[ljguitar]

Originally Posted by 12FanMan

Before beginning a playing session on a 12 string, I'm assuming it's a good idea to wash the hands to keep gunk from accumulating on the strings (or the fret board). My question is...after doing so, and drying the fingers, should I put any type of oil on the ends of my fingers? Also, is it a good or bad idea to wipe the strings with a lightly-oiled cloth once in awhile?

Hi 12FanMan
If the washing and removing of the gunk causes your skin to dry and crack, then of course one should wash hands to play, and then treat them after you finish playing.

I'd never put oil on my strings. It would definitely transfer to fingerboards, picks (if you use them) and other 'body parts' (of the instrument).

I try to keep foreign substance off my strings to preserve string life (tone and sustain).

WD-40 has it's uses, but none of them involve my instruments.