[Light Rosewood Fretboards]

11 hours ago, sbpark said:

Don't think it has anything to do with the wood being "too dry". I think it's more about what's available in the world now. Dark rosewood is more desirable and is also become harder and harder to find. Since the darker stuff is in short supply it's probably being reserved for higher end models, custom builds, etc. Kind of the same reason Fender has, on some models and guitar lines started using pau ferro instead of rosewood. 

Conditioning the fretboard may only marginally darken it, but this would be analogous to putting pearls on a pig if aesthetically you just really like dark rosewood fretboards. Plus, the fretboard probably doesn't need to be conditioned in most cases, and when people do condition their fretboards they really overdo it. 

yup! I agree with everything you said.

But that itself should make the non custom shop Gibsons go lower in prices imo 🤔

[Light Rosewood Fretboards]

1 hour ago, Pinch said:

Don't overdo it. A couple sprays on a cotton cloth and distribute evenly. This, I don't think, is not really enough to seep into the fret slots, but just to be safe I usually wipe the edges around the frets, cloth on fingernail or a pick or something. 

I let it sit for 20-30 minutes the first time at least, which is the time it takes to penetrate the wood, no matter what the label says (I use Dunlop). 

I repeat once a year just before winter hits. With rosewood, once every two years would probably suffice. No need to do it more often. 

Hope that helps. 

Thank you! 

I just don't think conditioning the fretboard will do the job.. and as you said, you should do it, every one/two years.. depending on your weather too.. but it will always look light, maybe a bit darker after some lemon oil, for a few days.. 🙃

[Light Rosewood Fretboards]

Well I know it's rosewood! 🤨 there are many types of rosewood though..

But letting the guitars go to dealers and respective stores with fretboards looking like that.. it's just a no for me, considering the price point! 

Guess fretboard conditioner would just do the trick for a day or two, no? 🤔

[Light Rosewood Fretboards]

The Gibsons USA I've looked at in shops, they all have a thing in common.. and unfortunately is a thing that I don't like.. those light rosewood fretboards! 

Can you guys explain me why is that a thing now? since the 2019 models I think, at least, that's when I first noticed it.

What are the woods being used for the fretboards? Is it possible to make it look darker, in a natural way, without causing any damages?

Thank you,

Best Regards

David