I,ve been trying to figure this issue out for a while now on all kinds of filthy vintage instruments. Ive tried the Virtuoso cleaner and polish,Naptha, Dunlop 65, gibson pump and all the others. Im talking about 50 year old finishes here that would make the guitar look much better if it could be cleaned. On CLEAN shiny guitars (like this video), Gibson Pump works best to lift LIGHT sweat stains and really brings out the flame on Maple tops. On really old, grimy nitro finishes the virtuoso cleaner WILL do the job but be prepared for 2 hours of scrubbing and sore hands. I,ve come to the conclusion to do it right the hardware would have to be removed and a SMALL powered buffer,(as in weak) would do the job more evenly. Its so much work I have decided that the older grimy ones I am going to leave alone! Once the grime melts into the nitro it is REALLY hard to salvage it. Plus vintage 335's and SG's are pretty delicate to be leaning on with a buffer. Just my 2 cents for those who care....
IN SHORT: Get Dunlop 65, Virtuoso or similar, apply a small amount, polish with a microfibre cloth. Can be applied on the hardware as well, not on fret board or strings. ...(You don't need to watch the whole video for this "pro" tip).
ive been using Dunlop 65 on my 22 les paul trad pro v. I just figured out that it actually softens up the nitro and makes it smell really bad. it literally gives it a gummy feel that is not good. When i first got the guitar i changed the strings and used the D65 to clean it up and I thought it was just the way a Gibson finish was when new.. It actually cured over the last few weeks and i just cleaned it again and the gummy feel and smell is back.. It actually smells enough to give me a headache.. Glad i figured out what was causing it. Now its gonna have to cure a little more again over the next few days.
I have a PRS silver sky core model 2023 in Moc Sand finish. I think its Nitro finish and it has satin body and neck. Don’t know what should I use for cleaning it.
Ok, got the cleaner, just don’t really know what “RAG” your using. Is that an old piece of t shirt, paper towel, micro fiber, terry cloth? Kinda important on those expensive Gibson’s, and will I eventually polish through the nitro?
Hi, I recently bought a 2nd hand 2011 Gibson Les Paul. The finish is matte black and on top, it has nitro polish. However on the body some parts and the back of the neck are shinier. My question is “If I polish it with guitar nomad paste or any other product to protect the nitro, would it also make the rest of the body shinier, which I would fancy? Thanks in advance👍
Hi Miles! It's very likely this is a Poly finish... Check out this page: www.yourguitaracademy.com/courses/james-collins/lessons/general-guitar-cleaning and click to the second tab for instructions on how to clean this style of guitar. I hope that helps :)
I just got a 2018 tribute gibson les paul goldtop satin finish. How do I clean it? Can I use gibson's vintage reissue restoration kit particularly the Restorative Finish Cream for its satin finish ? (it says for "Nitrocellulose finishes") or do I just use a damp cloth to maintain and protect its satin finish? Thanks a lot!
Hi Jed! Very good question and I would suggest dropping James a quick email - He'll be happy to help you out with that I'm sure. Just send him a quick email to info@jamescollinsguitars.com (be sure to tell him you've enjoyed his videos of course!!)
4:38 every other source I've researched, including the bottle of Dunlop 65, says not to do this (spray directly on guitar.) It's "better" to spray on the cloth first
The “One Cleaner” is leaving white stains on my nitro guitar! Can anyone perhaps tell me what happens or recommend me another product? Is the Dunlop product any better?
Hi there! James usually uses Virtuoso pump polish... You can find more info here: www.yourguitaracademy.com/courses/james-collins/lessons/general-guitar-cleaning :)
I have a guitar that has a vintage (1970) Nitrocellulose finish that looks like it's supposed to be gloss, but it's extremely glazed over mainly the back of the body the front is ok, but has heavy checking and some glazy parts. I tried some cream polishes but when the polish dries and i buff the polish with a micro fiber towl it just pushes around the polish instead of buffing the finish. Any help?
Hi Brad, sorry for the delay and we have just heard back from James: "Unfortunately, 70’s cellulose finishes have that sort of issue regularly, the only thing I would recommend would be getting Virtuoso Cleaner & Polish, this may lift it and create a more even gloss finish.." Hope that helps a little Brad!
