Fretboard Oil that does not darken rosewood?

[LazyLightning]

Re: Fretboard Oil that does not darken rosewood?

I got away from oil completely back a few decades before my forced "break"
Now I just use a slightly damp cloth to clean the fretboard and find it keeps the wood from drying out if done regularly.

I always make sure to go back over the neck with a dry cloth afterwards to soak up any excess.

This has worked well for me, just an alternative to oils in general if you are looking for options.

 

[Snake Aces]

Re: Fretboard Oil that does not darken rosewood?

My hands sweat so much I doubt any of my fretboards will ever dry out. Using oil is different than having a finish. A finish can permanently alter the look of the wood (make the grain stand out, tint it, seal it, etc.) but oil is really only a temporary change. Once the liquid in the oil evaporates and the excess oil is absorbed by the wood the color will return to where it started.

Of course, the more you play it and do not wipe it down or use steel wool on it, the fretboard will eventually accumulate dirt. Lots of it. This will darken it but also hide the grain.