Belt Buckle Scratches: Avoidance Ideas, Anyone?

[Ken Smith]

Originally Posted by Jeff Jenkins

Since the bass is finished with Oil, you can use a light grade of steel wool pad from Lowes or Home Depot #0000 grade preferably to lightly take the scratches out without going very deep into the finish. Belt buckle rash is really not that big of a deal to players, its just a fact of life. Now, collectors see it in a whole new light, because they are looking to own the bass for awhile, take a few pics with it, and then sell it or trade later for a profit, or a new G.A.S. acquisition. Nothing wrong with that, I do it too, but if you intend on playing your Smith live, dents, scratches, and buckle rash are to be expected and should you decide to sell it or trade it later on, its still going to be worth a little something, for sure!

No.......

Guys, Steel wool of any grade can take the finish off down to the wood. Scratches down to the wood can not be taken out that way. Only a re-finish can. Even re-waxing at best might only help hide the marks and mars.