My fretboard smells... bad

shanmag · #1 01-11-2007, 08:08 PM

hey

So my fretboard on my Warwick Rockbass smells (not a good smell). Last string change (2ish months ago) I put some Lemon Oil on there but that didn't mask/get ride of the smell.

I know I should of wiped down the neck after each time I played.. but I didn't and now I can't get the smell to go away. I've learnt my lesson!

Is there anything anyone can suggest to help mask or get rid of the smell?

Thanks

jsbass · #2 01-11-2007, 08:09 PM

Don't smell it? I mean... does it literally like emit smells into the air or is it just when you get close to it and sniff it?

shanmag · #3 01-11-2007, 09:04 PM

Well when other people play my bass they complain about how much it smells

but yeh I can kinda smell it when I'm playing

steamthief · #4 01-11-2007, 09:07 PM

What exactly does it smell like? Sulfur? Vomit? Poop? This is a good thread.

keyboardguy · #5 01-11-2007, 09:21 PM

" HOW MANY TIMES HAVE I TOLD YOU TO WASH YOUR HANDS AFTER GOING TO THE BATHROOM??

MIKE

RareBear · #6 01-11-2007, 09:29 PM

Sphincterboard or fingerboard?

shanmag · #7 01-12-2007, 07:14 AM

noo i haven't been wiping down the fretboard after i play, so its like my sweat has sunk into the fretboard thus making it smell.

Selta · #8 01-12-2007, 07:24 AM

I don't think I've ever wiped down my basses... and none of them smell

eots · #9 01-12-2007, 07:24 AM

or mix it with some lemon oil if it's too strong.
http://www.coffee-authority.com/prod...&cat=90&page=1

shanmag · #10 01-12-2007, 07:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ray Salamon

I don't think I've ever wiped down my basses... and none of them smell

hmm maybe i should buy a real bass then (spector) haha no just joking..

but seriously.. i really want a spector

pkr2 · #11 01-12-2007, 07:39 AM

I would imagine musician strength under arm deodorant. Maybe on your fingers before you play, too. I almost never clean my fingerboard and it don't have a smell.

Selta · #12 01-12-2007, 07:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shanmag

hmm maybe i should buy a real bass then (spector) haha no just joking..

but seriously.. i really want a spector

Spectors rule man. You buy one, you want to buy them all. There's two for sale now actually here on TB, a 4 and a 5er Legends. Just keep your paws away from the 5er

.

-Ray

Scott in Dallas · #13 01-12-2007, 08:47 AM

http://www.cumpiano.com/Home/Article...brd%20oil.html

Diego · #14 01-12-2007, 09:41 AM

This is what I would do:

Take a 0000 steel wool pad or 3M white pad and soak in naphta or 200 proof ethanol (I prefer ethanol). Rub the FB and remove all possible grime. If you are using ethanol your FB wood will look VERY dry after this. This is normal, you just removed a lot of oil from the wood. Now to restore it add a mix of ornge oil and bee's wax (just a couple of drops in a cotton rag) and rub it into the FB. Finally take a clean cotton rag and buff out. This should take care of it. The ethanol or naphta will dissolve all the organic matter in the FB gunk, which is most likely the cause of the foul smell.

Hope this helps,

Diego

Planet Boulder · #15 01-12-2007, 10:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ray Salamon

I don't think I've ever wiped down my basses... and none of them smell

That's because you don't play your bass with your arse.

Selta · #16 01-12-2007, 10:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Planet Boulder

That's because you don't play your bass with your arse.

Well, I did a pretty cool solo one time...

XansNiceSweater · #17 01-15-2007, 11:53 AM

video error - was that the murderface solo?

Selta · #18 01-15-2007, 11:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XansNiceSweater

video error - was that the murderface solo?

you betcha

Scott in Dallas · #19 01-15-2007, 12:20 PM

By the way, are you sure it's the fretboard? I remember that some materials used to make top nuts, especially things like bone, can become malodorous.

PilbaraBass · #20 01-15-2007, 01:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Diego

This is what I would do:

Take a 0000 steel wool pad or 3M white pad and soak in naphta or 200 proof ethanol (I prefer ethanol). Rub the FB and remove all possible grime. If you are using ethanol your FB wood will look VERY dry after this. This is normal, you just removed a lot of oil from the wood. Now to restore it add a mix of ornge oil and bee's wax (just a couple of drops in a cotton rag) and rub it into the FB. Finally take a clean cotton rag and buff out. This should take care of it. The ethanol or naphta will dissolve all the organic matter in the FB gunk, which is most likely the cause of the foul smell.

Hope this helps,

Diego

actually pretty good advice...in addition, use a toothbrush to dislodge the gunk near the frets...