Metropoulos Forum

I just finished building a Les Paul replica and had great success "aging" the hardware w/ muratic acid. I read about fuming the parts, but didnt want a uniform dulling of the shine. I'll post pics of this soon.( I'll need to enlist the services of my 12 year old son for that) Anyway, I dipped the tailpiece and bridge, then let them set out for about 2hrs. Wiped them clean, then applied more acid with a small brush on areas that would naturally have more wear, like the edge of the bridge where you'd rest your hand. Also use a brush on the tuner casings(dipping would probably ruin tuners)All other hardware was dipped as well. Be sure to wipe everything clean once the desired effect is achived,if not the parts will continue to corrode. I used inexpensive chrome parts for this as I was'nt sure of the result and did'nt want to trash high dollar parts. I have'nt tried this on nickel hardware yet. The reults were excellent and cost was minimal. The acid is 10.00 for 2 gal. at home depot. Give it a try before spending a fourtune having someone else do it. I bought a bridge & tailpiece at guitar center for around 10-12 bucks ea. Be sure to use precautions when using acid- venhalation, saftey goggles and gloves are a must.

interesting approach. what strength is that?

Fender actually put there part out in the open and let them sit it the rain etc, they would probably use some sort of acid to eat away the layer that creates the shine, but doing this approach needs special care and also plan ahead so you get disappointed in the end results, try it on a section of chromed steel at home and work the time needed and write down your procedure and strength of the acid used.

Use plenty of ventalition. Those fume are pretty noxious and will burn your sinus in the right concentration. Also, the fumes will put a coating of rust on bare steel parts in your garage (first hand experience... )

Yes, do this outdoors if possible. I did not dilute the acid at all, I suppose you could dilute it for a more subtle effect. I'll have to try that.

Fender dosen't put them out in the rain in Arizona, that's for sure as there is no rain/humidity..
yngwie308

Thats what the Fender rep told us and had photos of the whole thing!