JoshRS wrote:
... i'm pretty sure that the small crack near the nut is indeed a finish crack. I'm an absolute novice but it seems that one side of the crack is cloudy, like the finish has come off the wood slightly, the other side is flush. I can't feel the crack either. Any pro way to tell the difference?
What you describe sounds like a finish crack but without pix it's just speculation on my part. Generally speaking, a fracture will follow the wood grain and a stress/finish crack can wander off in any direction and it is usually pretty obvious what has "flexed" to cause it.
Quote:
The fretboard needs a good cleaning, anybody know the best cleaning solution for that?
If there's finger jam (eww!) or divots, then scrape the wood, with the grain, using a single edge razor blade.
(note: you do not want to do that on a Maple neck! Just wash that lightly with warm soapy water and a toothbrush)
Follow with a fine grit sandpaper and/or #0000 steel wool (you'll also polish the frets as you go!). When done, apply a few drops of quality fret conditioner ("lemon" oil or similar) and rub it in with your fingers or a paper shop towel. Let it soak for a little bit then wipe it off and buff it until the excess is gone and the wood is dry and has a nice matte sheen.
p.s. #0000 steel wool does a great job but it sheds fine steel particles which will stick to the pickups. Be sure to cover them with some tape before starting.