RG550RXX Rosewood - Very Dry

JeffWiredBeck24 · #1 08-24-2008, 04:03 AM

Ever since I bought the RG550 Reissue I've always had a problem with the dryness of the fretboard. I love the way the neck FEELS but it seems I have to constantly condition this thing. I've played many other Rosewoods that have all kept conditioned and felt great, but this fretboard on my RG seems to be very stubborn. For example, if it gets too dry, when bending, it feels like the strings are almost scraping against the fretboard instead of gliding across it (and it's not a question of low action, as I have played other RG's with Rosewood boards that are set up to action like mine and they've felt fine). It feels amazing a day or two after I condition it, but then it dries out again. I don't use Lemon Oil as I've heard that just worsens the dryness over time, so I use Fender Fretboard Conditioner, made for Rosewood and Ebony fretboards. However, this doesn't seem to be getting the job done.

Does anyone know what I can do/use to condition and lubricate the Rosewood and have it STAY feeling moisturized?

Thanks.

*Thread changed to concentrate on other issue, read below*

Lefty Robb · #2 08-24-2008, 04:07 AM

FRET DOCTOR
http://www.beafifer.com/boredoctor.htm

JeffWiredBeck24 · #3 08-25-2008, 03:20 AM

^Thanks.

So I just buy a bottle of the Fret Doctor and apply it as I would the Fender Fretboard Conditioner during a string change? How often do you have to apply the Fret Doctor?

**Ayrton** · #4 08-25-2008, 01:00 PM

One drop per fret, work it in with your finger, and then let it sit for about 10 minutes. Wipe off the excess and string it up. You will only have to apply Fret Doctor once or twice a year.

JeffWiredBeck24 · #5 08-25-2008, 08:29 PM

^Great, thanks a lot for the help. Purchased a 60mL bottle yesterday. I assume I should have clean hands before working it in with my finger.

JeffWiredBeck24 · #6 08-26-2008, 03:33 AM

All right, another problem - this time with my Lo-Pro. Whenever I depress the trem arm fully, the bridge squeaks. It's not hindering my tuning stability, but I'd still very much like to get rid of it. Is there something I need to check/lubricate to stop the squeaking?

**Ayrton** · #7 08-26-2008, 11:44 AM

Use Chapstick to lubricate the studs.

JeffWiredBeck24 · #8 08-26-2008, 06:14 PM

All right thanks again.

I don't need to remove the trem to apply chapstick on the studs do I?

GuitarBizarre · #9 08-26-2008, 06:27 PM

No, although it can be a little more comprehensive. Turn the studs anticlockwise a half turn, put some chapstick on the edge that is now facing towards the neck, then turn it back, the sliding motion will deposit the chapstick onto the knife edges.

JeffWiredBeck24 · #10 09-08-2008, 02:42 AM

Well I got the Fret Doctor and applied it exactly as instructed. The Rosewood is still just as dry, I have no idea what's wrong with this but it seems it can't be salvaged. It's going to be hell finding a new neck that I can use for the reissue RG550.

Lefty Robb · #11 09-08-2008, 04:24 AM

A: Pictures

B: if its super super dry just use more oil, the 1 drop per fret is usually for the average board, your not going to hurt the guitar by putting more on, let it soak in then wipe the excess off after like 30 min, heck you could really drown the board and let it sit for a few days, it will still not hurt it, I'm sure as you read on that site some dude filled a 150 year old ebony flute with this stuff and let it sit for a long time. Oh, and don't use your fingers, use a clean rag.

Rich · #12 09-08-2008, 04:27 AM

Light rosewood looks dry no matter what you put on it.

Lefty Robb · #13 09-08-2008, 04:55 AM

yeah, I guess if thats the case the best you can do is dye the board if you really wanted too.

JeffWiredBeck24 · #14 09-09-2008, 12:15 AM

It's not a case of aesthetics, it constantly feels like the strings are scraping against the fretboard rather than gliding across it, as it should. I could care less about how dark my Rosewood is, I just want to feel conditioned. I applied more Fret Doctor, two drops, worked in with a cloth, and let it sit for 45 minutes. Now it feels moist, after 15 minutes of meticulous wiping to get the excess off. When I play it, my fingers become slippery as do the strings, and yet the board still feels like the strings are scraping against the wood (keep in mind I have a very light touch and raised the action to 1.8 mm on the bass side).

I'm out of ideas.

I'll try to get some pictures. It might look dark because of all the Fret Doctor I've applied, but rest assured, there was virtually no improvement in feel.