New Eric Johnson Strat - help! Loose tone knob + ding

[Spare-Flair]

I just got myself an Eric Johnson strat off ebay, it's used and there are some questions I have.

Is it safe to use weak rubbing alcohol on the body to clean it? It has a nitrocellulose vintage laquer type finish. There are also small dings in the bottom, is there anyway to fix this? Any product that I can pour in and fill it with?

Finally, I have a loose bridge tone knob Is it easy to tighten this and could I do it without removing the strings? ie: just lift the pickguard up somewhat? This is my first "real" guitar (the others being cheap garage sale or used junk) and I would love any advice you could give on taking care of it.

Thanks!

[axeshredder]

rubbing alcohol should be safe...try it out on the back first...though i recommend a wax or polish. Take the strings off and pull the whole pickguard.....you shouldnt be afraid of these two things because many beginners start paying for these simple processes. Other wise you will risk scratching your guitar or cracking your pickguard. Though tightening this shouldnt need the removal of pickguard......take knob off, pull up on pot as you tighten the nut....DO NOT SPIN POT BECAUSE IT COULD DAMAGE THE WIRING UNDERNEATH Google is your friend and lots of advise can be sought there as far as repairing damaged finished....stewmac.com is a great place..good luck

[web]

dude, use lemon oil, US$5.30 for a pack, great for cleaning.