I have used wire wool on frets and fretboard before but carefully masked for obvious reason. A powerful vacuum cleaner will usually remove all the wire wool fragments. That way you can clean it up from everywhere before removing the masking, i.e. the work surface etc. It can be useful to use some kind of liquid in the wire wool. Then the fragments don't float around as much.
I use the 200 through 800 fret erasers. But im soon going to get the mesh polishing pad set from stewmac. Also get a fingerboard guard or tape up the board
I've used 0000 steel wool on my guitars for almost 50 years without incident. I do this outdoors and hold the guitar headstock down so most of it falls off the fingerboard. I then vacuum the guitar from body to headstock and have never had any issues with pickups or anything else.
So, let me get this straight? You start with steel wool, which shatters and leaves steel bits everywhere. Even with tape all over the guitar, this can be REALLY bad for pickups. Then you try to clean up the mess with a powerful magnet that can damage the pickups? Why not use micromesh pads, or scotchbrite, or simichrome, or frone, or fret erasers or... any number of things that WON'T damage the guitar. I have worked on a number of guitars that have a bunch of steel fuzz embedded in the pickups - wonder how that got there? Probable time to failure - who knows? And for good measure, maybe don't do it on a surface that can shatter and damage guitars or human skin. Oh, yeah, be SUPER careful putting all that tape on an aged, checked nitro finish. No problem going on, but "wow, look at those $ flying out the window" coming off. My take on it - use ANYTHING besides steel wool when you're working on electric guitar frets. And the rejoinder "I've done this for (X) years, and never had a problem" - keep in mind, some people walk across interstates for years without a problem - then here comes the speeding truck... Bye... Remember, just 'cause it is a youtube "tips" video, you can't count on it being a GOOD tips video - well-intentioned, but basically bad advice.
Excellent! But magnets around pickups can alter existing electromagnetic properties - which is part of the overall issue. And why not use a small plastic bag like the one in the video?
I have used wire wool on frets and fretboard before but carefully masked for obvious reason. A powerful vacuum cleaner will usually remove all the wire wool fragments. That way you can clean it up from everywhere before removing the masking, i.e. the work surface etc. It can be useful to use some kind of liquid in the wire wool. Then the fragments don't float around as much.
I use the 200 through 800 fret erasers. But im soon going to get the mesh polishing pad set from stewmac.
Also get a fingerboard guard or tape up the board
Great "ah hah" moment. I use stainless wool, but the crumbs issue was a real eye opener. Thanks a bunch!😊
You're welcome!
I've used 0000 steel wool on my guitars for almost 50 years without incident. I do this outdoors and hold the guitar headstock down so most of it falls off the fingerboard. I then vacuum the guitar from body to headstock and have never had any issues with pickups or anything else.
Steel wool does an amazing job but as you're aware, the leftovers are the problem.
I use a vacuum
No kidding!
Agree seems to be leaving a lot to chance for the magnet to grab every bit of loose debris
I would only use the wool on super gungy fretboards ,if fretboard has cowboy wear best to scrape off with razor blade method.
Even then there are better ways.
So, let me get this straight? You start with steel wool, which shatters and leaves steel bits everywhere. Even with tape all over the guitar, this can be REALLY bad for pickups. Then you try to clean up the mess with a powerful magnet that can damage the pickups? Why not use micromesh pads, or scotchbrite, or simichrome, or frone, or fret erasers or... any number of things that WON'T damage the guitar. I have worked on a number of guitars that have a bunch of steel fuzz embedded in the pickups - wonder how that got there? Probable time to failure - who knows? And for good measure, maybe don't do it on a surface that can shatter and damage guitars or human skin. Oh, yeah, be SUPER careful putting all that tape on an aged, checked nitro finish. No problem going on, but "wow, look at those $ flying out the window" coming off. My take on it - use ANYTHING besides steel wool when you're working on electric guitar frets. And the rejoinder "I've done this for (X) years, and never had a problem" - keep in mind, some people walk across interstates for years without a problem - then here comes the speeding truck... Bye... Remember, just 'cause it is a youtube "tips" video, you can't count on it being a GOOD tips video - well-intentioned, but basically bad advice.
That was intense! Thanks for watching.
Get a magnet, cover the magnet with scotch towel, use magnet to pickup all steel wool fragments
Simple
Excellent! But magnets around pickups can alter existing electromagnetic properties - which is part of the overall issue. And why not use a small plastic bag like the one in the video?
Point taken but, just can't be stupid.....steel is generally magnetic.
Yes it is. And not everyone is aware of the obvious.
Steel wool was never a good idea around electric guitars. Better products are available for that application.
Exactly the point.
If you're trying to clean the board itself use soft to medium bristle tooth brushes
With vinegar to remove grime.
But clean vinegar very quick and reapply some oil or fingerboard protection
Just don't use it