Not to be redundant...

agquake · #1 06-29-2003, 01:14 AM

I just wanted to be clear on something. Everything I've read states to NOT put any type of oil or anything on a maple fretboard. Afer cleaning one of mine, the board seems kinda dry and bare. Is there nothing to put on the board to act as a moisturizer/conditioner? Thanks.

Guitarlos2 · #2 06-29-2003, 01:42 AM

Im not so sure that you can't use any oil on a maple fretboard. Regardless, most maple fretboards have clear lacquer finish happening (like on Strats), and the oil really cant soak in like it can on open pourous woods such as rosewood or ebony. You could use something like GHS Fast Fret, or hell even some polish. Maple boards are much different than rosewood boards. I use Gibson fretboard conditioner on my DBK's rosewood board, but for my Strats maple neck I just use some nice guitar polish. Always treats me just fine

agquake · #3 06-29-2003, 02:11 AM

Thanks for the reply. The thing is that the clearcoat has worn off of the board, which is why I was inquring.

littlegreenman · #4 06-29-2003, 04:12 AM

maple is weird, most oils will discolor it, as well, many types of oils actually start to break down maple, that's one of the main reasons you shouldn't oil it. You can go to a lumber store and ask for a light colored wood conditioner if you are really concerned, but if you are playing the guitar, your finger oils are more than enough to keep it good.

Mark DY · #5 06-29-2003, 09:18 AM

Quote:

your finger oils are more than enough to keep it good.

Agree.

My JEM was recently properly refretted after a poor attempt to do so. When the "poor attempt" was done, it was poorly re-cleared and the clear would not adhere to the board because I put lemon oil on it previously (like a dope). When I had it properly fretted, I just had him sand all the crap off of it and leave it natural, which I love! Also, it seems that when the board gets dirty from play a damp scrubby from the kitchen cleans it up nicely.

Jeremy - do you clearcoat the maple boards you install?

agquake · #6 06-29-2003, 01:11 PM

Thank you for the confirmation LGM and Mark. Much appreciated.

littlegreenman · #7 06-29-2003, 02:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark DY

Quote:

your finger oils are more than enough to keep it good.

Agree.

My JEM was recently properly refretted after a poor attempt to do so. When the "poor attempt" was done, it was poorly re-cleared and the clear would not adhere to the board because I put lemon oil on it previously (like a dope). When I had it properly fretted, I just had him sand all the crap off of it and leave it natural, which I love! Also, it seems that when the board gets dirty from play a damp scrubby from the kitchen cleans it up nicely.

Jeremy - do you clearcoat the maple boards you install?

The only time I will clear a maple board now, is if I have put a BRAND NEW one on. And if the customer wants it. I personally hate clear on fretboards. I stopped clearing old maple boards just recently when I tried clearing one 7 times and every time it would look poor. I cleaned it every way possible, and sanded it all down bigtime, but the clear just would not work, I tried more than one type of clear too. Just problems. So, if it's a NEW fretboard, I'll clear it, otherwise, not any more.

Jeremy