Alembic Guitars Club

Alembic products => Alembic Basses & Guitars => Topic started by: gale barchus (gbarchus) on October 28, 2002, 12:14:51 AM

Title: How to stop corrosion of brass parts
Post by: gale barchus (gbarchus) on October 28, 2002, 12:14:51 AM

The brass parts have developed spots under the finish, so wiping does no good. I'd like to take of my Alembic. What's the best way to deal with this?

Title: How to stop corrosion of brass parts
Post by: Jonathan Johnstone (stoney) on October 28, 2002, 11:38:46 AM

Try some Flitz.

Title: How to stop corrosion of brass parts
Post by: mica on October 28, 2002, 11:51:52 AM

If you're noticing some tarnishing under the clear finish on the tailpiece, you'll have to remove the finish and then use the Flitz on the bare brass. The best way to remove the polyester is to sand it off. You can also buy a new tailpiece and have it coated or uncoated, these start at about $85.
 
All the other parts we don't  clear coat and can be cleaned directly with Flitz. Many hardware and boat shops carry it. If you can't find it locally, you can  order it from our online store (http://store.yahoo.com/alembic/flitmetpol.html target=_blank).  
 
Do not use Flitz to clean the gold-plated tuning machines (or any other plated hardware). It's abrasive and can ruin the finish. Just wipe these parts clean and replace them once the plating wears off if the look bothers you.

Title: How to stop corrosion of brass parts
Post by: Joey Wilson (bigredbass) on November 03, 2002, 09:37:02 PM

An 'old home' trick for keeping the brass (or plated surfaces like the keys) is to apply a VERY slight film of Alberto VO-5 hair dressing to these surfaces AFTER you're through polishing.  This is the creme product that comes in a tube like toothpaste.  Just enough to where the parts feel barely slick to touch.  ANY greasy feeling means you've used too much.  This works especially well if you're anywhere near salt water and/or humid climes.
 
The stuff is all organic and harmless to plated surfaces and metals. I've used this for years and it really works well.  
 
Joey Wilson

Title: How to stop corrosion of brass parts
Post by: Jure Lopatic (jure_the_second) on December 07, 2002, 04:21:27 AM

I have the same problem with the bridge - it's not so beautyfull anymore. Can somebody write more about the 'old home' tricks, because products mentioned above are not available everywhere. More info about disassembilng and reassembling the bridge would also be appreciated for novices like me

Title: How to stop corrosion of brass parts
Post by: Douglas Signorovitch (1stbass) on December 09, 2002, 03:11:23 AM

will FLITZ work on the metal Alembic logo on the headstock, without scratching the wood around it, or must you just be careful?