Your Guitar Academy Hi thanks I will keep it in,mind I took the guitar to a shop and the guy that helped me buff my guitar said that it was so dirty not from playing just age. He repeatedly kept buffing it eventually it started shine! Subbing now
I bought Gibson Vintage Reissue Restoration Kit and when I used Restorative Finish Cream on my guitar Les Paul Deluxe 2015 appeared streaks (like fog) that are difficult to remove :( What does it mean???
Hi Abner, the Epiphone will have a Poly finish, so follow the steps in this video (under the Poly Finish title): www.yourguitaracademy.com/courses/james-collins/lessons/general-guitar-cleaning :)
Hi Paky! The video simply shows how to best clean this type of finish... It's fairly basic but worth covering. You might enjoy the full series, which covers far more detail, here: www.yourguitaracademy.com/courses/james-collins
Do not polish the guitar with the strings on...you will get polish on the strings if you are not careful, as well as have an uneven polish where you are trying to weasel the rag under the strings and near the bridge. Polishing with strings removed will also keep you (or your OCD) from over polishing and damaging your finish in-between string changes. A simple microfiber cloth used to wipe down the guitar after playing will maintain a brilliant shine without the need for chemical polishes that can and will damage delicate finishes over time.
Sambo Elguapo What kind of cloth did you use? If the cloth wasn’t clean it could’ve had dirt on it that made scratches on the surface. It also could’ve been leftover dirt on the guitar, I personally do a dry dust-off of the guitar with a microfiber towel before I polish
I'm taking them seriously because they have British accents. Seriously, I was about to just spray some pledge and wipe vigorously in a non circular motion with a paper towel. Now Ive got some micro fiber cloths and on my way to the local guitar shop to purchase some adequate polish.
Hey man. I literally just saw these guys about 4 days ago and ordered the virtuoso cleaner and polish because of them. I had the Gibson pump, but it’s totally worth the investment. I couldn’t believe how good the virtuoso works. Definitely be carful with nitro finishes,guitar stands of rubber and foam will eat through the nitro.
I recently bought a used 2012 Gibson Songwriter Deluxe Custom Shop guitar. I "think" it has a nitrocellulose finish. images.reverb.com/image/upload/s--0zCDXyVz--/a_exif,c_limit,e_unsharp_mask:80,f_auto,fl_progressive,g_south,h_620,q_90,w_620/v1472264247/a28rkuttfz4rqrfvnutc.jpg images.reverb.com/image/upload/s--S9XcyeuU--/a_exif,c_limit,e_unsharp_mask:80,f_auto,fl_progressive,g_south,h_620,q_90,w_620/v1472264269/jdj0jtpgmu0r65oeo1uw.jpg I'm wondering if it's safe to use the Gibson Vintage Gibson Restorative Finish Creme and the yellow Gibson cloth on it. Thanks. images.reverb.com/image/upload/s--f_h58wYK--/a_exif,c_limit,e_unsharp_mask:80,f_auto,fl_progressive,g_south,h_620,q_90,w_620/v1469642865/lbtrp8wmluaiphjgmobo.jpg
I,ve been trying to figure this issue out for a while now on all kinds of filthy vintage instruments. Ive tried the Virtuoso cleaner and polish,Naptha, Dunlop 65, gibson pump and all the others. Im talking about 50 year old finishes here that would make the guitar look much better if it could be cleaned. On CLEAN shiny guitars (like this video), Gibson Pump works best to lift LIGHT sweat stains and really brings out the flame on Maple tops. On really old, grimy nitro finishes the virtuoso cleaner WILL do the job but be prepared for 2 hours of scrubbing and sore hands. I,ve come to the conclusion to do it right the hardware would have to be removed and a SMALL powered buffer,(as in weak) would do the job more evenly. Its so much work I have decided that the older grimy ones I am going to leave alone! Once the grime melts into the nitro it is REALLY hard to salvage it. Plus vintage 335's and SG's are pretty delicate to be leaning on with a buffer. Just my 2 cents for those who care....
IN SHORT: Get Dunlop 65, Virtuoso or similar, apply a small amount, polish with a microfibre cloth. Can be applied on the hardware as well, not on fret board or strings. ...(You don't need to watch the whole video for this "pro" tip).
ive been using Dunlop 65 on my 22 les paul trad pro v. I just figured out that it actually softens up the nitro and makes it smell really bad. it literally gives it a gummy feel that is not good. When i first got the guitar i changed the strings and used the D65 to clean it up and I thought it was just the way a Gibson finish was when new.. It actually cured over the last few weeks and i just cleaned it again and the gummy feel and smell is back.. It actually smells enough to give me a headache.. Glad i figured out what was causing it. Now its gonna have to cure a little more again over the next few days.
