Dirty Fretboard - need advice

[WMerkert]

The fretboard of my BFP is dirty (Fret 1-. I'm not able to clean it. Should i try it with steel wool? Need some advice!

[jemsite]

if you want it clean, you have no alternative than steel wool or a similar cleaning pad... glen

[WMerkert]

Thanx Glen. Will try it. Do i need some oil after that?

[carlos seo]

Hey Glen, does steel wool damages your fingerboard if you use it too much? How often do you clean the board of your player guitar?

[jemsite]

this was just discussed last week on the forum so do a search for more. i don't oil maple boards. If you feel the urge start with Endust. I personally would not *clean a 'player' with steel wool repeatedly, only because it's futile... the maple will get dirty again once the clearcoat has been rubbed off.

There is no harm if you clean in moderation and only when the dirt gets sooooo annoying you feel something must be done.

[Project Guitar]

If you get a chance read this.

Just like Ice cream there are many different flavors/ways on how to accommplish what you want to get done to your fret board...

(Edited by becalvert at 4:06 pm on Nov. 14, 2001)

[rvj]

Finally got around to cleaning the maple fretboard on my 777DY. The results are amazing! Steel wool and lighter fluid did the trick. It does take some effort and is quite time consuming, but you will be pleased with the outcome. The only thing I noticed is that the process dulls the pyramid inlays ever so slightly. This is hardly noticeable, and only when compared to the inlays that were'nt cleaned yet. *--rvj

[Project Guitar]

A good Acrylic polymer polish (found in pet shops for aquariums) will take care of that problem.

[Scott 74]

The EVH Wolfgang page on the Van Halen official site suggests Isoroypol Alchohol(I know I spelled that first word wrong so if someone can help me?) to clean an all maple board and 0000 steel wool )

[rvj]

I figured I could buff 'em out. Acrylic polymer polish for aquariums is a great recommendation, Thanks! I assume buffing by hand is the way to go, or would you suggest I break out the Dremel?

[Rich]

becalvert on 12:02 am on Nov. 15, 2001
A good Acrylic polymer polish (found in pet shops for aquariums) will take care of that problem.

After the clear has been cleaned off the board? Seems like the polish would stain the maple itself.

[rvj]

I wondered about the possibility of staining the maple. After all that tedious work, I'd hate to have to do it all over again. Does anybody recommend a sealer or anything else to keep it clean? This is my first maple board and I just want to do it right. --rvj

[jemsite]

You could polish the inlays with a buffer (dremel or drill attachment) and somethign as simple as Endust to reduce friction with the polishing pad. I would not personally use other polishes or additives unless the wood is masked off around the inlay.

Likewise, staining would make little sense and offer no protection or benefits (other than changing the color of the board).

If you want the maple to look pristine, you could always clearcoat the fretboard like many factory guitars come but that seems almost absurd and self-deating. Fact is maple boards are prone to wear and getting dirty. I don't see the big deal myself... glen

[rvj]

Glen...when I said staining the maple, I was referring to Rich's comment about the polish leaving stains on the maple. I would'nt dream of applying stain to that super clean, oh-so-sweet maple fretboard. The results were simply astonishing. --rvj

[Project Guitar]

Polish them by hand and take your time..

You couldn't pay me to break out a dremel to polish those inlays...unless of course you enjoy the smell of burned/melting inlays...

Dremels are just way to powerful and fast for polishing this type of work.

As for staining the wood there will be a light discoloration from where the polish is absorbed but it will diminish. You don't gob it on like most people would think, you just apply a small amount to a clean cloth and rub.