Mahogany Neck cleaning

[bobrollar]

I have a 2000 SG Special with a mahogany neck, is there a certain amount of time in between cleanings that I should be cleaning my neck?? I feel weird asking because I've been playing for over 13 years now and I'm sure its a pretty rookie question to be asking. I have been just cleaning my neck board with lemon oil that my local retail guitar shop recommended every time that I change my strings, but I've seen on here before that too much lemon oil can damage the neck, and even separate the actual frets from the neck????? Please help, this has just been in the back of my mind and thought I would ask here cause I know you guys really know what your talking about.

Thanks everyone!!!

[kevoT]

Unfortunately i don't know about clean the neck or all that stuff, so.... yeah. I just use a dry, soft cloth a wipe my guitar all over :/ that works for me! i hope others have better answers as i don't know about the effects of lemon oil on the fretboard.

[DiamondJig]

Cleaning the neck Mahogany and or fret board Rosewood or Ebony is different for every one. Depends on where you live, the dryer the climate the more attention is needed. Every fret board is different rosewood needs more care than Ebony, different grains will absorb well differently. We all have a little bit of natural oil and dirt com'n from our hands when we play that can affect the fret board too. I clean mine when ever I change a full set of strings. I put a little oil on the board and rub it around to clean the board and frets, then I wipe the board off, this still leaves a little on the board which dries up pretty quickly. I wouldn’t put a lot on and just let it sit there. You say you have been play’n and do’n your thing for 13 years and so far everything is good, I say keep it going.

[bobrollar]

I live in Arizona, so heat is definitely an issue with keeping it maintained. But your right, whatever I've been doing seems to be working, just thought I would try to get some more info on the effect of putting too much oil on the neck. I've seen people before just douse the neck in it and I've seen people use Q-tips and dab it lightly. Thanks again everyone...

[SGSpecialguy]

lemon oil is a good thing to use on your fretboard, however I surely would NOT do it every time you do a string change !! I dont know how often you change your strings, but using oil once a year is really all you need unless you get heavy grime around your frets, as you stated using lemon oil frequently CAN loosen up the wood around your frets and you can run into issues !! I would cease doing that right away !! Ive been playing for 35 years and only do it once a year or so,, of course I dont play out like I use to either,, but stop using that much oil for sure !!

[bobrollar]

lemon oil is a good thing to use on your fretboard' date=' however I surely would NOT do it every time you do a string change !! I dont know how often you change your strings, but using oil once a year is really all you need unless you get heavy grime around your frets, as you stated using lemon oil frequently CAN loosen up the wood around your frets and you can run into issues !! I would cease doing that right away !! Ive been playing for 35 years and only do it once a year or so,, of course I dont play out like I use to either,, but stop using that much oil for sure !![/quote']

 

 

I change my strings usually whenever I start to hear my strings get "dull", or when they just feel rough. Usually only every couple months. I know there are some people that change them every other week, but then again they are probably doing a lot of gigs and playing on a more professional level. I usually just jam when I get home from work or on the weekends with some friends.