.....and what should I do to get it off? I have a PRS without the chrome covers, by the way, with the original pickups. I think its making my rig sound kinda screwy......
#0000 very fine steel wool or Brasso. Just remember that dust from the steel wool will be atracted to the pole pieces and DO NOT get Brasso or any other metal polish on you guitar's finish. Rust on your pick ups should not be affecting your sound, however the rust on the outside of the pick ups could be a sign of corrosion on the inside. Make sure you are doing all you can to keep your instrument out of moisture. It's OK to sleep with your guitar but you shouldn't bath with it. Also keep in mind that the rust may from the PH level of you skin. Some people (including myself) have acidic or salty skin and touching certian metals will cause the metal to oxidize at a faster rate than normal. Are you using any type of spray cleaners or polish on you guitar? Many sovents and polishes contain mostly water and should not be used on metal parts. In fact I wouldn't use this stuff at all. Over time these chemicals can build up on your guitar and make it look duller instead of shiney. Most modern guitars have polyurethane finishes and/or clear coats and do not require polish.
Any Ideas about gold hardware? I hate the stuff, and probably won't buy another guitar with it, but I have one and it just flakes off. It was fine for about 5 years and now everytime I touch it peices come off. Any clues?
MIKE
I prefer Nickel hardware over anything...
Heritage has it right.
I would'nt use the steel wool treatment for gold plated hardware LOL The thing to do for preventing further flaking of the gold plate would be to remove the affected hardware from the guitar and use a clear gloss spry enamal in serveral very light coats. The parts can be restored for around $100 for a gold like brass electroplating. Most town have an electroplating shop and if not, you can find adds for these shops in automotive magazines such as "Hemming Motor News" OR if you want to get rid of the gold plate all together, if can be sanded or bead blasted and then the metal beneth the electroplating can be buffed and polished. Any of these method however involved are still cheaper that buying replacment hardware for your guitar......