NZGuitars.com

Has anyone restored the oxidized gold hardware on a guitar. Actually I do not think oxidized is right as gold does not tarnish or oxidize ?
here examples are attached.

jennz wrote: ↑Mon Mar 04, 2024 1:20 pm Has anyone restored the oxidized gold hardware on a guitar. Actually I do not think oxidized is right as gold does not tarnish or oxidize ?
here examples are attached.

My understanding here is that the pitting you see is oxidisation of the metal underneath the (very thin) gold plating. I don't think there is any compound or simple process that can restore the gold. At least, that is my understanding.

On the positive side, some of us much prefer guitars that look worn in (or worn out).

jennz wrote: ↑Mon Mar 04, 2024 1:20 pm Has anyone restored the oxidized gold hardware on a guitar. Actually I do not think oxidized is right as gold does not tarnish or oxidize ?
here examples are attached.

Interesting approach to stringing. Tell me more.

olegmcnoleg wrote: ↑Mon Mar 04, 2024 2:25 pm

jennz wrote: ↑Mon Mar 04, 2024 1:20 pm Has anyone restored the oxidized gold hardware on a guitar. Actually I do not think oxidized is right as gold does not tarnish or oxidize ?
here examples are attached.

My understanding here is that the pitting you see is oxidisation of the metal underneath the (very thin) gold plating. I don't think there is any compound or simple process that can restore the gold. At least, that is my understanding.

On the positive side, some of us much prefer guitars that look worn in (or worn out).

Yes I agree . I will be stripping it and will use a Ultrasonic clean first.

IMOCD wrote: ↑Mon Mar 04, 2024 2:26 pm

jennz wrote: ↑Mon Mar 04, 2024 1:20 pm Has anyone restored the oxidized gold hardware on a guitar. Actually I do not think oxidized is right as gold does not tarnish or oxidize ?
here examples are attached.

Interesting approach to stringing. Tell me more.

That is what I thought too when I bought it . The previous owner said he had to do that to stop the bass strings touching the bridge !
It arrives tomorrow I can then see why .

Personally I wouldn't use an ultrasonic cleaner on those parts, they look pretty clean generally. You can polish the parts very lightly with Autosol and they will come up shiny, you may start to lose the gold finish though if you are not very careful. A proper setup and raising the tail stop will sort out the string height on the back of the bridge.

IMOCD wrote: ↑Mon Mar 04, 2024 2:26 pm

jennz wrote: ↑Mon Mar 04, 2024 1:20 pm Has anyone restored the oxidized gold hardware on a guitar. Actually I do not think oxidized is right as gold does not tarnish or oxidize ?
here examples are attached.

Interesting approach to stringing. Tell me more.

Top wrapping. It eliminates/diminishes the break angle at the bridge making the strings slinkier and looser feeling.

It also allows you to deck out the stop bar which some players believe sounds better (I can't hear any difference).

jennz wrote: ↑Mon Mar 04, 2024 3:09 pm That is what I thought too when I bought it . The previous owner said he had to do that to stop the bass strings touching the bridge !
It arrives tomorrow I can then see why .

I usually top wrap my tune o matic style bridges like those bass strings, I don't think I've seen a mix of some top wrapped and some wrapped normally!

sizzlingbadger wrote: ↑Mon Mar 04, 2024 3:29 pm Personally I wouldn't use an ultrasonic cleaner on those parts, they look pretty clean generally. You can polish the parts very lightly with Autosol and they will come up shiny, you may start to lose the gold finish though if you are not very careful. A proper setup and raising the tail stop will sort out the string height on the back of the bridge.

Yes I already sussed that.

NippleWrestler wrote: ↑Mon Mar 04, 2024 3:43 pm

IMOCD wrote: ↑Mon Mar 04, 2024 2:26 pm

jennz wrote: ↑Mon Mar 04, 2024 1:20 pm Has anyone restored the oxidized gold hardware on a guitar. Actually I do not think oxidized is right as gold does not tarnish or oxidize ?
here examples are attached.

Interesting approach to stringing. Tell me more.

Top wrapping. It eliminates/diminishes the break angle at the bridge making the strings slinkier and looser feeling.

It also allows you to deck out the stop bar which some players believe sounds better (I can't hear any difference).

Well I say . Thats a mew one for me

Lyle wrote: ↑Mon Mar 04, 2024 3:54 pm

jennz wrote: ↑Mon Mar 04, 2024 3:09 pm That is what I thought too when I bought it . The previous owner said he had to do that to stop the bass strings touching the bridge !
It arrives tomorrow I can then see why .

I usually top wrap my tune o matic style bridges like those bass strings, I don't think I've seen a mix of some top wrapped and some wrapped normally!

Some thing new to me . That is why I love this Site.

What guitar is that ?

StrummersOfThunder wrote: ↑Mon Mar 04, 2024 5:05 pm What guitar is that ?

I'm guessing an SX Lester

StrummersOfThunder wrote: ↑Mon Mar 04, 2024 5:05 pm What guitar is that ?

It is a SX Les Paul Custom Deluxe Version Model EH3BK. Sold a long time ago in NZ but still available in Aust.

Received the guitar and was pleased to see and play it. To to brighten up the gold hardware I first tried warm water and detergent........ no improvement. Next napthan......No result. Then tried a very light CRC Polish wax....... The result was great and did not remove any of the gold plating as can be seen by the attached pics. I could have replaced all of the hardware but as mentioned earlier by others . LEAVE WELL ALONE ! Why spoil the nice aged patina effect.