Do you take off the strings to clean the fingerboard?

bocasfx · #1 06-12-2007, 01:06 PM

I need to clean my SR5's fingerboard but I don't want to take off the strings. Any of you TBers do this? Do you have any tips?

Tony G · #2 06-12-2007, 01:07 PM

Why don't you want to take off the strings? It is easier to clean with the strings off.

bocasfx · #3 06-12-2007, 01:09 PM

The strings are very old and I like the way they sound. I don't want to damage them by taking them off.

Tony G · #4 06-12-2007, 01:21 PM

Just be careful while taking the strings off and on. I wouldn't worry about damage to strings unless you really screw around with them.

ElectroStompbox · #5 06-12-2007, 01:22 PM

how do you do a poll?

Koki · #6 06-12-2007, 01:28 PM

I clean my fingerboard when I change strings.. between old ones are removed and new are put

bocasfx · #7 06-12-2007, 01:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xgabriele

Just be careful while taking the strings off and on. I wouldn't worry about damage to strings unless you really screw around with them.

I had a bad experience with a set of flats that I really liked and got damaged because I took them off and re-installed them a couple of times to clean the FB.

I think flats are more prone to breaking than rounds when re-installing.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ElectroStompbox

how do you do a poll?

When you create a new thread you have the option to include a poll at the end of the page.

bocasfx · #8 06-12-2007, 01:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Koki

I clean my fingerboard when I change strings.. between old ones are removed and new are put

I almost never install new strings. I love the sound of really old strings so I try to keep them as long as I can.

Cristo · #9 06-12-2007, 01:33 PM

Well then, detune enough so that they are floppy enough that you can move them out of the way and clean.

**WoodyG3** · #10 06-12-2007, 10:18 PM

If you want to save the strings, I don't see the problem with taking them off and then putting them back on. I've done this quite a bit when I'm working on installing new pickups or whatever and need the strings out of the way for a while. I've never had strings that were so fragile that this caused any kind of problem.

bgavin · #11 06-13-2007, 09:42 AM

IMO, removing all the strings makes a significant change to the neck tension, and should not be done.

Clean the board when you change strings, one at a time. Remove one, clean, bring the new one up to pitch, repeat.

I use lemon oil on rosewood, pau ferro. Maple boards are sealed and can be cleaned with anything that doesn't remove the hard finish. Windex?

markjazzbassist · #12 06-13-2007, 11:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bgavin

I use lemon oil on rosewood, pau ferro. Maple boards are sealed and can be cleaned with anything that doesn't remove the hard finish. Windex?

The EB maple necks aren't sealed. I use Lemon Oil on them as well. And i just push the strings to the side. A little oil on the strings won't hurt anything.

ibz · #13 06-13-2007, 12:12 PM

Taking them off one at a time.

Working from the inside strings out.
Still tension on that neck this was but yet you still get to clean the whole board... Even right next to the nut.

zachbass02 · #14 06-13-2007, 12:22 PM

The dirt keeps the funk....

Pilgrim · #15 06-13-2007, 03:39 PM

Never had to clean the fingerboard. Therefore, "Other".

ronniepunx · #16 06-13-2007, 04:13 PM

I change my strings often, after reading these comments I am starting to wonder if I am doing it too much. It might be a habit from playing guitar, they wear out fast. I do clean them after everytime I play.

SGT. Pepper · #17 06-13-2007, 04:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bgavin

IMO, removing all the strings makes a significant change to the neck tension, and should not be done.

Clean the board when you change strings, one at a time. Remove one, clean, bring the new one up to pitch, repeat.

I use lemon oil on rosewood, pau ferro. Maple boards are sealed and can be cleaned with anything that doesn't remove the hard finish. Windex?

You can remove all the strings for a short period of time and the neck will not move, especially if you are putting the same brand and guage of strings back on. I've done it many times with no problems. Now if you leave the strings off for a couple of days it will effect it.
Anyone who cleans and oils a fretboard with the strings still on is doing themselves an injustice since you can't polish the board as well. If your putting the strings right back on after a cleaning or oiling you'll be okay.