I have a Collings Clarence White which I purchased new 13 years ago. Over the years it has acquired, where my arm rests during play, a fairly small "cloudy" patch. I know this is common.

Here's the problem. I purchased a new Fender Strat last year and it came with a small spray bottle of guitar cleaner/polish. Assuming it was safe on guitars I sprayed some on the cloudy patch of my CW and it left a nasty black ring which won't buff out. Anyone ever experience this? Any safe product out there that would remedy the problem?

Thanks.

You might try a little Virtuoso Cleaner. I really like it for cloudy spots, and I bet it will help with the black. You might also send an email to Collings asking their advice.

Thanks RB' I'll give it a try.

I second Rockerbob's recommendation, I love their Cleaner as well! I am sure it will take out the cloudy spot of your 13 years old Collings if it was used in the first place. But still, I think it should remove it now together with the black ring. Apply it slow and do it over and over again and you will get excellent result!

juhy 789,

Please keep us posted on how you come out. Good luck!

B

Take some before & after photos if you can.

Thanks all. I'm going to get some Virtuoso cleaner and polish and I'll try to post pictures.

It's very strange, almost like some funky chemical reaction took place when I sprayed the guitar cleaner on the cloudy patch. I'll keep you posted.

Jim

Guys..........I found the perfect solution, and it is what Collings recommended to me.

Don't waste your money on that other stuff you are talking about!!!!!

Get a bottle of Novus Plastic Polish 2. It costs about $9 for a small bottle. It is the most incredible stuff I have ever seen. I had a really big cloudy area and it fixed it right up, and it looks just like new. It took about 20 minutes. Good old elbow greese to go with it!!!!!

Novus Plastic Polish link - be sure you get No. 2!!!!!

Ditto on the Novus. I asked the guys at Collings what they would use, and the Novus products were what they recommend. I'd start with #2, but from what you desribe, I wouldn't be afraid to go to #3 if need be.

Stewart-MacDonald sells all three grades via their catalog or the web.

An original Collings Clarence White, is as you must know, an investment level guitar. If you are unsure of yourself, send it back to Collings, but don't let anyone, including Collings, talk you into overspraying the damaged area.

Just a follow up. I tried the Virtuoso and it worked beautifully! Took the dark spot right out. Great product. Thanks for the advice!

juhy789,

Glad it worked. Now buy a John Pearce Arm rest (Google it or see his web site). Seriously the Best thing I ever did to my acoustics. Also improves the projection.

Mac

+1 on the John Pearse armrest. I love 'em! Got one on my C-10G Deep Body right now...