sonikBOOM wrote:ask me anything. ive built a number of instruments with a couple of exceptional builders in my time. i dont know it all but i know i can either help or find out for anyone that needs it

I just removed the board off a 1960s bass, with my fingers, because the glue went bad. The constituent wood parts are in great condition. The two steel reinforcements and the truss have rusted.

Should I tear the reinforcements out and clean those too? Is there a better way to solve this problem? Can I clean the top of the strips and 'seal' them before reattaching the fretboard?

I can take pics.