What should I use to clean my Bourgeois guitar?
In general, it is not necessary to use "cleaning products" on your guitar. If you wipe your guitar clean after playing with a soft, dry cloth (an old cotton tee-shirt should do the trick), you're guitar will be fine.
Most well-known brands of cleaner made specifically for cleaning guitars can be used on Bourgeois guitars without causing long term damage to finish. It is important not to use furniture polishes, or other types of cleaners and polishes containing silicone, as silicone may inhibit future finish touch-up.
Most polishes and waxes made specifically for guitars will also not damage our finishes. Waxes and polishes containing wax should be used as little as possible, in most cases no more than once a year. In most instances,
shiny surfaces can be restored by regular use of guitar cleaners. Always follow directions provided with cleaning and polishing products.
Never use rubbing compound or polishing compound unless you have prior experience using these materials. Removal of scratches and deep scuffs should only be attempted by professionals.
Though fretboard oil is not necessary for the long term-term maintenance of fretboards, occasional use is not harmful. As with cleaners, polishes and waxes, only use well-known brands made specifically for guitars, and be sure to follow instructions.
We are familiar with guitar care products offered by Planet Waves and by Stewart Macdonald Guitar Supply, and can recommend these to owners of Bourgeois guitars. Though many other good guitar care products are now available to players, we do not have enough first hand experience with the companies that offer them to comment on their suitability for use with Bourgeois guitars.
Page last updated: September 27, 2007
