]

Rather than using Zippo stuff, just go to a hardware store and buy a quart can of naphtha from the paint section. It will be much cheaper.

I don't use much, just enough to get the dirt & prints off. But buying in bulk sounds pretty good.

 

[Thorpey]

Trying to use my fingers more & heard this was the pick to use. Now I can't use any others because they feel too big. My pickgaurd slightly bows there making it a great place to hold a spare.

Yeah they're awesome!
Sounds like my pickguard! I guess the holes were drilled too close together but it facilitates pick storage so whatever

 

[Edwin]

Windex or glass cleaner works better in my opinion.

 

[Rob DiStefano]

naphtha (lighter fluid) is about one step removed from spit, with regards to safely and effectively cleaning anything to do with most anything connected to fretted instruments. i use it daily and run through almost a quart in a month.

 

[LeroyBlues]

naphtha (lighter fluid) is about one step removed from spit, with regards to safely and effectively cleaning anything to do with most anything connected to fretted instruments. i use it daily and run through almost a quart in a month.

+

We use barrels of it, literally, at the major guitar manufacturer that I work for here in Nashville, for checking the finish quality, cleaning fingerprints, tape residue, etc. I guess if you go nuts you could remove some of the finish, not sure about that, never went nuts with it. But it works well for us.

 

[guitarzan13]

naphtha (lighter fluid) is about one step removed from spit, with regards to safely and effectively cleaning anything to do with most anything connected to fretted instruments. i use it daily and run through almost a quart in a month.

+1.... The most used chem at my shop. Removes everything including sticker goo

 

[Thorpey]

Can it be used to clean gunk from metal parts e.g. Bridge plates etc. ?