Remove dead skin of fretboard?

Superpang · #1 04-08-2007, 11:55 PM

Don't know what to use. Seems like oils just cover on top and don't really remove them. Water seems kinda wacky.

lemur821 · #2 04-09-2007, 12:31 AM

You could scrub it with some fine steel wool.

62bass · #3 04-09-2007, 07:05 AM

If you're scared of soap and water try alcohol and a fine plastic scrubbing pad.

I've used water with a drop of dsih soap and a cotton cloth and it works fine. I dry it with another cloth immediately after. It's never been a problem.

Where are all these dead skin cells coming from? It sounds like you have an abundance of them. Are you loaning your bass to zombies?

Basshole · #4 04-09-2007, 07:13 AM

I use a cotton washcloth with just a dab of warm water. I rub vigorously, up and down, and it just removes the dirt nicely.

As the previous poster said, a quick buff afterward with a dry towel (or a dry spot on the same washcloth) buffs the wood out real nice, actually polishing the board with a bit of the residual emulsified finger oils. It leaves a clean, slick, and sealed finish.

202dy · #5 04-09-2007, 10:28 AM

Alcohol is o.k. It probably works faster than anything else. But care must be exercised. Alcohol will damage some finishes, most notably French Polish. Naphtha is also a good choice as a solvent. It works quickly and is kind to most finishes. However, naphtha will leach the oils out of the fingerboard. The board should be oiled before the guitar is restrung.

62bass · #6 04-09-2007, 01:57 PM

I've never had a problem with naptha leaching oil out as it dries so fast. But, if you're worried about it, oil away.

Yes, alcohol can damage some finishes, notably french polish (which is shellac) although you're unlikely to find that on anything but a one off custom bass. It will also damage nitrocellulose finishes (and vintage nitro pickguards) so if you have a very old bass or a custom, find out what's on there before you use it. Water can also damage shellac and cause a white blush on nitro finishes if left on too long.

When I used alcohol to clean the fingerboard on my original 62 P I took care not to get it on the finish.

But a bit of soap and water works well and is safe. You don't have to pour it on and leave it wet.