Cleaning guitar parts with electrolysis

Brazilian luthier Rod Gomes shows Dan Erlewine a neat trick: using low-voltage electricity to clean age-old grunge from a Gibson Tune-O-Matic bridge. A couple hours in Rod’s electric soup, and the bridge is clean!

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ESP Multi Spanner

[ScienceofLoud]

2 Amps or higher

*shows PSU capable of 300mA*

[henrygordon]

I just love any video Dan Erlewine does - his tone and character and care for instruments and others just shines every time I hear him speak about guitars and guitar stuff. Just makes me feel great knowing he exists. Thanks for all the warmth, information, and authenticity Dan.

[LRS]

All these videos always make me smile while I watch them. I haven't found a single boring one. Nice to see people from many places coming to the show.

[ethanwelles]

Anyone know where I can find a glass dish large enough to submerge my truck for this?

[TheOldGuyPhil]

stewartmacdonald

Sorry for any confusion this may have caused. It looks like our earlier reply to this question was not reposted after the first video was accidentally deleted and then uploaded again. It was just a case where Dan misspoke. 300mA is easily enough to complete this electrolysis process. In fact, you'd be hard pressed to find a DC power supply like this with 2 amps.

[bradcarroll]

I learn SO MANY THINGS on these videos Mr. Erlewine. I am familiar with this process for things I do at work, but would have never put 2 & 2 together, using it on guitar hardware.
P.S. I really appreciate how you use the REAL DEAL guitars, even iconic and irreplaceable ones to show these Trade Secrets. I guess when you’re a true Master at their craft, as you are, there’s not any risk at all. Actually, I consider you a level above a Master. If a word exists to describe that complete and utter mastery of a trade, I am not aware of it. Thank You so much for teaching us Dan wannabes!

[TheCentralflorida]

"Can I stick my finger in?....(sticks finger in)


"Uhhhh sure go ahead"

[soundcheck]

If you use salt, chlorine is produced during electrolysis, which is really not something you should be breathing. You may want to use baking soda instead.

[rangka-ESAF]

Because of this video I managed to clean various metal bits from rust, not only guitar part. Thank you!

[ron.v]

Lots of videos on YouTube show this trick but none of them go into as much detail as yours. Thank you Rod and Dan for explaining each step.

[philofdeath]

Luthier Brasileiro ! Máximo respeito, Rod !

[manobrass]

One caveat, don't use any stainless steel in place of the hammer. The chromium leaches into the water and can make some pretty toxic compounds. Use mild or carbon steel, or better yet, graphite (I found some graphite plates on ebay).

[able]

So cool. Amazing how the rust and dirt goes but the look stays the same . Thank you Dan!

[chewbactimusprime]

Just tried this myself, and works frickin' awesome! What's left behind looks like something you've gotta have a permit to dispose of, though. Make sure the pan you choose is retired from casserole makin'..

[Asscobara]

This is great and works!
Thanks guys for showing this.

[sn_mustang_garage]

Wonder why this was uploaded again, same exact video a few days ago.

[dennyps]

Excellent tips and video demo. I read the entire list of comments and 2 questions did not get answered:
Will this process deplete or remove the gold plating off my gold platted Floyd Rose Whammy bridge ?
2. What do I do to preserve the treated bridge or hardware from now on?

[timapple]

I tried this with a 9V 350ma and got next to no reaction. I just tried a12v 1000ma and it seems to working very well the first 15 minutes here.

[jaarriaga]

The best and simpler explanation of this process

[thek-man]

Thanks for the great tip! Cleaning my friends 7 string tuneomatic bridge right now!!