Cleaning the changer

[Nick Bidmade]

I read from time to time on the US Forum about cleaning the changer by pouring fluid over it - I think they call it naptha?
What do folks here think of the idea - and what is naptha in English? Anyone tried it? Did it work? Does it need re-lubricating - and if so, with what?
I don't have the technical or engineering skills to try to take a changer apart si that's not an option for me.
Be gald of any advice/suggestions.

[Zumbilly(Murdoch)]

Lighter fluid is naptha, It works fine since it evaporates quickly leaving little.or no residue.
Put newspaper or similar under Your guitar(changer) and carefully using the spout on the container apply a copious amount of fluid to the areas between the changer fingers.The fluid will wash thru and land on the paper below.If Your changer was really dirty You will see the dirt on the paper.The changer will need relubricating since it will now be dry.I use a little applicator which I bought in the U.S which is not unlike a hypodermic needle and will direct the lubricant to the exact place required. A very light sewing machine oil is best. I was warned off Teflon based oil by Gary Rittenberry and He advised 3 in one oil.
Billy

[henry]

that's interesting about the oil recommendation.

I used 3 in 1 for a bit but found it left a nasty residue, maybe it was the grade/brand/quality I was using..?
I used a teflon based spray for a bit which I think Basil H recommended , it was ok but seemed to disappear pretty fast
I am currently using an oil dispenser that Williams sell on their website. It's pretty clean and stays around a while. I sent them an email asking what it was but got no reply

I've heard sewing machine oil is good too.

Henry

[henry]

http://williamsguitarcompany.com/store_ ... ml#Layer24

[zbplayer]

Just do this a couple of times a month and you,ll be fine !!

[Nick Bidmade]

Thanks Billy - I think this is a job for spring-time when I can get out into the garden to chuck lighter fluid around!

[Tony Smart]

With regard to lighter fluid and a lacquer body, if yours is I'd be careful if I were you. I don't know if it would act a solvent on the finish.

Never fancied the idea myself of pouring it in the changer.

I went the whole hog and took the changer out. Stripped it down cleaned it replaced some washers and put it all back.


Scariest week of my life..,...

[Nick Bidmade]

Hi Jason - not an option for me. I'm clueless when it comes to tools, dis-assembling and re-assembling things and mechanics of any sort. I would end up with a box of unrecognisable bits with no idea how to sort it out.
It's lighter fluid for me!

[Zumbilly(Murdoch)]

You can also buy a can of compressed air from a computer shop (Maplins etc,.) quite handy for giving the tight areas a blow thru; although they sometimes tend to deliver a little water with the air due to the pressure and temperature change as it is released from the can.
Billy