Keeping the neck in tip top condition - What to use?

[Coolstu]

Could anyone tell me the best way too clean the neck of my RG 550 (Maple fingerboard). I want to keep it fast!
I have seen products like Fast Fret and I'm wondering if it is a good product and if it does any damage to the neck or fingerboard.
Is lemon Oil safe to use on my guitar neck and fingerboard?

[jay ratkowski]

Lemon oil is safe.

Endust cleans great.

[Coolstu]

I live in Scotland and do not have a clue what Endust is?

Would you advise using Fast Fret?

[jemsite]

Fast Fret is safe to use on the strings and keep them silky smooth. Endust is just a "furniture polish" with no wax and is safe overall... glen

[Coolstu]

Is fast fret just for the strings or can you use it on the fingerboard as well?

[jemsite]

fast fret is typically used on the strings, it helps reducing friction and is safe. While some peopl use various oils and other remedies on the fretboard, sometimes the best solution is to simply wipe the neck/fretboard clean after playing and do nothing more ...glen

[Coolstu]

Do you know what finish is used on the neck and fingerboard of the RG550. I have only owned it for 2 weeks and it is the first quality guitar I have owned therefore I want to ensure it lasts and keep it in as good a condition as possible
Will lemon oil stain the neck in anyway?

[johncowan]

Glen,

On a semi-related topic, did you change your neck care for the guitars that spent more of their life in the case than in your hands? *Just wondering if the neck wood could ever become too dry to sustain it's health!

[jemsite]

Not really. I've never used lemon oil on any guitar, just endust on occasion when changing strings to clean the board. Some of this is climate related, and being in NJ, there is no real temperature/humidity problems that could damage the wood. *I also subscribe the 'less is more' natural wood theory... add things to wood only when you have a reason. I never believed that saturating wood with random oils can improve upon it.

Many experts debate this topic, so ultimately i think it's best to find out what is suitable for each of us...glen

[megawzrd]

True, climate plays a very big factor in the neck life. If its a dry climate you'd better keep that thing oiled.

[wulpul]

This might seem like a totally dumb question BUT Can someone explain to me what 'LEMON OIL' and 'FAST FRET' are? I have read ALL the posts but no one really explains what they are, what they do and if they are worth using!
I have looked at FAST FRET in the local Guitar Store but it does not really explain what it is and if it can do any negative things to my beautiful guitar. *
I AM REALLY REALLY
Could some nice kind member PLEASE explain this issue in a bit of detail. :cheesy:

[jemsite]

for more details do a web search on 'lemon oil'. That is simply an oil that reconditions and moisturizes wood. Found in any hardware/paint store. Fast fret is a 'string lubricant' product that is the brand name. Works very well as I've stated, since it use it daily. Keeps the strings clean and gunk free and is safe... glen

[Coolstu]

I bought Fast Fret the other day and it really does make a difference. I didn't realise you had to use it every day though! It cost £5 and doesn't look as if it will last too long. On the box it actually says you are meant to put it on the fingerboard as well but I'm not too sure about that.

[jemsite]

i use it before playing. When done, after i wipe the guitar clean, i put it on as well. Seems to keep the strings healthy... glen

[Coolstu]

Yeah, it really does seem to make a difference.
Are you careful not to get it on the fingerboard or do you put it on the fingerboard as well?
Will it not build a layer in time if it is constantly being applied?