Best fretboard cleaner?

[theodie]

Re: Best fretboard cleaner?

The alleged "correct" way to do this is with naptha and 000 or 0000 steel wool. It works well enough, but if the board's really filthy, you may want to swab it down with something more absorbant than steel wool on the first few passes.

Along with Dan Erlewine, I'm skeptical of the repackaged snake oil sold to credulous musicians. He recommends unboiled (food grade) linseed oil, but I find that it's too gummy. Personally, I find that extra-virgin olive oil works as well as anything, doesn't gum up and you already have it in your gourmet kitchen anyway, right?

I don't use any oil containing petroleum distillates on my fingerboards.

Actually, the way I do it that I listed in a previous post is the same way Erlewine does it also. He uses the Stew Mac conditoner also.

 

[Bezmotivnik]

Re: Best fretboard cleaner?

the same way Erlewine does it also. He uses the Stew Mac conditoner also.

Ah. He's changed his tune since he started working for Stew-Mac.

I see. Imagine that.

 

[disturb]

Re: Best fretboard cleaner?

Endust to clean. Linseed oil to condition.

 

[shredaholic]

Re: Best fretboard cleaner?

FretDoctor - does the job the best and is really good value for money too.

 

[theodie]

Re: Best fretboard cleaner?

Ah. He's changed his tune since he started working for Stew-Mac.

I see. Imagine that.

I can see why, their conditioner is good stuff! Dan Devolops alot of their products anyway.

 

[theodie]

Re: Best fretboard cleaner?

Endust to clean. Linseed oil to condition.

on Ebony and Rosewood try lighter fluid. Its a hell of ALOT BETTER for cleaning.

 

[Redmist]

Re: Best fretboard cleaner?

Unboiled linseed is recommended because the heating process used in boiled linseed destroys a natural enzyme which prevents any fungal growth on the wood. However, unboiled takes longer to dry and is prone to build up if not completely stripped before re-application. Olive oil like all veg oils will eventually dry but remains sticky for a long time and is also prone to build.
Pure lemon oil is great for both cleaning and conditioning if you can find it.

 

[Zerberus]

Re: Best fretboard cleaner?

Ah. He's changed his tune since he started working for Stew-Mac.

I see. Imagine that.

For the record, Dan Erlewine has been working for Stew-Mac for longer than most here have even known what a guitar is, something like 20 years or so. Considering that he develops many of their products, I think it´s safe to say he´s not trying to pull anyone over the table when he recommends one, as his reputation as a luthier is still outstanding and certainly wouldn´t be if he were recommending crapola for such a reason