Murphy Soap Oil

Dr.Mavashi

neonderthalotonalogist
Can it be used to clean the maple fretboard? I am talking strat's fretless maple neck with little finish.
 
Re: Murphy Soap Oil

Yes it can, if you use caution. I prefer to either leave it that way, or rub with naphtha. Just seems more "natural" or "right" to me.
 
Re: Murphy Soap Oil

Yes it can, if you use caution. I prefer to either leave it that way, or rub with naphtha. Just seems more "natural" or "right" to me.
Naphtha? Caution? it has a few little, tiny dings where finis is bet dented or cracked, is it ok?
 
Re: Murphy Soap Oil

Naphtha is favored by not only me, but many pro repairmen around the world. It's strong enough to clean dirt and grime, but mild enough to not damage the finish. As long as you're gentle, it's a great cleaner.

If you'd like to use Murphey, use the same caution you would with any other cleaner on a guitar.
 
Re: Murphy Soap Oil

As long as it is not nitro, use naptha all day long on it.
 
Re: Murphy Soap Oil

Dave, why do you say that? I've used Naphtha on nitro, and vintage brittle nitro with no problems. Not doubting any reason of yours, just curious as to what others have experienced.
 
Re: Murphy Soap Oil

Dave, why do you say that? I've used Naphtha on nitro, and vintage brittle nitro with no problems. Not doubting any reason of yours, just curious as to what others have experienced.

Just remember that Nitro is Solvent based. Naphtha is basically a petroleum distillate which puts it in the solvent family . I don't know how aggressive a solvent it is?? ( water is a solvent as well ) I think that's the point Dave is trying to make ? Go easy with that stuff on Nitro.
 
Re: Murphy Soap Oil

I always go easy on the naphtha, I was just curious if he had a reason that I didn't know. I've always used the hot breath method first (I stole it from Dan Erlewine). That one seems to do the best on vintage guitars without a lot of gunk buildup.
 
Re: Murphy Soap Oil

I´ve seen drops of naphtha cause issues on nitro, I generally prefer to avoid it on nitro finishes as a result. Better safe than sorry. Rubbing alcohol works just fine in most cases, too, and is significantly less aggressive ;)

Finished maple necks generally get warm water and just a dab of soap at my place for cleaning if the hot breath method doesn´t work well enough.
 
Re: Murphy Soap Oil

Well, I had change strings fast, so I just stayed away from Murphy's soap oil after hearing "Careful" so i am just gonna stick to lem oil, has not done a thing to this strat over 10 year period. Thanks guys.
 
Re: Murphy Soap Oil

I just use a warm water damp cloth and then I buff it dry. That will take of 99.9% of anything that is on there. Occasionally I will use some lemon oil.

Bill
 
Re: Murphy Soap Oil

Well, I had change strings fast, so I just stayed away from Murphy's soap oil after hearing "Careful" so i am just gonna stick to lem oil, has not done a thing to this strat over 10 year period. Thanks guys.

Well, Lemon oil is a complete waste on a finished fretboard because the oil won´t penetrate the finish... But it will clean it w/o causing damage, just kind of overkill is all ;)
 
Re: Murphy Soap Oil

Jimi Hendrix was fond of using Naptha on his nirto finish, I can see no down side to this
jimi.jpg
 
Re: Murphy Soap Oil

I don't use naptha on ANYTHING but I for sure keep it away from nitro...

Not sure about Murphy's...never thought about it to be honest...

I still think a damp cloth is the best thing...
 
Re: Murphy Soap Oil

Nobody commented on the fact that he said he has a "fretless" maple Strat????

I would just use regular polish on a maple or natural board (thats what i use on all my maple boards)
 
Re: Murphy Soap Oil

Nobody commented on the fact that he said he has a "fretless" maple Strat????

I would just use regular polish on a maple or natural board (thats what i use on all my maple boards)
He-he, you right, i did not even notice myself. I meant fretboardless of course. what kind of natural polish?
 
Re: Murphy Soap Oil

What kind of polish for my AIR guitar? I am a little concerned too much moisture might cause lifting of the AIR frets.
 
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