Faded RW Fret Board

jpwannabe · #1 06-14-2003, 01:35 PM

I was wondering why are parts of my fretboard faded? It looks really light in colour, dosen't have that dark rosewood colour.
I own a JEMFP, I'm not sure if its the wood, or the fretboard has faded in colour through time or something. Are there any ways to fix this problem?
Should I apply something on the fretboard? Its faded especially on the first few frets and the scalloped frets. IS THIS NORMAL?

littlegreenman · #2 06-14-2003, 07:59 PM

First clean it really good and then use some lemon oil on the board when you're done. Should darken right back up. I suppose tons of sunlight or something could bleach it, but I've never seen rosewood bleach out.

jpwannabe · #3 06-14-2003, 10:13 PM

you've never seen RW fretboards fade? maybe its the wood or something?
But I will try to apply some lemon oil, any kinds of lemon oil will do?
Also what do I use to clean my fretboard?

jpwannabe · #4 06-14-2003, 11:42 PM

Also I've just got this guitar new likea week ago, I wouldn'think the fretboard is dirty or anything. It has being sitting in a shop for 2 years though, would dust be built up on the board? A rag would do huh?
What brand of Lemon Oil should I use? Or would any be fine?

Rich · #5 06-14-2003, 11:47 PM

When they get dry they look faded, only cure is to add some oil, whatever kind you prefer. Any lemon oil made for furniture will do, but I personally don't like it. Bore oil can be found anywhere they sell woodwinds [one good thing about Sam Ash], other people like to use skin oil [you can "collect" that at the edges of your nostrils or behind your ears you don't wash]. It won't last that long and then you'll have to do it again, just don't overdue it. A little goes a long way!

jpwannabe · #6 06-15-2003, 12:12 AM

thanx rich,
do you think I need to use some steel wool on the frets first?
It dosen't look dirty, would I damage the board if i do use steel wool.
Also the back of my neck is not very smooth, it feels just a little rough, are there any oil I can apply on the back of the neck to make it not as rough, or do I have to use sand paper??
Thanx

Rich · #7 06-15-2003, 12:26 AM

Read through this
http://www.ibanezrules.com/tech/grunge_1.htm

You can use steel wool on the back of the neck. But you'll be alterring the original finish, your call but playability usually wins.

jpwannabe · #8 06-15-2003, 12:52 AM

whats elbow grease???

Rich · #9 06-15-2003, 12:55 AM

I should never write in so much American slang. Work your elbow till it needs grease!

ibanez otaku · #10 06-15-2003, 02:32 AM

Richard Harris,

I would like very much indeed if you would confirm - here and now - that you just made that thing up about people using the secretions of their own stinking dermus to oil their fretboards.

Sincerely,

Graeme

Rich · #11 06-15-2003, 02:37 AM

Can't, it's true. That would be a long time forum member and luthier from Baltimore

jpwannabe · #12 06-15-2003, 04:21 AM

what?????
I'm confused...
LOL

JESTER700 · #13 06-15-2003, 08:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ibanez otaku

Richard Harris,

I would like very much indeed if you would confirm - here and now - that you just made that thing up about people using the secretions of their own stinking dermus to oil their fretboards.

Sincerely,

Graeme

Our own skin oil isn't bad for wood, and I've even used it once or twice. It should be clean & sweat-free - oil=good, salt=bad.

DirtyBird31 · #14 06-17-2003, 05:31 AM

Oh come on that's jsut crazy....

I'll just tell myself that you all are joking. That will make me feel better. Because the thought of having someone else's secretions on my fretboard(You said it was a tech?) is kind of disturbing.

And is there a way you can tell if rosewood is dry?

JESTER700 · #15 06-17-2003, 08:10 AM

OK. If you can't handle that then I sure ain't telling you where shellac comes from... ;-)