Maple fretboard wear question

jimzucco

New member
So here's a question that probably doesn't get asked too often. I know the trendy thing to do nowadays is relic your guitar and, while I appreciate the art and find it interesting, it's not really for me.


So I have a strat that I love which has a maple board with lots of wear. And I happen to dislike the way it's looking. I am wondering if there are any tips on getting the darker, worn areas back to original and also maintaining that state.

Thanks guys
 
Re: Maple fretboard wear question

So here's a question that probably doesn't get asked too often. I know the trendy thing to do nowadays is relic your guitar and, while I appreciate the art and find it interesting, it's not really for me.


So I have a strat that I love which has a maple board with lots of wear. And I happen to dislike the way it's looking. I am wondering if there are any tips on getting the darker, worn areas back to original and also maintaining that state.

Thanks guys

Keep it clean with naphtha and re coat it.
 
Re: Maple fretboard wear question

Once your finger grime gets into the maple, nothing – not even the harshest common solvents – will get it out but sanding. Even then, you might only be able to lighten it, if it goes very deep. In other words, if you want to clean it up, you will also need to refinish the neck. But you can keep it from getting any worse by just touching up the already worn areas with Tru-Oil or some other wipe-on finish. Do you have any pix you can post?
 
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Re: Maple fretboard wear question

I use 0000 steel wool every so often on mine. Makes a little difference. It not much. Unless you put a hard finish on so nothing gets in the pores, it will darken.
 
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