How to Clean a Warwick Bass

All bass guitars can benefit from being regularly cleaned and polished. In particular, Warwick instruments, which feature natural wood finishes, should be maintained regularly. Also, a clean instrument will resonate more freely, giving it a bright, open sound.

Things You'll Need

• Warwick bass
• Bee's wax
• Polishing cloth
• Dunlop fingerboard oil
• Non-abrasive cleaner

Instructions

1. Remove the bass's strings to allow access to hard-to-reach areas, such as those between the pickups and bridge.

2. Determine the type of finish on the bass. A natural oil finish, shiny on the surface, retains the original color of the wood. A stained oil finish or satin finish will have a matte surface, and the grain of the wood will usually be accentuated. High-polish lacquer finishes, which hide the grain of the wood, have a bright, glossy appearance and a hard, sealed surface.

3. Use the polishing cloth to apply bee's wax to the body of a bass with a natural oil finish. Work in small circles, wait three minutes, and wipe off any excess bee's wax. Wipe matte or lacquer finished bodies down with a damp cloth or a non-abrasive cleaner such as Pledge.

4. Apply bee's wax to the neck using a polishing cloth and wipe off the excess after three minutes.

5. Wipe the fingerboard down with a very lightly dampened cloth. Let any excess moisture evaporate and apply fingerboard oil with a fresh cloth.

Tips & Warnings

• Clean the bass whenever the strings need to be changed.

• Use very small amounts of bee's wax and cleaners.

• Using abrasive cleaners, excess pressure, or rough cloth can cause damage to any instrument's finish.

References

• Manual For All Warwick Basses