Cleaning grime off vintage guitar?

[hellhound]

Hi all, long time lurker and first time poster. I’m 23 and it’s always been a dream of mine to own an early 60’s jazzmaster. I start my new job tomorrow, where i’ll make an extra $1000 a month, which i plan on setting aside each month until i can buy a vintage jazzmaster at the end of the year.

Anyways: I know these vintage instruments often have grime or dirt or whatever on them. I get a lot of people say to leave it because it adds character, but that’s not for me haha. Is there a safe way to do so with any household cleaners? I’m specifically looking at the headstock face itself and don’t want to damage the nitro or decal.

Looking forward to getting to know all of you all and hearing your opinions. Thanks.

[terminalvertigo]

I wouldn't touch it tbh.

Welcome to the forum!

[supersonicjazzmaster]

I wouldn't touch it tbh.

Welcome to the forum!

[thisisnickpaige]

Headstock? Don't touch that! I tried once on the body of another guitar and cracked the nitro (big no no.)
However the neck and fretboard i think are a must clean. I clean'm thing like a whistle without any adverse effects. Plus if its rosewood i always think it smart to give it a coat of lemon oil to keep it moisturized, however i am far from an expert.
Everybody is different but areas i touch i want stick free.

[hellhound]

agh! I was afraid you all would say that, but i suppose it’s better to be safe than sorry. maybe i’ll get lucky and find one under $10k with a nice clean amber tint.

[Telliot]

If you want pristine, I’d suggest a newer guitar with a poly finish and it will keep its shine forever, but if you’re going vintage I’d leave it alone. Nitro can be finicky and not play well with others, and the last thing you want is a sticky melting finish.

[Scout]

Naptha is the goto cleaner for most vintage finishes, found in most lighter fluids . Don’t go crazy, a little on a soft cloth goes a long way. You should always try cleaning an inconspicuous area first to be sure but it’s the choices of professionals.

[MattK]

Yeah be careful - a lot of supposedly "natural" cleaning products have traces of bleach or similar in them. Great for a kitchen bench but a one-way ticket to hell for a vintage finish. Naphtha is a mild solvent which is kind to finishes, but be cautious around plastic parts.

[hulakatt]

I wouldn't use any household cleaning products on it. A lot of them could really jack up the finish on a guitar.