Indian Laurel Fretboard Care

[davelowell2]

Same here, Squier CV laurel fretboard, grey and lifeless, ruined the whole appearance of this otherwise gorgeous white bass.

I lightly but thoroughly sanded the fretboard with extra fine grit sandpaper to remove any finish, which I think there was as the sandpaper would gunk up every few frets at first. Then the Dunlop fretboard oil. The board is now dark and lustrous.

The big surprise is the tone changed. It used to be cold and hard, now it is noticeably warmer and rounder, almost like the fretboard went from plastic to wood.

I’m thinking of sanding my new CV late 60’s.
Do you have any pics?
Approximately what grit paper?
Did it scratch the dots or blocks on yours?


It seems mine has a finish on it. Above the nut it’s very dark but in the fingering area it’s grey and cloudy.


Any tips or hindsight is appreciated!

 

[butterfingers1]

I’m thinking of sanding my new CV late 60’s.
Do you have any pics?
Approximately what grit paper?
Did it scratch the dots or blocks on yours?


It seems mine has a finish on it. Above the nut it’s very dark but in the fingering area it’s grey and cloudy.


Any tips or hindsight is appreciated!

I used extra fine 220 grit sandpaper, which gummed up at almost every fret with whatever finish is on there. After that the oiled fretboard looked much nicer, darker and more luxurious.

However the sanding exposed the sharp metal fret ends, I had to carefully file them down otherwise my finger joints were sliced up.

After all this and the fact I really don’t like tort pickguards, I traded it in this spring for a Fender Player white with mint pickguard.

In hindsight I would not do this again. The fretboard was ok as is, and variable from one bass to the next from what I can see in stores. Maybe it’s best to just play the bass and not get obsessed with details. Squiers are really fine bass guitars in every way, my favourite brand, including the new entry level Affinity line.

 

[andare]

I’m thinking of sanding my new CV late 60’s.
Do you have any pics?
Approximately what grit paper?
Did it scratch the dots or blocks on yours?


It seems mine has a finish on it. Above the nut it’s very dark but in the fingering area it’s grey and cloudy.


Any tips or hindsight is appreciated!

Why would they put finish on the fretboard to make it lighter though?
My Mini P has light and dark streaks. It feels pretty raw but the pores are tight.
When I rounded off the edges the color didn't change so I don't think there's any finish.
I'm definitely not gonna sand it and ruin it.

 

[davelowell2]

Why would they put finish on the fretboard to make it lighter though?
My Mini P has light and dark streaks. It feels pretty raw but the pores are tight.
When I rounded off the edges the color didn't change so I don't think there's any finish.
I'm definitely not gonna sand it and ruin it.

I think you’re right. The part above the nut that is different, I believe that has the finish, with the rest of the headstock.

 

[butterfingers1]

A lot, not all, of Squier laurel fretboards have a gray white tinge to them. I can only explain this as some sort of varnish or finish that is not quite bonded to the surface. After I sanded mine (extra fine 220 grit sandpaper) the gray was gone, natural wood remained, which readily absorbed oil and became quite beautiful.

However, I didn’t try oiling before sanding, it’s possible this would have worked as well for the appearance. I would be curious to know if anyone tried this.