lube then wait?

[Gene Leone]

I'm not sure if this thread belongs here or not.

After oiling your fingerboard does anyone wait any length of time before putting the strings back on?

I usually do the light lubrication, make sure the neck is wiped down very good and put the strings on right away. Never caused a problem.

But should I be waiting an hour or so?

[202dy]

You've probably answered your own question.

Let the oil soak into the fingerboard. Usually five minutes or less will do the trick. Wipe it down to remove the traces of oil and restring. Some oils, like boiled linseed, will weep or bead up for twenty four hours or so. Not a big deal, just wipe it off beneath the strings.

If professional luthiers had to wait any longer they would all be out of business next week.

BTW, oiling a fingerboard is only necessary once or twice a year.

[Fontaine]

what do u use to oil your fingerboard?

[Gene Leone]

In general I use lemon oil but only do it about every 2 years.

My luthier recommends boiled linseed, someone else recommends tung, but most say lemon, so I just go with the flow rather than try and sort it out.

I asked because I don't want oil on new strings, which hasn't happened, but better to ask.

THanks for the tid bit.

[202dy]

If you wish to read up on the subject ad nauseum use the search function. There seems to be a thread every month debating the relative merits of one oil versus another. Everyone has a favorite. Everyone has reasons for their choice. No one is going to convince anyone to change their minds. If you like lemon, go for it.

[Gene Leone]

I read the oil debate before and there is no "one size fits all."

I just wanted to know if a drying time should pass without having to go through a gazillion threads.