Paul Studio
Paul Studio
Maintaining and cleaning a Gibson les paul Studio?
Hey guys,
I recently bought a Gibson les paul Studio (amazing guitar might I add) and I was wondering how do you clean this baby?
I was thinking of picking up some body polish and fretboard/string cleaner but I was wondering is that safe to use? Any chemicals/compounds in the polish I should stay away from?
Also, how often should I polish the guitar? I'm guessing not after every use because that would probably wear out the clean finish.
Thanks alot!
Personally, I try to stay away from any kind of solvent unless I absolutely need to remove any sticky or gummy stuff.
Soap and warm water for everything, basically, and dry well afterwards. For the fretboard, conditioning it every now and then is a good idea... every few string changes (every 6 months or so, or when the fretboard starts feeling dry) clean the fretboard well with again some soap and water, dry well, then rub a small amount of oil into the wood. I personally have used olive oil, and I have never had a problem. Many people prefer to use lemon oil or some form of mineral oil, but I don't like these options since both contain petroleum distallates, and I don't want that stuff near my guitar. A lot of luthiers use almond oil, which can be expensive, but is totally worth it in my opinion.
I don't think it matters how often you polish it. Whatever you feel comfortable with. Again, no abrasive chemicals, just a damp 100% cotton rag... they sell them at the music stores, or you can just use an old CLEAN white 100% cotton t-shirt like I do.
I don't use string cleaner. Don't see the point. I wipe off my strings when I remember after I play with aforementioned t-shirt. Single best things you can do for your strings, prolongs their life greatly. I also use something called GHS Fast fret, its a string lubricant that minimizes that squeaky finger-sliding sound, but also helps protect the strings from the oil and dirt on your finger tips. I put it on before and after I play.
When you change your strings, wipe off the hardware with aforementioned t-shirt (really handy, I'm telling you), that will help ward off rust and all that junk. Really gunky goo or whatnot can be removed with a razor (be careful!).
I have heard of people using some naptha (cleaner version of lighter fluid or start fluid) to clean the nasties, but that's your personal call.
Honestly, I've even heard of people using motor oil on their fretboards. Crazy bastards! In theory it should work, but .... eeewww?
If you have any questions, call someone at a real music store, not Guitar Center/Sam Ash unless you know for certain that they know their isht. They tend to be minimum wage, minimally-trained, aping whatever other people have said, unfortunately.
Saul
 |
 Gibson Les Paul Studio 50s Tribute GOLDTOP p90  US $655.00
|
 VINTAGE 1992 GIBSON LES PAUL STUDIO GUITAR DARK WINE W EBONY BOARD GOLD HARDWARE US $700.00
|
 Unique Gibson Les Paul Studio US $935.00
|
 |
Gibson Les Paul Studio Electric Guitar,Worn Cherry Satin List Price: $1,199.00 Sale Price: $799.00 Used From: $607.03  |
|
The arrival of the Gibson Les Paul Studio Electric Guitar in 1983 offered guitarists all the essential elements of a Les Paul Standard, including a carved top and humbucking pickups. Its simple yet elegant design quickly helped it become the most popular model in the Les Paul Series... |
 |
Gibson Les Paul Studio Electric Guitar, Wine Red, Chrome Hardware List Price: $1,799.00 Sale Price: Too low to display Used From: $1,002.23 |
|
Gibson's Les Paul Studio offers traditional Les Paul performance with a modern, no-frills attitude. Introduced as a guitar mainly for studio musicians, the Les Paul Studio has become one of the most desired--and popular--Les Pauls for its tremendous harmonic and sonic qualities... |
 |
Gibson Les Paul Studio 60s Tribute Electric Guitar, Worn Gold Top List Price: $1,399.00 Sale Price: $849.00 Used From: $782.72 |
|
In honor of the final incarnation of the original Les Paul, Gibson USA is proud to present the acclaimed Les Paul Studio in an exciting new package. The new Les Paul Studio 60s Tribute model embodies the look and tone of the great original Les Pauls from the 1960s, at a price that fits the wallets of today's hardworking musicians... |
 |
Gibson Les Paul Studio 60s Tribute Electric Guitar, Worn Honey Burst List Price: $1,399.00 Sale Price: $849.00 Used From: $720.00 |
 |
Gibson Les Paul Studio 50's Tribute with Dark Back and Humbuckers Electric Guitar, Satin Vintage Sunburst List Price: $1,399.00 Sale Price: $849.00 |
|
Think you can't afford a real Gibson? Well, think again! The iconic Les Paul design is enhanced with a torrified maple fingerboard for added definition, and the solid mahogany back adds a dark stained back for added beauty. |
 |
Epiphone Limited Edition Les Paul Studio Electric Guitar, Pelham Blue List Price: $582.00 Sale Price: $349.00 |
|
Here is a great guitar for the beginner guitarist, or just about anyone else after that classic Les Paul sound |
 |
Gibson Les Paul Studio 60s Tribute Electric Guitar, Worn Cherry Sunburst List Price: $1,399.00 Sale Price: $849.00 |
|
The 1960s Tribute electric guitar consists of a basic Gibson Les Paul chassis with all the essential elements needed to rock including a Nashville Tune-O-Matic bridge with stopbar tailpiece and Kluson-style tuners keep it all rock-solid and resonant and its gnarly P-90 tone stays true to the Les Paul style... |
 |
Gibson Les Paul Studio Satin Electric Guitar with Gigbag (Fireburst) List Price: $1,199.00 Sale Price: $799.00 |
|
Since 1983, Gibson USA has been proving not only that less is sometimes more, but also that less can sometimes knock your socks off - when it comes in the form of the popular no-nonsense Les Paul Studio model, at least... |
 |
Gibson Les Paul Studio 60s Tribute Electric Guitar, Worn Satin Ebony List Price: $1,399.00 Sale Price: $849.00 Used From: $645.04 |
|
The Les Paul Studio 60s Tribute features a solid maple top on a lightweight chambered mahogany body, giving players added comfort as well as the familiar tonewood combination to produce that classic Les Paul sound... |
 |
Gibson Les Paul Studio 50's Tribute with Dark Back and Humbuckers Electric Guitar, Satin Ebony List Price: $1,399.00 Sale Price: $849.00 |
|
Think you can't afford a real Gibson? Well, think again! The iconic Les Paul design is enhanced with a torrified maple fingerboard for added definition, and the solid mahogany back adds a dark stained back for added beauty. |