Recommend a fretboard conditioner

[kill your scene]

I have a P-bass (with rosewood fretboard) that is a few years old and I definitely need to do something to keep the fretboard supple. I don't want to wind up playing a pile of sawdust. Can anyone recommend a fretboard conditioner? I've heard arguments both for and against using linseed oil... I'm only interested in keeping my fretboard as good as new for as long as possible. Keep in mind it's rosewood.

Thanks!

 

[Budweiser]

Re: Recommend a fretboard conditioner

This is what I use 2-3 times a year.

 

[Vasshu the humanoid typhoon]

Re: Recommend a fretboard conditioner

Lem-oil as well here..both for my maple and rosewood boards.

 

[Lewguitar]

Re: Recommend a fretboard conditioner

I use that Dr. Duck's guitar polish. A little dab'll do you! Lew

 

[Lee]

Re: Recommend a fretboard conditioner

I practice scales whilst eating hot buttered toast. Does it for me.

 

[Zerberus]

Re: Recommend a fretboard conditioner

This is what I use 2-3 times a year.

Same here, and I recommend it to my customers as well

 

[Budweiser]

Re: Recommend a fretboard conditioner

Same here, and I recommend it to my customers as well

Actually, I'm not a doctor, but I do play one on tv. :laugh2:

 

[kill your scene]

Re: Recommend a fretboard conditioner

Lew - I already have guitar polish. I'm not looking for something to polish the guitar's body, I'm looking for something to replenish the fretboard. Thanks, though.

Lee - I'll have to try butter. I've BEEN using bacon fat and it's doing nothing at all.

Everyone else - Thanks!

Any other suggestions?

 

[TwilightOdyssey]

Re: Recommend a fretboard conditioner

Best thing to start with is good 'ol moist breath, and then saliva, and then a barely damp rag, before you start cleaning. Clean/dry the fretboard with 100% cotton cloth (old T shirts are best). Linseed oil is good for preserving the fingerboard, but only for rosewood. Use once per year.

For more advice, read the guitar setup bible: How to Make Your Electric Guitar Play Great, by Dan Earlwine.

 

[Bludave]

Re: Recommend a fretboard conditioner

Every other string change is best to clean the fingerboard with a little steel wool(00000 very fine). DO NOT DO THIS ON MAPLE FINGERBOARDS WITHOUT TAPING OFF THE PLAYING SURFACE OR YOU WILL BUFF THE FINISH OFF. :smack:
This will polish the frets and clean the board. Then wipe it down with lemon oil. Let the oil soak in for a while, then wipe dry and restring!! LoL

 

[tone4days]

Re: Recommend a fretboard conditioner

i used a little murphy's oil soap and water mixture to clean my fretboards of all the gunk that builds up ... used a toothbrush to get it right up against the fretwire ... then i use some luthier's choice and let it really soak in before wiping up the excess to restore the nice dark color ... very happy with the results

good luck
t4d

 

[sgstrat]

Re: Recommend a fretboard conditioner

I also recommend Dan Erlewine's book and have been using Stewart-MacDonald Fretboard Finishing Oil. Good stuff.

 

[Falstaff]

Re: Recommend a fretboard conditioner

Check out the Fret Doctor stuff on this page (scroll down): http://www.beafifer.com

It works well and the people that sell it are really nice.

 

[Jeff_H]

Re: Recommend a fretboard conditioner

Pure linseed oil is good. What I've been using is gun oil, and it works wonders on my ebony and rosewood boards. You can get a small bottle of gun oil anyplace that sells shooting supplies for a buck or two.

 

[Xeromus]

Re: Recommend a fretboard conditioner

here's what I do when stuff gets gunked:

toothbrush, rubbing alcohol or naptha lighter fluid.

then lemon oil to condition and moisturize.

voila, works for me.

 

[B2D]

Re: Recommend a fretboard conditioner

I use Kyser lem oil, an old sock, and elbow grease.

I wanna try some of the new Dunlop Lemon Oil, though. If it's anything like their guitar polish and string cleaner then it could really kick ass.

 

[RACER X]

Re: Recommend a fretboard conditioner

Il be darned, me too. Lem-Oil

 

[StefanM]

Re: Recommend a fretboard conditioner

I always use linseed oil. Hang the guitar up overnight (unstrung), let it soak in, and give it another coat before rubbing it in. Works for me.

I'm curious - what are the arguments against using it?

 

[StefanM]

Re: Recommend a fretboard conditioner

I practice scales whilst eating hot buttered toast. Does it for me.

LOL!

Greasy strings, lovely.