Damage To Fingerboard??

[The New Guy]

Hey Everyone, I just read another post regarding oiling ebony fingerboards every so often to keep them from drying out....I have to admit that I didn't know about this until now....I dont believe I've ever oiled my ebony fingerboard....the guitar is about 18 yrs old...how much trouble am I in?
Especially since a refret is likely in the next 12 months...

Scott

 

[rspst14]

Re: Damage To Fingerboard??

The problem you may have is that Ebony chips easily compared to maple or rosewood. If it's dry, it only makes the problem worse. A good luthier can minimize the chipping when he pulls the frets, and then use hide glue to glue any chips back in place. I would oil the board once or twice before taking it in for a refret.

Ryan

 

[JOLLY]

Re: Damage To Fingerboard??

If you haven't noticed any adverse affects in 18 years of non oiling, then I wouldn't think anything too bad is wrong. Where in Nashville are you? I'm in Murfreesboro.

 

[SingleCutDude]

Re: Damage To Fingerboard??

Ebony does need oiling, but not nearly as often as say, rosewood (which usually needs it a couple times every year to be healthy at all). While chipping is a danger, the "danger" you're most likely to encounter is playability issues. Dried out fingerboards tend to shrink a bit. Do you find the fret edges feel sharp? Things of that nature. Also, dry wood doesn't react tonally the same.

 

[theboatcandream]

Re: Damage To Fingerboard??

What kind of oil should you use on rosewood? Linsead oil?

 

[Scott_F]

Re: Damage To Fingerboard??

I have an old Ovation acoustic that never got anything in about 20 years but an occasional hit of Fast Fret! No damage whatsoever to the rosewood. I have started to oil it as of a few years ago, but rosewood is rather forgiving. Even dry shrinkage can be corrected with a bit of humidity.

 

[Scott_F]

Re: Damage To Fingerboard??

What kind of oil should you use on rosewood? Linsead oil?

pure lemon oil has been a standard for quite a while now. i grabbed some pure rosewood oil a while back and man, does that stuff smell good! I prefer it, but will be alternating with the lemon.

there are some good commercial products that other guys use, but good old 100% lemon oil can be found at most grocery stores, for little cash.

 

[beandip]

Re: Damage To Fingerboard??

hey Scott, instead of alternating the oils, why not mix 'em?

 

[The New Guy]

Re: Damage To Fingerboard??

Thanks guys...I'll hit the grocery store on the way home from work today for some lemon seed oil.

Hey Jolly...
I'm in Franklin....you gotta love Nashville.....EVERYONE...is a dang musician!! I feel like I have to spend a couple hours warming up before I go to the music store just so I don't make a fool of myself in front of the off duty Krispy kreem guy absolutely BLAZING on a flat top !!

 

[Dankerella]

Re: Damage To Fingerboard??

hey newguy - how'd it work out? I really enjoy the playability of my guitars after I add oil (Lizard Spit - aka orange oil). It's like the wood thanks you for doing it, and the strings feel great.

 

[The New Guy]

Re: Damage To Fingerboard??

Hey Dankerella, I don't know yet, I haven't had a chance to get to the store...still at work...I'll know tonight....I'm sure the wood will love it!..it's been a loooong dryyy spell.
I'll let you know.

 

[theboatcandream]

Re: Damage To Fingerboard??

Is there anything wrong with using linseed oil? I've heard of people using a mix of oils that include olive oil, so obviously there's some freedom here....

 

[bluey@sunni]

Re: Damage To Fingerboard??

I use Ecowood Oil, it's a citrus and nut oil blend that's designed for wooden food implements (The Chef should approve!) Problem is that it's made in Australia, which isn't a hassle for me but for you North of the Equator sometimes the boot is on the other foot.
Always clean the fretboard and I use Methylated spirits/ de-natured alcohol to clean off the grime. Sweat, dead skin, beer, pizza and stuff CSI can't identify comes off and the Oil can do it's work.
Did ask a custom guitar builder recently and he says that any furniture polish for use with raw/natural woods shouldn't cause any harm. He uses Marveer.