Care and Cleaning of the Steel Body Resonator

[General Specific]

I have just been trusted with a friend's new Fender Steel Body
Resonator while he relocates (long story). It's a 2006 and it's
already beginning to tarnish. It's a whitening of the finish at
contact points on the body. Perhaps it's from Bob's sweat. There are
a couple of perfectly formed finger prints.

The problem is, it doesn't just wipe off. Bob buffs it off with a
cloth.

Is there an easier way?

Are there any products made for cleaning these guitars?

Can I use stainless steel cleaner?

[David Martel]

Brad,

If this is a chrome plated steel body then use some Coke or Pepsi. These
are traditional chrome cleaners. They are fairly strong acids with
"scrubbing bubbles". Don't forget to rinse well.

Dave M.

[Winston Smith]

Chrome or silver polish, wadding cloth (caution...use this sparingly, it's
abrasive) or most other good quality metal polishes work well. Don't rub
too hard or you'll be down to the brass. Remember, it's a plated finish.
Most important of all, be sure to wipe the guitar down after each use.
Don't wait until later. The metal is reacting to the oils left behind from
your skin. As for the Coke or Pepsi idea...hmmmm? I think I'll take a rain
check on that one. ;-)

Post by General Specific
I have just been trusted with a friend's new Fender Steel Body
Resonator while he relocates (long story). It's a 2006 and it's
already beginning to tarnish. It's a whitening of the finish at
contact points on the body. Perhaps it's from Bob's sweat. There are
a couple of perfectly formed finger prints.
The problem is, it doesn't just wipe off. Bob buffs it off with a
cloth.
Is there an easier way?
Are there any products made for cleaning these guitars?
Can I use stainless steel cleaner?

[Louis Gibelin]

Post by General Specific
I have just been trusted with a friend's new Fender Steel Body
Resonator while he relocates (long story). It's a 2006 and it's
already beginning to tarnish. It's a whitening of the finish at
contact points on the body. Perhaps it's from Bob's sweat. There are
a couple of perfectly formed finger prints.
The problem is, it doesn't just wipe off. Bob buffs it off with a
cloth.
Is there an easier way?
Are there any products made for cleaning these guitars?
Can I use stainless steel cleaner?

My National Style "O" came with a pocket of "Blitz" ...
Looks like some impregnated cloth ...
Never used it ... Can't tell ...
Seem to remember there was something on their web page ...
Here is is :
Quote ""

2. How do I clean the nickel plating?

Start with the least abrasive cleaning techniques before moving on to
the more abrasive ones. Remember, nickel plating is p-l-a-t-i-n-g.
Clean the nickel with a soft cloth (we use cloth diapers) & some rubbing
alcohol or white vinegar. This should be done EACH time you use it and
should get the fingermarks off. We have also used window cleaner.
If that doesn't work, use a chrome polish such as Turtle Wax or FLITZ
(you can call (888) 92-FLITZ for dealers near you). Apply with soft
cloth, let dry and rub off. This application is the least abrasive.
If there is still a problem, apply the liquid polish with a soft cloth
and polish clean while still moist. Once the instrument is pristine,
apply a very light coat wax that has carnauba in it such as Johnson's
Clear Paste Wax or Meguire's No. 26 Car Wax. This will provide a little
buffer between the nickel and the world.
""

Hope this helps ...
All the best