That finish looked almost perfect before you started
I love my nitro finish guitar! It sounds great : )
Awesome! What guitar is it?
So it IS ok to use Dunlop 65, even though it (supposedly) has a very small amount of silicone in it?
My Emerald Green Guild F65CE is stained from alcohol being spilled on it and other stains.How do I get it back looking great?
I have a PRS silver sky core model 2023 in Moc Sand finish. I think its Nitro finish and it has satin body and neck. Don’t know what should I use for cleaning it.
Ok, got the cleaner, just don’t really know what “RAG” your using. Is that an old piece of t shirt, paper towel, micro fiber, terry cloth? Kinda important on those expensive Gibson’s, and will I eventually polish through the nitro?
Excellent tutorial something I didn't Know thanks for posting
Hi, I recently bought a 2nd hand 2011 Gibson Les Paul. The finish is matte black and on top, it has nitro polish. However on the body some parts and the back of the neck are shinier. My question is “If I polish it with guitar nomad paste or any other product to protect the nitro, would it also make the rest of the body shinier, which I would fancy? Thanks in advance👍
I own an Epiphone Les Paul Special II Vintage Edition and I don't know what type of finish it is. How do I clean my guitar?
Hi Miles! It's very likely this is a Poly finish... Check out this page: www.yourguitaracademy.com/courses/james-collins/lessons/general-guitar-cleaning and click to the second tab for instructions on how to clean this style of guitar. I hope that helps :)
Your Guitar Academy The wood grain on my guitar is clearly visible, it is a Vintage Sunburst in color and the texture is Matte
@@milespiol4479 epis are poly
Can acetone be used to remove nitro from a guitar? Can you use stain over nitro? Can you use tru oil over nitro?
I just got a 2018 tribute gibson les paul goldtop satin finish. How do I clean it? Can I use gibson's vintage reissue restoration kit particularly the Restorative Finish Cream for its satin finish ? (it says for "Nitrocellulose finishes") or do I just use a damp cloth to maintain and protect its satin finish?
Thanks a lot!
Hi Jed! Very good question and I would suggest dropping James a quick email - He'll be happy to help you out with that I'm sure. Just send him a quick email to info@jamescollinsguitars.com (be sure to tell him you've enjoyed his videos of course!!)
How would you handle the satin nitro you find in Waterloo builds?
4:38 every other source I've researched, including the bottle of Dunlop 65, says not to do this (spray directly on guitar.) It's "better" to spray on the cloth first
WHat do you use to clean a VOS finish like the Gibson Murphy Lab guitars, where the nitro finish is dulled down and not glossy?
Hi there, the best person to ask would be James himself who is contactable here www.guitartechcourses.com/contact/
@@yga Thank you very much!
Does polish must be used to clean sticky back of the neck ? Kind regards from France
why dident you clean a guitar that was actually dirty,
The “One Cleaner” is leaving white stains on my nitro guitar! Can anyone perhaps tell me what happens or recommend me another product? Is the Dunlop product any better?
Hi, how can I remove an autograph made with a sharpie? Its a LP with a nitro finish.
Why is the exact name of the pump polish not shown?
Hi there! James usually uses Virtuoso pump polish... You can find more info here: www.yourguitaracademy.com/courses/james-collins/lessons/general-guitar-cleaning :)
I have a guitar that has a vintage (1970) Nitrocellulose finish that looks like it's supposed to be gloss, but it's extremely glazed over mainly the back of the body the front is ok, but has heavy checking and some glazy parts. I tried some cream polishes but when the polish dries and i buff the polish with a micro fiber towl it just pushes around the polish instead of buffing the finish. Any help?
Hi Brad! Bare with me and I'll see if I can get a good answer for you there (It's a bit above my personal knowledge)! Won't be too long!
Hi Brad, sorry for the delay and we have just heard back from James: "Unfortunately, 70’s cellulose finishes have that sort of issue regularly, the only thing I would recommend would be getting Virtuoso Cleaner & Polish, this may lift it and create a more even gloss finish.." Hope that helps a little Brad!
