The effects of perspiration, rubbing, smudging though incremental, can be devastating over time. Oil from your skin (some of you are all two keenly aware of "acid sweat") is hard enough on eroding and oxidizing strings, but the finish of your instrument is something to be concerned about.

Of course, commercial polishes are out there for that occasional "spring cleaning," but the best preventative measure and protection for your instrument is a simple untreated soft cloth. Micro-fibre or chamois is great; you especially want to avoid Terry cloth (towel) or anything with harsh fibers. You may not notice immediately the long term destruction yielded of a bad cloth, but unfortunately once the damage is done, it's irreversible.

Wiping finger prints of the instrument daily is your best course. Make it a habit of wiping down your mandolin prior to putting the instrument in your case. This short term investment of time will prevent build up, keep your instrument looking nice, and preserve its overall value.

Posted by Ted at September 23, 2005 8:50 AM