Cosmo cleaning?

[chaos731]

OK...so I've got my lovely RG570GN, and it's working out beautifully. However, I've heard some horror stories about the cosmo hardware; e.g. they are particularly susceptible to damage/scratches/etc.
So, what's the best way to clean this hardware finish without fearing damage or the retribution of the guitar gods?

[Ayrton]

Cosmo wears off very easily, and I don't know if there is anything that can done about it.

Personally I hate that finish because it wears so fast and then looks like crap. I usually end up polishing the cosmo off with some Brasso and just have the chrome underneath.

[toshiro]

Brasso huh? Does that work on MIJ Edge trems?

I remember someone posting that Comet cleaner would take the cosmo off, but it doesn't work.

[Ayrton]

I think Comet would scratch the chrome...

I have had good success with 3M plastic polish and Brasso.

[toshiro]

Hmmm, guess I'll grab some brasso and give it a shot on a spare cosmo nut I have laying around. Would save me a lot of $$ and headaches if I could just turn my one RGs hardware chrome.

[albee1952]

Well, for starters, it won't be chrome. It really looks more like stainless steel and its a bit of work. If the cosmo is not worn thru, I would clean it with a simple spray cleaner and not use anything with any grit or abrasive. Pitting is impossible to fix. Once the cosmo is worn thru or pitted, all bets are off.

[toshiro]

Originally Posted by albee1952

Well, for starters, it won't be chrome. It really looks more like stainless steel and its a bit of work. If the cosmo is not worn thru, I would clean it with a simple spray cleaner and not use anything with any grit or abrasive. Pitting is impossible to fix. Once the cosmo is worn thru or pitted, all bets are off.

Well screw that. At least I can sell lightly worn Cosmo hardware after I buy chrome, ruined hardware is pretty worthless.

[albee1952]

I would have to agree as I just tried to sell a nice 520 with a worn trem and couldn't get squat for it.

[jb4674]

Leave it alone until the finish comes off on its own. The easiest way to clean a cosmo finish is to use a piece of microfiber cloth and wipe it clean without adding anything to it.

Jimmy

[HDS]

I cover my trems over with packaging tape. Over the place that always gets the worst ware.

[nullsys]

My cosmo has turned into various colors.
WHY do they do this?!
Why do they presume we all want " goth " looking hardware?!

Whats wrong with black or chrome anymore.
Its SO annoying!

especially for lefties.

[albee1952]

You can always change out the hardware as black and chrome are available from a few places including most Ibanez dealers. I get Edge bridges thru my favorite Ibanez dealer and the prices are not too bad. Plus, you can sell off the cosmo parts on the bay to recoup some of the expense.

[nullsys]

Where could you recommend getting an Ibanez Edge Pro Lefty?
Almost impossible in the uk, no one either seems to care or take you seriously.

[OCSk8Brdr]

I use a microfiber cloth to clean mine. It works well, but the finish is starting to lighten up on the bass side of the baseplate. I've had this bridge for a few years though...I think I bought it from Rich back in 2004/2005. It's a Cosmo Black Lo-Pro Edge. I bought it to replace the Original Edge that came with my S1220WNF.