ebony fretboard care

[tyt2lynnin1]

So, I know some people say lemon oil, some say warm soapy water, some say naptha. Anyone wanna jump in on this? How do we typically clean the fretboard when we change our strings when we see gunk on the fretboard.

Do we also use GHS Fast Fret?

What do we wanna stay away from?

[Misifus]

I would say, stay away from any oil. Also, a clean damp rag wil do you nicely, you don't need soap to clean your guitar, not the fretboard, not that back and sides. Gently is the key.

[merlin666]

Originally Posted by Misifus

I would say, stay away from any oil. Also, a clean damp rag wil do you nicely, you don't need soap to clean your guitar, not the fretboard, not that back and sides. Gently is the key.

I used mineral oil on a dried up fretboard and it got rejuvenated and played excellent after. Just a a few drops on a rag soaked in quickly. For sure do not use any plant based oils that you'd use in the kitchen, that just goes rancid.

[SimplyLuo]

Originally Posted by tyt2lynnin1

So, I know some people say lemon oil, some say warm soapy water, some say naptha. Anyone wanna jump in on this? How do we typically clean the fretboard when we change our strings when we see gunk on the fretboard.

Do we also use GHS Fast Fret?

What do we wanna stay away from?

Just wipe it down with a soft cloth. Damp with a drop of soap if necessary.
As far as oils go (once a year or so, personal preference), I really like Fret Doctor.

[dneal]

You'll get as many opinions as there are owners, with different builders advocating different things.

I use mineral oil once or twice a year.

[rogthefrog]

I religiously clean and condition my fingerboard every single day with ...

absolutely nothing.

If your relative humidity is guitar-friendly and you wash your hands when playing, your guitar needs nothing on it (fretboard, body, etc).

It's a musical instrument, not a piece of furniture.

[sueinpr]

Just a slightly damp rag for my ebony fret boards and clean gently. Maybe once a year a little 3-in-1 oil, a very tiny bit goes a long way. The same could be applied for rosewood finger boards as well.

[Warrenaines]

Martin says stay away from lemon oil: https://www.martinguitar.com/custome...e/guitar-care/

I think this is the product I used on a very much played Yairi w/ ebony fretboard that I got used: http://www.musiciansfriend.com/acces...ditioner--2-oz.

It worked great and I may use it on a much nicer guitar, though I'll research it first to make sure.

Guitars are indeed not furniture. Sometimes they leave a humidity controlled house and get played with unsanatized hands. It's okay to use appropriate products to clean them occasionally, though I do think the lighter products and less frequent use of such products the better.

[jim1960]

Originally Posted by rogthefrog

I religiously clean and condition my fingerboard every single day with ...

absolutely nothing.

I have the same routine. It works.

[rogthefrog]

Originally Posted by jim1960

I have the same routine. It works.

It's super quick, too.

[dneal]

I wash my hands before playing, which is why the places I fret are clean. Now I just gotta figure out where that other gunk is coming from...

[Silly Moustache]

Originally Posted by rogthefrog

I religiously clean and condition my fingerboard every single day with ...

absolutely nothing.

If your relative humidity is guitar-friendly and you wash your hands when playing, your guitar needs nothing on it (fretboard, body, etc).

It's a musical instrument, not a piece of furniture.

Sometimes I do that two or three times a day!

seriously tough folks, I do like to see my ebo parts looking nice and smart so when I change strings (2-3 months) I use a cloth slightly dampened by a the same antique polish that I've been using for many years. It contains a very slight amout of some sort of iopl and works wonders on all finishes. I take great care not to allow any fluids to seep under the frets.

i don't get "gunge" buld up, body fluids or beer on my fretboards....well, maybe the occasionally slight beer drip from my silly moustache but that's all.

Honestly a very slightly damp cloth is really all that's necessary.

[teleamp]

Ebony only needs the oils from your fingers... play...


Forget this we stuff...

[dagobert]

5hp compressor, die grinder and a wire wheel. After that a light touch of Royal Purple....really hi lites the darker tone of the ebony.