Frets on a KH2

[Danny Wang]

Apart from my JEM, I've a few guitars, one which is my KH2.I don't usually play the KH2 very often and when I don't I get this irritating grind or squeal when I bend the strings. I know this usually happens if you don't play the axe, but how can I avoid it? The frets itself, although in good condition is constantly getting yellowish and no longer shiny and smooth.

How do I go about getting the frets to be shiny again. Is there any fret solution I can use to remove the yellow parts and restore the shine.

Thanks

[Rich]

Fret corrosion is probably you're whole problem, unless it's had a level and they weren't polished enough. Either way some AAAA steel wool will do the trick, just make sure to mask off each fret with tape as you move down the board.

[Danny Wang]

Will it damage the frets at all when doing this? The frets are in great condtion and have not been levelled at all.

Is there no solvent the remove this corrosion. And when left unattended, will it damage the frets?

Thanks for your help.

[Rich]

You 'can' use metal polish, but it usually just goops up at the bottom of the fret and won't polish like 4 aught. Sitting won't 'hurt' the frets, it's just going to make the job of cleaning them up even tougher.

[Todd Crawford]

A old teacher of mine got me hooked on using cymbal polish to clean frets. It does wonders. Just go to your local music store, and get some Zildjian cymbal polish. Doesnt hurt anything.

[Christopher Chen]

I experience the almost exact thing on my jem77fp, after 4 years of use and abuse, some of the frets are slightly flattened from all the bending. Which hence causes the metal from the top of the fret to build up on the sides. Run your fingers on the frets....you're sure to feel it.

I hate the feeling when I bend the strings...kinda feels like scratching your nails on a chalk board....EEEEEEE!

As for solutions, a fret level would be a good choice, but be sure to take it to a real pro, fret jobs are a very sensitive issue and you'd naturally want an experienced guy doing the job for you.

I'm not too sure about the metal or cymbal polish though, I have to try that one out.

Good luck!

Chris.

[Erok]

I too use Zildjian cymbal polish, It works well for me. Something else you can pick up at most music shops is a silver cloth for flutes. They are pretreated with polish and make everything fast and easy.

[frankfalbo]

I'm real careful not to get solvents on the fretboard, but I use Brasso all the time. It will shine them up beautifully, especially after the 0000 steel wool. The steel wool doesn't get them so I can see my ugly face in them. I like to be able to do my hair in my frets. The brasso also will act as a light coating to slow/stop this phenomenon. You may also have acidic sweat, so that when you put the guitar in its case, it is "fermenting", promoting oxidation.

[Danny Wang]

A mate of told me to use a touch of car polish with fine steel wool. Has anyone heard of this one before??

[Project Guitar]

Rich is right use 0000 steel wool....if you have an excessive buildup of junk on the fretboard you can skip the tape too...just take your time and it will all clean off.

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