best way to clean a fretboard

[epic!]

rosewood fretboard on my stingray is looking pretty gross. tons of dirt and filth in between frets. whats the best way to get all this stuff off? i can scratch if off with a pick but this takes forever and doesnt leave it as presentable as i would like. any suggestions?

 

[ttasselm]

Lemon Oil:

http://accessories.musiciansfriend.com/product/Dunlop-Fretboard-65-Ultimate-Lemon-Oil?sku=425264



Fretboard Wipes:

http://accessories.musiciansfriend....Wonder-Wipes-Fretboard-Conditioner?sku=421149


I've used both and they work equally well.

 

[epic!]

nice! way cheaper than i was expecting. thanks

 

[MikeBC]

I have yet to try this but if your frets and fingerboard are really gross you might consider it.

It is a method recommended by Taylor Guitar for their acoustic 6-string guitars. Not long ago, I acquired a used Taylor 6-string and am learning to play that. Obviously not everything would apply but some of their advice might be handy for a dirty electric guitar or bass guitar. I am going to try this the next time I restring that old 414-K.

Check out this link and then click on Parts 1 & 2 of the Care and Feeding

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I have used lemon oil but preferred linseed oil on my old Gibson bass. Probably not much difference. I have also used an old, soft all cotton t-shirt, and placed that over my finger-fingernail, and dug out the grime behind the frets. Takes some work and probably too old school!

You might check Music Maker's website and see if they have recommendations.

 

[throbgod13]

a medium bristle toothbrush and Formby's Deep Cleansing Build-up Remover.. then warmed (heated) light mineral oil.. then maintain with a pure oil with no petroleum distillates .. i.e. lemon, orange.. you can get it at a health food section in a grocery store.. or, at a health food store..

or, squirt windex on it and scrub it off with a stiff bristle toothbrush.. resist the urge to scrub along the fret and go with the grain of the wood.. then use the oil of your choice..

 

[thetawaves]

For crud build-up around frets? Light dab of lighter fluid on a clean rag wrapped round a finger and go at it. General maintenance on your rosewood fretboard: a few drops of lemon oil, use a clean rag to distribute it evenly over the fretboard, leave for 5 minutes then wipe off any excess.

 

[Floyd Eye]

If it's really bad try Naptha and a rag. You can also use 0000 steel wool ( be sure to rub with the grain). After it's clean use the lemon oil for regular maintenance.

 

[oldscarrow]

Buy yourself a new stiff bristle toothbrush specifically for that purpose, works wonders and doesn't mark the board in any way.