How to fix uncomfortable rosewood freboard friction

[Ayrton]

Re: How to fix uncomfortable rosewood freboard friction

Which color Scotchbrite are you using for fret polishing? Been using steel wool because I have it, but would like to switch.

Getting an exact is difficult, but this will guide you on colors

3M Scotch Brite Nylon Pads:

7445 - White pad - (1000) 1200-1500 grit
7448 - Light Grey - (600-800) 800 grit.
6448 - Green - (600) 600 grit
7447 - Maroon- (320-400) 320 grit
6444 - Brown pad- (280-320) 240 grit
7446 - Dark Grey pad- (180-220) 150 grit
7440 - Tan- (120-150) 60(?)

[Mincer]

Re: How to fix uncomfortable rosewood freboard friction

Getting an exact is difficult, but this will guide you on colors

3M Scotch Brite Nylon Pads:

7445 - White pad - (1000) 1200-1500 grit
7448 - Light Grey - (600-800) 800 grit.
6448 - Green - (600) 600 grit
7447 - Maroon- (320-400) 320 grit
6444 - Brown pad- (280-320) 240 grit
7446 - Dark Grey pad- (180-220) 150 grit
7440 - Tan- (120-150) 60(?)

Which are the ones to have around for routine maintenance (not fretwork)?

[eclecticsynergy]

Re: How to fix uncomfortable rosewood freboard friction

I think I'll go with the Lemon Oil, but did you ever use the other "Hydrate" product?

No fretboard oil product will actually hydrate your guitar. For that you need moisture in the air - ideally a room with a humidifier. For decades now I've kept a sponge in each guitar case. I dampen them slightly every couple of months so the guitars don't get too dry over time. This has worked well for me and I've never had a problem with mold or mildew.

[ehdwuld]

Re: How to fix uncomfortable rosewood freboard friction

Real lemon oil is citric acid
Dont use the food product

I use the Formbys or Old English

[eclecticsynergy]

Re: How to fix uncomfortable rosewood freboard friction

I used Formby's for many, many years. Absorbs quickly, penetrates well.
It's primarily mineral oil with lemon scent, not actual lemon oil.

Wiped on lightly and left to sit for a few minutes- seldom any residue left but I'd wipe afterward with a clean cloth anyway.

I've switched to Fret Doctor bore oil in recent years, but the Formby's always worked well for me.

[GuitarDoc]

Re: How to fix uncomfortable rosewood freboard friction

Real lemon oil is citric acid
Dont use the food product

I use the Formbys or Old English

There IS a difference between lemon JUICE, and lemon OIL.

[Ayrton]

Re: How to fix uncomfortable rosewood freboard friction

Which are the ones to have around for routine maintenance (not fretwork)?

What sort of maintenance? I usually keep green and gray around the shop for guitar stuff.

Weird how all those vintage instruments lasted without so much as a drop of magic fretboard oil.

Get yourself a bottle of instrument bore oil and be done with it. Use once/twice a year tops.