I have just aquired a roughly 10 year old g.s.banjo from a heavy smoker, and it has a sticky feel to it that I figure is from tar and nicotine. (The wife made me air out the case for a week ) I am going to dis assemble and clean but I'm not sure if I should just clean with soap and water and then wax, or is there something else that you guys would recommend. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
First thing I'd try is naphtha or mineral spirits.
quote:
Originally posted by Dan GellertFirst thing I'd try is naphtha or mineral spirits.
I think Dan has the right idea. I believe I would try mineral spirits before naphtha. Either way, I think one of those would have better results than soap and water.
Edited by - Culloden on 05/17/2026 18:14:43
You could always take up smoking cigarettes like the old timers did.
A good friend was gifted a Martin guitar that had been abandoned by an itinerant picker for years in the greasy smoky kitchen of a restaurant. It was heavily covered in smoke and condensed grease fumes. It looked bad and smelled worse.
He managed to get it presentable with Windex and elbow grease.
With actual chemical solvents you'll need to be very careful not to remove the banjo's actual finish.
Edited by - The Old Timer on 05/18/2026 06:43:41
When cleaning instrument finishes I use these things in this order:
-water.
Just a damp soft rag, not a bunch of water on the finish. Rub and see if it removes most of the dirt.
-detergent or soap.
add a tiny bit to the water and see how it goes
-naphtha
Most dirt is water soluble so the first two usually work, but if not there might be some stuff that is not water soluble. Naphtha will often dissolve it without damaging the finish.
After getting the surface clean, I sometimes polish lightly with Novus 2 polish.
Depends what gold star used for finish back then. I’d guess, poly, you're probably safe with anything short of acetone or lighter fluid. I tend to use GHS Guitar Gloss on most finishes. And old worn white cotton undershirts. You will see what you’re pulling off your finish quickly! Old caramel colored funk.
It IS easier to remove the funk from the instrument than the case that comes with it. But baking soda and sunlight will help on Mr. Gold Stars home he lives in when not playing either you. Be sure and clean the heck out of the case.
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