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Cleaning bass silver parts

Author: normancult
Date: 2011-05-28 17:04

Hi there,
I just got a superb 1193 bass that was sitting in a school basement for 5 years.
What a sound and deal.
Unfortunately its metal parts (the bell and the neck) are very dirty, full of mold.
How can I clean it without any damage to the parts?
Should I use any special products or just soap and water?
Any tips?

Thanks a lot.

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Re: Cleaning bass silver parts

Author: Chris P
Date: 2011-05-28 17:13

Washing up liquid and water is fine, but take the keys off them before washing.

Do you mean mould or tarnish? If the plating has tarnished, remove the keys and polish with either a silvercloth or silver polish and then wash and rinse them thoroughly to remove the polish. Then replace the keys and add a drop of key oil to the screw as you put it back in.

Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.

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Re: Cleaning bass silver parts

Author: normancult
Date: 2011-05-28 17:31

Thanks Chris. :-)
The real problem is really inside the bell and inside the neck.
I can't reach them very well and using only a swab I get no result.
Any other idea?

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Re: Cleaning bass silver parts

Author: Chris P
Date: 2011-05-28 19:36

A flexible brush used for cleaning brass instrument bores should work, but wrap enough cloth on it so it makes contact with the inside of the tube.

Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.

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