fingerboard noob question

Hi all, hope this isn't too stupid a question but i'm wondering if its normal getting wear on the ebony fingerboard after a short while? im getting a noticeable discolouration on under the G string near thumb position 'kind of pinky in colour' which i'd assume is the string but i can't seem to shift it with anything, any idea's? is it normal? can i get the neck back to its beautiful full black?

sorry again if its a silly question, i've searched for ages and come up with no answers

thanks again

[bassics1975]

Start by taking a cloth and cleaning the area. It could be a build-up of gunk from frequent playing in that position.

Do you know if the fingerboard is in fact ebony? Some hardwoods are stained to have the deep black appearance of ebony. What you may be seeing is the stain wearing in the area. If you could post pics for us to see, we may be able to help you more.

I think you might be right about it not being an ebony piece, I always thought it was but on checking the spec online it's a rosewood fingerboard so I'm guessing the real wood colour is wearing through, thanks for the help

[tstone]

Even genuine ebony boards are sometimes dyed to even out the color. Less than four-star quality ebony often has greyish-pinkish streaks running through it.