Caring for rosewood fingerboard.

[Jinobass1]

Happy New Year to all fellow bassists ! Just oiled up 10 of my fender rosewood fingerboards basses but got 6 more to go!
Im using this stuff for fingerboards. Any other suggestions??!!

Here’s Before

And After

9 done and 1mo’ to go
For today & 6 mo’ tomorrow……

here’s the 10th one Before:

After:

 

[Vodyanoi]

I've never used anything other than several drops of water on a soft cloth to clean the (uncoated) fingerboards of my instruments. It seems to work well for me, and the wood doesn't seem to need anything else apart from that -- it still looks pristine.

 

[Michael Stanley 2112]

I only use Music Nomad F-1 Oil.

 

[bassnyc1]

I only use Music Nomad F-1 Oil.

I just tried this the other day. Great stuff!

 

[User3734584]

BLO

 

[SulzerType2]

I use Montypresso relic wax. This provides a finish of sorts and I like the dull sheen and unifying colour it provides. I use a hot air gun to get it to penetrate the wood.

I used to use Danish oil, but again that is providing a finish. Rosewood doesn't need anything really, so it comes down to whether you like the look, whether you are trying to lightly finish the board, etc.

I've seen it suggested that oil 'hydrates' a fretboard or is a necessary maintenance requirement, but I don't think any of this is true.

 

[rockscott]

I use lemon oil

 

[themickster]

Luthiers say to use lemon oil once or twice a year

 

[Arthur U. Poon]

I use mineral oil. Roger Sadowsky recommends it for hydrating fingerboards. I apply a small amount with a piece of old cloth to my rosewood and ebony fingerboards every time I restring. It’s inexpensive, and a large bottle lasts for years. It’s a food grade product, and it’s found in the pharmacy at most stores, in the laxative section.

 

[Jinobass1]

I only use Music Nomad F-1 Oil.

Thanx gonna check it out!

 

[Jinobass1]

Wow that’s amazing gonna get me some!!

 

[Jinobass1]

Luthiers say to use lemon oil once or twice a year

I heard that too but someone else told me that lemon oil is for strictly cleaning…..

 

[Clark Westfield]

I have been using this stuff on my ebony boards for years.

My buddy recommended it to me who has 30+ guitars with rosewood boards.

I think not doing anything to a board causes issues.

As far as products for this concern, everything works as opposed to nothing.

 

[SulzerType2]

Luthiers say to use lemon oil once or twice a year

That seems too frequent. Not all lemon oil is equal either. Some is just a blend of mineral oil, solvents and a scent.


I don't buy into the idea that oil is an effective cleaner, either. Where else in the world do you tackle grime by smothering it in oil? Where else do you combed dehydration with oil?

 

[buldog5151bass]

All I do is wipe mine down with a soft dry clean cloth.

 

[Jinobass1]

I have been using this stuff on my ebony boards for years.

My buddy recommended it to me who has 30+ guitars with rosewood boards.

I think not doing anything to a board causes issues.

As far as products for this concern, everything works as opposed to nothing.
View attachment 4920580

Never heard of it,till now!Thanx I’ll definitely look into it!!

 

[ELG60]

I'll occasionally clean the boards with isopropyl alcohol and then recondition them with cutting board oil, which is food-grade mineral oil.

 

[Jinobass1]

Just ordered the Hydrate by D’addario on Amazon and looking into mineral oil too but it’s hard to come by in japan….but I’ll find it somehow.
Thanx!

 

[DrBnz]

I've been using these WONDER WIPES ....

 

[roller]

Longtime user of Fret Doctor here.