How to maintain fretboard?

[Michael]

Guys, I have a new SJ200 and am wondering when to treat the fretboard and with what. I've noticed a lot of products on the market but am confused as to which to use. Even though the frets are clean now, is there something I can use to seal or rub into the wood to protect it so I won't have to clean it? Or, should I wait till the fretboard is durty and then clean and treat it. I would appreciate any advice because I really love this guitar and want to take care of it properly. I would like to send thanks to all of you , and Space Pup, for turning me on to Virtuoso polish. I ordered some last week and am waiting for its arrival so I can treat the arm crud! Thanks again looking forward to advice.

[zeebee]

Virtuoso is great stuff. For fretboard I will, once a year, polish with 0000 steel wool and then place a drop or two of Tung oil per fret, work it in with my finger, let it dry an hour and then buff with a soft cotton cloth.

[J185cat]

Have to agree that Virtuoso Premium Polish is about the best I have used for the guitar's finish. And, it is safe for Nitrocellulose.

[zombywoof]

I use Fret Doctor. Apply it with Q-tips (a little dab will do ya).

[TWilson]

I use Dean Markley "Love Potion # 15" Fretboard Saver. About once a year.

[TommyK]

Ivory soap and toothbrush or vegetable brush. Once a year to get your body grunge off'n it. More often if your amount of play and / or body chemistry dictates.

 

Then 'rinse' with a damp cloth then dry. Allow to air dry. Apply Formby's lemon oil with cotton ball. Allow to soak in for an hour or so, then wipe off excess. Once a year at most.

 

It's easier to do it with all the strings off, so schedule it with a complete string change.

[nodehopper]

I have to say I always get a little frightened with using anything that isn't specifically designed for guitars. I have heard some say boiled linseed oil or citrus oils or soap and water ...only to then hear others tell horror stories about those same things.

 

I have used this --> Fretboard Honey and only heard good reviews. I received a new Gibson Les Paul with a fretboard that looked like it had been sprayed with talcum powder....it was either very dry or there was some manufacturing residue left on it. A couple treatments with Fretboard Honey and it looks great now.

[Taylor Player]

I am a boiled Linseed oil guy. Once a year or when needed. I use 0000 steel wool (Cover your soundhole if you have a pickup installed!!! Magnet's love steel wool shavings!) for cleaning frets and then put a VERY small amount of oil on a rag I am prepared to throw away... let dry for an hour, wipe off any excess with a clean towl and restring. Taylor has recommended Boiled Linseed Oil and it has never caused a problem on any of my guitars be they rosewood board or ebony. (Ebony needs it only about once every 2 years or so.)

 

It really brings out the highlights in rosewood fretboards nicely. The trick is to use only what you need which in reality is a couple drops.

[Michael]

Thanks all, you guys really gave me some good feedback! Would you guys apply a treatment now or after it is dirty?

Probably in about a year is what some of you said, so I will probably just do that. Thanks again!

[TommyK]

Thanks all' date=' you guys really gave me some good feedback! Would you guys apply a treatment now or after it is dirty?

Probably in about a year is what some of you said, so I will probably just do that. Thanks again![/quote']

 

I had a brand-new Yamaha, right out of the box. The fretboard looked dry as a bone. I oiled it before playing a note. If a new Gibson comes with FB already oiled, let it go.

 

Gibson? Do you oil you boards before shipment?