Regarding the guitar polishing tips in last weeks newsletter: www.GuitarSite.com/newsletters/990412/1.shtml

I would advise caution in using the Maguires polish #4 on guitars with acrylic finishes. I'm sure the advice was offered in good faith, but Maguires # 4 is highly abrasive and should only be used when an instrument has years of grunge built up on it, or after sandpaper has been used to level a spot in the refinishing process. When using any polish, use a less abrasive polish before going to a heavier polish.

Personally I find that Maguires # 2 is good place to start on a mildly dirty instrument, and sometimes I then apply Novus Plastic Polish #2 (call (800) 548-6872 for nearest distributor) for a final polish, particularly on acrylic (non- nitro cellulose i.e. non-vintage) finishes. I used Maguires # 7 for a few years until I found Novus #2. The Novus polish is great for pickguards too. Often a buffing wheel of some sort is necessary to get a really good shine in the final polish (again, use extreme caution).

While cleaning a guitar is not rocket science, you do want to be careful and use the right tools for the job. Naturally this can be costly if you are an amateur because you might end up buying three or four grades of polish at $9.00 U.S. each), not to mention a buffing attachment for your drill and regular old Martin or Gibson polish to finish up with,just to clean your guitar once in a while. But then some jobs are better left to pros.

Once again, use extreme caution before using Maguires # 4 if at all on acrylic finishes.

Steve Carmody
www.GuitarRepairshop.com