I've just recently picked up a pair of S45.2's.  The drivers are intact and sound great, however the cabinets (rosewood) could benefit from a bit of refinishing.  Nothing major... just a little scratched and faded.  Anyone have experience refinishing these?  Any special precautions I should take?  

ANY information would be helpful.

Thanks!

There is some info on this, I asked it a while ago, check this thread: http://forum.beoworld.org/forums/t/35662.aspx

There's a lot more, check the search function for rosewood.

First remove fat with white spirit or something like that, then sanding with 1000 grit paper, then apply rustins Danish oil, it works wonders. If you have to sand deep to get scratches out you might get to a layer of wood with less color, you could try rustin's wood dye for that, the red mahogany version, but I have no experience with that!

Good luck!

The Jarman's book has a section on restoration. A good read as well!

Frede explained this in the thread about the BeoLab/Master 5000.

Two stages of light sanding and a polish with beeswax.

In fact, last night I actually did just that, minus the sanding part. Mine were in pretty good shape to begin with. I used beeswax without even realizing it was preferred! (Howard's Feed-n-Wax)

What did you polish Evan? And, what about some pictures of your result

Evan:

When I get home I will get some pics asap!

And here they are! Recovered the frets last night, not entirely thrilled with the results...

Anywho, I photographed outside for good light but its a very gray day here in Ohio

Mind you, they were very good examples to start with and I did not sand, only waxed.

Beautiful markings. I hope they sound as good as they look.

I agree, and what nice photo's Ev!  I just tidied up a pair of S30s to give to my scouse friend. I used Barkeepers Friend on the aluiminium strips, came up a treat, and had no effect on the rosewood.

Thank you gents!

They sound absolutely incredible Peter. Indescribable really.

Andy, my gold strips are actually in relatively poor shape and replacement would probably be the only way to improve them.

If anyone would like a pair of  BVS35 fret badges they are more than welcome to them. Just send me a PM!