Fingerboard Oil For Ebony?

[29er]

I have used Petros fingerboard oil on all my rosewood board guitars for years and it's worked well for me. I now own a Taylor 614ce with ebony board & bridge. Can I use the same product on ebony? I typically treat the rosewood boards maybe once a year but the ebony on my Taylor doesn't seem to be as dried out as the rosewood board instruments. Thanks!

[varmonter]

ive used a bit of Watco oil on my ebony fretboards and bridges
for years. One can will last a lifetime.

[vindibona1]

What I find works well is bore oil, made for wood-wind instruments. I have a bottle on hand for my daughter's piccolo (which I think is ebony). I've used it on rosewood and ebony fingerboards and trust it because it is made for fine musical instruments. A small bottle should last years.

https://www.amazon.com/Roche-Thomas-...words=bore+oil

[fitness1]

I'm sure the Petros is fine -

Don't let the visual aspect confuse you - the rosewood "lightens" much more when it's drying out. With ebony, the contrast isn't the same, but they still get dry.

I've used Lizard Spit cleaner and conditioner for a long time. Works great.

[29er]

Good to know. My bottle of Petros oil has lasted 10 years while servicing probably 6 guitars over that period. It won't go empty soon!

[stptak]

Originally Posted by 29er

I have used Petros fingerboard oil on all my rosewood board guitars for years and it's worked well for me. I now own a Taylor 614ce with ebony board & bridge. Can I use the same product on ebony? I typically treat the rosewood boards maybe once a year but the ebony on my Taylor doesn't seem to be as dried out as the rosewood board instruments. Thanks!

A couple of different Luthiers have recommended Formby's Lemon Oil. I use it on my ebony fretboards about once a year and find it doesn't gunk up, is absorbed quickly and doesn't leave a long-lasting film on the fingerboard. A little goes a long way with this product.

Hope that helps,
Scott

[RwP]

Originally Posted by stptak

A couple of different Luthiers have recommended Formby's Lemon Oil. I use it on my ebony fretboards about once a year and find it doesn't gunk up, is absorbed quickly and doesn't leave a long-lasting film on the fingerboard. A little goes a long way with this product.

Hope that helps,
Scott

I also use Formby,s have for years.

[muscmp]

i use two drops of fret doctor on a cotton ball on any of my fretboards except maple. i do this once per year when doing a string change. no wd40!

play music!

[MHC]

I use fretboard oil very sparingly - a small amount, once a year after wintertime.

I use Stew Mac's ColorTone Fretboard Finishing Oil. Keeps the board looking dark and rich, and never feels sticky or slippery.

stewmac fretboard finishing oil

[fitness1]

One thing that doesn't get mentioned very often (it's always what to use) - make sure you let it soak in for a while, then RUB IT OUT thoroughly. I use the inside of a cotton sock (the terrycloth side) and then also rub/clean along the frets on both sides.....you'd be surprised the stuff built up in there.

This way, the organics don't get onto the fresh sets of strings you are putting on.

[LAGinz]

Does anyone have experience with oil on a walnut board, like the Gibson J-15?

[Paraclete]

Originally Posted by fitness1

One thing that doesn't get mentioned very often (it's always what to use) - make sure you let it soak in for a while, then RUB IT OUT thoroughly. I use the inside of a cotton sock (the terrycloth side) and then also rub/clean along the frets on both sides.....you'd be surprised the stuff built up in there.

This way, the organics don't get onto the fresh sets of strings you are putting on.

Definitely agree on that (and the Lizard Spit, which I have also been using for years). It is amazing how gunk hides up against the frets!

[Christian Reno]

I have never heard that one oil is specifically for rosewood and another for ebony. There are many that work. I'll add linseed oil to the list.

[Bridgepin]

I used boiled linseed oil for many years.

[guitar george]

The only one I use occasionally is D'Addario Lemon Oil cleaner and conditioner. Recommended for "unfinished dark woods".