Even though guitars are inanimate objects they really do become an extension of us. We choose them carefully and after a while we do form a bond with our instruments. Keeping them playing and looking their best will let us get the most from our guitars. Just because we play hard, that doesn’t mean our instruments have to look like it. Planet Waves offers everything you need to get the most from your instruments and keep them looking great including a fret polishing system, string cleaner, fingerboard conditioners and the three step polishing system. Don’t take our word for it; take it from Slipknot’s Mick Thomson #7:I’m serious. This is not a sales pitch. This is how it is, and it really is that good:
The three step process of Restore, Protect and Shine is impressive. It’s very similar to detailing an auto finish. Restore has a fine cutting agent that cleans and helps to remove fine scratches. Protect adds Carnauba Wax for amazing gloss and reflection. The finish almost looks wet. Shine adds a little boost to those steps and should be used on its own frequently to keep the finish looking new.
The key to it working is elbow grease (the more you do - the better the results. The only better way would be to use the same products after stripping the guitar bare of hardware and using a random orbital buffer). Don’t simply wipe on and wipe off for the first two steps. The time you spend equals the results you get.
Apply the first step using very small (like 2" diameter) circular rotations. Give it a few minutes to dry to a haze. Don’t do the whole guitar at once. Do sections (I usually do 4). Do the same for step two. ALWAYS use a clean polishing cloth as to not scratch the finish. Any sh*t on the cloth can (and likely WILL) put scratches in your finish. Use a separate cloth to apply and remove and use different clean parts of the cloth during the process (i usually end up using 4 sections of any cloth).
After using Restore and Protect you can either stop there, or add a little Shine to another polishing cloth, wipe gently and buff. From there you can just use Shine as needed (perfect for day to day polishing). After a while (everyone beats sh*t up at a different rate) you can start the process over and make your guitar "new" again. It really does take the appearance of years off a guitar.
I use these on everything I own from an old $300 Kramer to a $10K Les Paul. I’ve found nothing better.
-Mick Thomson
There you have it, from a pro who is putting Planet Waves Instrument Care products to the test nightly on the world’s biggest stages. When it comes to guitars, he’s got ‘em all & doesn’t cut corners when taking care of them. You shouldn’t either!
does this work on only guitars with a polished look or flat finishes too?
ReplyDeletePolished finishes only, I'd assume.
ReplyDeleteDoes Mick actualy polish his own guitars each night or does his tech...and I would think that his tech is the one who found this product and uses it...I doubt it was by Mick's doing . Futhermore, I would also have to say that a great many techs may use this stuff but with the fast pace and show demands of pro techs, a three part polish and system is unpractical and time consuming when you have 7 or more guitars your touring with and needing to polish every night before the your boss takes the stage . As with any guitar and polish, the amount of "Elbow Grease" and "Time" you put into polishing will result in a nice bright shine....
ReplyDeleteNo One makes some great points.
ReplyDeleteThis is some professional stuff man, im deffinetlty gonna try thats sometime.
ReplyDeleteMick is the BEST
Kool
ReplyDeleteHe obviously owns guitars that he plays at home, I don't think his tech is following him around there. Since both the guitars he mentions in the article will never be seen with him on stage I'm assuming he probably does do this, just like he said he does.
ReplyDeleteits true, i am a guitar tech but not currently on the road. it really depends on the demands of the artist you work for. Some require FULL detail on guitars like changing strings for ALL guitars on every show. Some guitarists change strings every few shows. As demanding as a techs job is once you know the tricks of the trade it does not take ALL day as many think it does. As I said, it really depends on the guitarist you are working for. For instance, if you worked for Alex Lifeson of Rush you would have a whole day of work ahead of you because of Alex's stage setup and his numerous guitar changes each show. 3.5 hours of showtime and his relentless changes. For smaller bands, they may only use 3-4 guitars a show or less. Also some techs may have other duties as well that may keep them busy like helping out another guitar tech, bass tech or the drum tech. Some guitarists dont ask for a full on shine and polish because they know their instruments will take a beating on tour.
ReplyDeletemaybe to many it sounds like a marketing ad but remember, guitarists do take care of their instruments outside of touring and studio work. Many big bands put their gear in a warehouse and the artists use what they have at home keeping touring gear separate from personal gear. Techs dont cater to their artists when not on tour. Even as big a star as Neil Peart is, his tech Lorne is on tour with Kiss or other bands when Neil is not on the road with Rush. They care for their own instruments so im sure Mick at one point or another polishes his own gear.
No One, if you read the article properly, he mentioned that Restore and Protect should be used from time to time, and only Shine for daily polishing. Any guitar tech will find the time to polish 10 guitars between shows. And Mick Thompson is one of the most anal guitar players out there, he may or amy not polish his guitars every day on the road but you can bet he does it at home.
ReplyDelete