Sanding the neck

[grritz]

One of the first things I do with a new (or used) guitar is sand the back of the neck, to remove the gloss and make it un-sticky.
I've experimented with different grits and different kinds of sanding materials: sandpaper, 3M pads, whatever.
I'm not sure I'm where I wanna be yet with the feel, so I'm looking for what others here do.
Do you use sandpaper? Wet or dry? 3M pads. Other? What grit? 80 is too harsh for me, so I'm thinking of maybe 120 or 200 grit.
Please advise.

Thanks.

 

[ETucc]

I would just use some 3M Scotch Brite to buff it up. Sandpaper seems like an overdo scenario.

 

[FrieAsABird]

Hmm, I’ve only ever used really really fine grit Sandpaper, like 1500 grit. I wouldn’t go lower than say 600 for a first go. Steel wool may suffice as well?

 

[Bob the builder]

I used 400 to a ful talc ....done

 

[StratUp]

Go very light if you use anything under 600, and be careful with that. You can go right through a thin finish.

 

[tubedude]

I use the green sxotchbrite pad.
I don't recommend steel wool. That gets everywhere and the pickups don't like steel in the coils. If you do use it, tape up the pickups so the magnets don't pull in the steel dust.

 

[StratUp]

I use the green sxotchbrite pad.
I don't recommend steel wool. That gets everywhere and the pickups don't like steel in the coils. If you do use it, tape up the pickups so the magnets don't pull in the steel dust.

Or order some brass wool. Non-magnetic. These days, most people go with the scotchbrite pad / plastic... but it's to get the finer /grits locally.

 

[LawFlow]

0000 steel wool, but beware of pickups. It doesn't take much to do the job.

 

[Tsjackson]

Are you trying to remove the finish all together or just knock off the gloss?

 

[charlie chitlin]

600.
Long strokes all the way up and down the neck.
Light pressure.
Takes about 10 seconds.

 

[revtime]

Last one I did started with 600 then 1200 then 1500.
SMOOOOOTH

 

[Believer7713]

I normally use a brown Scotchbrite pad and I don't worry about removing all of the finish. If I do then the wood will get dirty and show its wear. My skin oil will do well enough to keep it from falling apart. Olic, my Jackson Dinky, has been bare for at least 13 years now and still has no problems.

 

[jvin248]

.

80 grit with a belt sander should be enough for anyone.

However, steel wool has no reason to be anywhere near a guitar for any reason.

.

 

[revtime]

At that point a chainsaw will make it quick.

 

[StratUp]

.

80 grit with a belt sander should be enough for anyone.

However, steel wool has no reason to be anywhere near a guitar for any reason.

.

Ridiculous. 80 grit is way too rough. You have to follow that up with 120 on the belt sander.

 

[Believer7713]

Ridiculous. 80 grit is way too rough. You have to follow that up with 120 on the belt sander.

Awe c'mon. Go big or go home. 40 grit.

However, steel wool has no reason to be anywhere near a guitar for any reason.

Why not ask some of the professional luthiers? @Scott Baxendale

 

[grritz]

OP HERE: I'm thinkin' this thread has degenerated into another one of those "I'm-right-you're-wrong" discussions.
I asked for advice. I got it. I completed the sanding last night. Can we just leave it alone now?
It just isn't THAT IMPORTANT to be right!
Thank you for the advice.

 

[StratUp]

Awe c'mon. Go big or go home. 40 grit.


Why not ask some of the professional luthiers? @Scott Baxendale

Not to digress, but if you're looking for low grit, try the Gator line from Lowes. I have other preferences for fine grits, but when it's time to remove large amounts of material, those green Gator disks cut fast, don't clog, and don't wear out.

 

[revtime]

OP HERE: I'm thinkin' this thread has degenerated into another one of those "I'm-right-you're-wrong" discussions.
I asked for advice. I got it. I completed the sanding last night. Can we just leave it alone now?
It just isn't THAT IMPORTANT to be right!
Thank you for the advice.

Being right is the only thing that is important.
Scott B is a very knowledgable guy. I respect that knowledge.
But keep your own counsel. If you believe a certain course of action is the best way to go stick to your guns. After all your life expierence is what matters.
And give up trying to control how a thread evolves.
Some of us are just snarky A holes.

 

[grritz]

And give up trying to control how a thread evolves.
Some of us are just snarky A holes.

Yeah...good advice. Thanks.