My boards dry!

[fnp5150]

Probably an easy answer but I don’t know what it is. My bass is set up perfectly, stays in tune, and has flats which, in theory, could stay on for years. So how do I condition my fingerboard without removing my strings? Don’t want to remove, if possible, and start all over with my set up.

 

[Pilgrim]

You don't. Your "board" is NOT dry. It's exactly as it should be.

I haven't oiled or treated a fingerboard since 1967...and I have a 1963 P and a 1964 EB-0 that are no worse for it. I also have always lived in low humidity areas where in summer it can be under 20% humidity. I currently have a dozen basses in 30, 32 and 34 inch scales. None has ever had a fingerboard treatment. None will have one.

Fingerboards....do....not....need...oiled. Nothing bad will happen. Play it and don't worry about it.

 

[fnp5150]

You don't. Your "board" is NOT dry. It's exactly as it should be.

I haven't oiled or treated a fingerboard since 1967...and I have a 1963 P that is none the worse for it. I also have always lived in low humidity areas where in summer it can be under 20% humidity. I currently have a dozen basses in 30, 32 and 34 inch scales. None has ever had a fingerboard treatment. None will have one.

Fingerboards....do....not....need...oiled. Nothing bad will happen. Play it and don't worry about it.

Thank you! Plus I live 15 miles from the Florida line so it’s always humid.

 

[Pilgrim]

You're good. Others will have differing opinions, but after more than 50 years of playing bass, I can assure you that you are OK.

 

[Killing Floor]

If you do use any lemon oil or melted butter or whatever, remove your strings. You can unwind a couple turns and pull aside.

 

[Lo-E]

Removing your strings should not affect your setup at all. When you string back up to pitch everything should return to where it was.

 

[fnp5150]

So if oil gets on the strings, you can just wipe it off with no ill effects to the strings?

 

[bucephylus]

I very rarely clean my fingerboards. When I do, though, I use a product called Guitar Honey, which seems to have an oil formulation well suited to bare wood.

 

[Pilgrim]

So if oil gets on the strings, you can just wipe it off with no ill effects to the strings?

It may reduce their brightness and result in a "thumpier" and less bright sound. That's considered to be bad by those who like a bright sound, and it's considered to be highly desirable by those who like a more traditional bass sound, especially those who play flatwound strings.

Applying excessive oil can also loosen frets and cause them to rise or "pop" loose.

 

[JimmyM]

Your grubby little booger pickers are all the oil your board needs

 

[fhm555]

I live next door to you (AL) and I’ve got a bass with a rosewood board I bought new in 1990 that has been all over Alabama, and surrounding states and a few not connected by boarders, and played in most any condition but out in the rain, and I’ve never washed or lubed my fingerboard. I’ve always wiped it down after use and have changed strings as needed, and my rosewood looks as good today as it did the day I walked out of Rhythm City in ATL with my brand new bass. Wash your hands before playing and wipe down you bass while it’s still warm when you are done and you should never have any worries about dry or dirty fingerboards.

 

[Lance Bunyon]

If you do use any lemon oil or melted butter or whatever, remove your strings. You can unwind a couple turns and pull aside.

Melted butter made me LOL! And hungry.
C'mon man, you're killing me. Middle aged men can't stay fit if we eat breakfast.

 

[micguy]

So if oil gets on the strings, you can just wipe it off with no ill effects to the strings?

Don't get oil on your strings - it can dampen/deaden the sound. Loosen your strings, leave 'em going through the bridge, but move them out of the way of the fretboard. Your setup will be just fine after you put them back and tension them up.

 

[themickster]

If you do use any lemon oil or melted butter or whatever, remove your strings. You can unwind a couple turns and pull aside.

Who says to use butter?

 

[pcake]

don't use real lemon oil! it's very acidic. there are products made for fingerboards - use that to clean, but i can't imagine someone in georgia will have a dry fingerboard.

 

[ThinCrappyTone2]

 

[MotorCityMinion]

Just loosen the strings and move them out of the way and go easy with the conditioner. Some boards darken up when oiled and look great.

 

[Spidey2112]

Who says to use butter?

I've seen a lot of ads lately for Land'O'Lakes, so I'm guessing they do.

 

[Spidey2112]

View attachment 5218270

Raise your glass, and prepare your toast.

 

[bigthemat]

View attachment 5218270

how is it on toast?