I wish I knew this before I bought a vintage Gibson SG many years back that was covered in years of cigarette smoke grease. I cleaned it with alcohol and it melted the surface of the nitro cellulose, though I was able to polish a shine back with the alcohol damp cloth. After a while it developed crazing of the finish as it dried out, although this is often considered desirable in old guitars, it could have been prevented if I'd used Gojo. Now whenever I acquire any antique that needs cleaning, I go for the Gojo, it is the gentlest most effective cleaner you can use on ANY surface and leaves a lustrous shine so no need for a wax polish. I wonder if they even use it to restore old master oil paintings?
@Bob thanks Ive got everything done up and running nicely. The only problem is the needles on the automatic speed indicator doesn’t extend far enough to be seen in the window. Any way to adjust?
@Bob the needle actually moves into the 78 position when the motor starts but only the very tip is visible. It doesn’t extend into the window where it ought to be. I swapped motors and put a motor from a Victrola xi from the same generation.
Then apply a mixture of 1/4 white vinegar and 3/4 canola oil. Apply liberally and let it set for 24 hours. wipe off the excess oil mixture after 24 hours.
Very good. This is something I intend to try too. I can't get Gojo but have some similar hand cleaner. Thanks 😀 👍
Can't wait to try it. Thank you.
Good luck!
Looks great!
I wish I knew this before I bought a vintage Gibson SG many years back that was covered in years of cigarette smoke grease. I cleaned it with alcohol and it melted the surface of the nitro cellulose, though I was able to polish a shine back with the alcohol damp cloth. After a while it developed crazing of the finish as it dried out, although this is often considered desirable in old guitars, it could have been prevented if I'd used Gojo. Now whenever I acquire any antique that needs cleaning, I go for the Gojo, it is the gentlest most effective cleaner you can use on ANY surface and leaves a lustrous shine so no need for a wax polish. I wonder if they even use it to restore old master oil paintings?
Finally found the hand cleaner at NAPA. What did you use after cleaning to protect it?
Thanks for sharing! Just bought a Victrola X in oak and it was covered I soot. Got as much as I could with ammonia but think I’ll go over it with gojo
@Bob thanks Ive got everything done up and running nicely. The only problem is the needles on the automatic speed indicator doesn’t extend far enough to be seen in the window. Any way to adjust?
@Bob the needle actually moves into the 78 position when the motor starts but only the very tip is visible. It doesn’t extend into the window where it ought to be. I swapped motors and put a motor from a Victrola xi from the same generation.
Great job it looks like new !!
Thanks so much! Still does which is amazing after a year or so...
Have you tried this on alligatored shellac finishes?
I have! With those I actually do this with #000 steel wool. Check out my video on the Vic III and Herzog cabinet and you'll see the outcome!
Then apply a mixture of 1/4 white vinegar and 3/4 canola oil. Apply liberally and let it set for 24 hours. wipe off the excess oil mixture after 24 hours.
Really? I hadn't heard that one. What does that do? The canola oil that works its way into the wood won't go rancid?
I don’t think it will. The guy that’s recapping my 49 Philco gave the recipe to me. It’s used to restore a lot of his cabinets
Use cotton cloth
NOW i know why my victrola is extremely dark to the point you cant even see the wood grain 😮
That is for SURE the reason, years and years of built up grime and dust sticking to old furniture polish. Good luck!
Much of that is cigarette smoke.
Nope, just old, oxidized lacquer/shellac.