Cleaning a rosewood fret board?

[strat_master]

Hi guys im wondering should i clean my rosewood fret board on my MIM strat? IS there even a differnce in cleaning it? I dont really notice any gunk on it. Also if i did clean it what would i use and how would i go about doing it? Would i have to remove all the stirngs of the guitar first? Lastly are there any advantages by cleaning your fret board?

 

[Norman_T]

Re: Cleaning a rosewood fret board?

There is an advantage in cleaning your board - because even though you may not notice it there is always some gunk or dirt there. I use lemon oil or fretboard conditioner and put some on a kitchen roll (paper) and then very lightly clean it if off. Having done this I then put on some more to conditon the board it self. If there is a lot you can use some wire wool (0000 grade) but you have to be very careful and a light touch is needed.

It is always best to do this when you are going to change strings as trying to do this with the strings on the or slackened guitar will mean that invaraiably you will get this on your strings and it would then be a pointless exercise. I tend to "clean" and condition my rosewood board guitars at least twice a year and you will notice the difference. BTW do not do this on maple fretboards as this is not advisable.

 

[theodie]

Re: Cleaning a rosewood fret board?

once again, use lighter fluid and a rag, after that use fretboard conditioner, linseed oil, or lemon oil.

 

[strat_master]

Re: Cleaning a rosewood fret board?

hmm ok guys im going to try next time i get the chance dunlop 65 lemon oil sound good? Also if i remove all the strings of my guitar at one time, it wouldnt rquire any special set ups again when i put all of them back on? I normally taker one stirng at a time when i restring my guitar so there is always pressure on the neck. Thats my mian concern with cleaning the enxk, becasue i really dont know how to set up a guitar properly.

 

[Blueline]

Re: Cleaning a rosewood fret board?

what i like to do is to give it a nice rub down (in the direction of the grain) with 4 0 thats 0000 steel wool
then lemon oil and wipe off the excess

happy board