here is my process. :
Remove the bridge
remove all threaded instruments and the little nuts that hold the string in..whatever you call em.
leave the saddles on or take em off... I usually leave em on as I don't want to re intonate the things.
get your self a practical container that you can submerse the bridge in, if you cant find one then flip it every 4-6 hours. be sure to throw all the screws and whatever else you took off in the can.
If the bridge is already pretty clean just let it sit a half a day or so.
check on it after a few hours to see how the *corrosion and crud have dissipated. You will need an abrasive tooth brush and a good wire brush for the threads. now is also a good time to use a 0000
steel wool if you want to clean and polish the bridge or what ever else. the brushes can only do so much so it is a good idea to give it a once over if needed. if you use the wool, make sure you put the parts back in the solution of wd 40 and be sure to spray the bridge down and soak it as you take it out the final time. spray it under the saddles and in the lock holes. this will help push anything wedged in there. Primarily small items.
after you pull it out, make sure you have old socks towels or rags around to carry it in *so you wont trash you floors.
bring it to your work station and dry it off as good as you can, then start fine cleaning it. Use lots of Q-tips. they will be your best friend!!
Also be careful when holding screws and stuff and using a wire brush. I have poked myself enough time doing that.
if you get a bridge or even
locking nuts or whatever that is very corroded or nadsy, you will need to repeat the soak process. That's when it pays off to do some cleaning during the soak time.
This process will keep your bridges, tuners, lock downs
screws and anything else in fine, clean working order and it helps to condition these parts as well. Be sure not to use WD 40 on anything electronic as WD 40 is highly conductive.
Doing this will keep your bridges and other parts in fine clean condition for the life of your guitar.
There may be other or even better ways of doing this but after 15 years and using other manufacturers products, this is the best thing I have come up with, some of the other stuff I have used, it actually made the parts gummy after about 6 months with their treatment on it.
I was excited when I came up with the idea too. maybe I invented it???
Oh yeah,make sure that if you don't remove the saddles that you check to see that they are tightened snuggly as the wd 40 will really juice it up and if they are not snug you may be doing an unwanted intonation job
Enjoy!!
Hope its as useful to you all as it has been for me!!!
Cheers!!
Scott