Your Guitar Academy Hi thanks I will keep it in,mind I took the guitar to a shop and the guy that helped me buff my guitar said that it was so dirty not from playing just age. He repeatedly kept buffing it eventually it started shine! Subbing now
Oh cool! Yeah, if in doubt take it to a pro... That's the best way :) Glad you sorted it and thank you for the sub in advance!
Please help I have the same problem with my Eric Johnson strat, what did the pro do?
I bought Gibson Vintage Reissue Restoration Kit
and when I used Restorative Finish Cream
on my guitar Les Paul Deluxe 2015
appeared streaks (like fog) that are difficult to remove :(
What does it mean???
Sounds like a "cloudy nitro finish", saw a video where someone used Virtuoso Cleaner & Virtuoso Polish to fix that.
Use a regular paper towel or cloth towel? And does this apply to a acoustic with a nitro finish? I have a J45
I think paper towels and tissues are a "no-no" with any kind of polishing.
What ! Use paper towels ?
You might as use E45 cream and sandpaper.
How would I clean my Epiphone Les Paul Custom? It’s a white finish
Hi Abner, the Epiphone will have a Poly finish, so follow the steps in this video (under the Poly Finish title): www.yourguitaracademy.com/courses/james-collins/lessons/general-guitar-cleaning :)
Thanks so much!!!!
what does this video accomplish in the end?
Hi Paky! The video simply shows how to best clean this type of finish... It's fairly basic but worth covering. You might enjoy the full series, which covers far more detail, here: www.yourguitaracademy.com/courses/james-collins
Do not polish the guitar with the strings on...you will get polish on the strings if you are not careful, as well as have an uneven polish where you are trying to weasel the rag under the strings and near the bridge. Polishing with strings removed will also keep you (or your OCD) from over polishing and damaging your finish in-between string changes. A simple microfiber cloth used to wipe down the guitar after playing will maintain a brilliant shine without the need for chemical polishes that can and will damage delicate finishes over time.
Ok? Okay. Ok
"Its thinner so it should allow the tonewood to breath a little" oof.
Holy Smokes ! Put me to sleep.
I have a gibson j45 standard 2018 and when I tried to clean it it ended up with scratches , can anybody tell me is this normal ?
Sambo Elguapo What kind of cloth did you use? If the cloth wasn’t clean it could’ve had dirt on it that made scratches on the surface. It also could’ve been leftover dirt on the guitar, I personally do a dry dust-off of the guitar with a microfiber towel before I polish
1:59 sort of general nastiness X-D
I'm taking them seriously because they have British accents. Seriously, I was about to just spray some pledge and wipe vigorously in a non circular motion with a paper towel. Now Ive got some micro fiber cloths and on my way to the local guitar shop to purchase some adequate polish.
Hey man. I literally just saw these guys about 4 days ago and ordered the virtuoso cleaner and polish because of them. I had the Gibson pump, but it’s totally worth the investment. I couldn’t believe how good the virtuoso works. Definitely be carful with nitro finishes,guitar stands of rubber and foam will eat through the nitro.
Watch on higher playback speed... these guys are SLOW.
Thanks for not telling us shit. Jeez. Time I’ll never get back
I recently bought a used 2012 Gibson Songwriter Deluxe Custom Shop guitar. I "think" it has a nitrocellulose finish.
images.reverb.com/image/upload/s--0zCDXyVz--/a_exif,c_limit,e_unsharp_mask:80,f_auto,fl_progressive,g_south,h_620,q_90,w_620/v1472264247/a28rkuttfz4rqrfvnutc.jpg
images.reverb.com/image/upload/s--S9XcyeuU--/a_exif,c_limit,e_unsharp_mask:80,f_auto,fl_progressive,g_south,h_620,q_90,w_620/v1472264269/jdj0jtpgmu0r65oeo1uw.jpg
I'm wondering if it's safe to use the Gibson Vintage Gibson Restorative Finish Creme and the yellow Gibson cloth on it. Thanks.
images.reverb.com/image/upload/s--f_h58wYK--/a_exif,c_limit,e_unsharp_mask:80,f_auto,fl_progressive,g_south,h_620,q_90,w_620/v1469642865/lbtrp8wmluaiphjgmobo.jpg
Larry L contact Gibson