to clean or not to clean...

[hennessybass]

Rosewood board.
Has had nothing done to it in terms of care in a long time... maybe never.

About to change up strings. Should I clean it? Oil it?

I've read through a few threads. ...lemon oil, 0000 steel wool, rosewood doesn't need to be oiled...

I guess I'm more looking for info about the cleaning than the oil.

I have this stuff Fender sells called "Fingerboard Remedy" that was recommended and I was going to use. It's says "cleans, hydrates, and protects."

Should I just put some of that on, or should I do some kind of abrasive cleaning first? Or just leave it?

Looking for advice, tips, spare change, etc...

 

[HaMMerHeD]

Clean it. That's not mojo. It's dirt, sweat, and dead skin. There are some Ernie ball moisturizing wipes that work well. Dunlop system 65 works too. I would not use steel wool. It can really mess up a pickup. Try some grey or white 3m scotchbrite.

 

[bobdabilder]

Take a rag put some of the remedy on it and clean the board. Done.

 

[Rockbobmel]

Yuck!! Cleanit with this...Link Removed

 

[charlie monroe]

I can’t believe you are looking at that in person and questioning whether it should get cleaned or not.

 

[Dr. Love]

Those pictures make me want to go get a tetanus shot.

I would try the stuff you have. You shouldn't need an abrasive, but you may need to let the cleaner set a little to soften the gunk up then scrub a bit with a soft cloth. I've also used fingerboard oil and a toothbrush on some really crusty boards too.

 

[Matt Liebenau]

I’ll be the heretic and suggest Simple Green and a soft toothbrush (preferably someone else’s). Give it a scrub, wipe off, repeat as needed. After that, use the oil of your choice, linseed, TruOil, etc.

 

[Vinny_G]

^ I'd do that too.



Otherwise, 0000 steel wool has been used for decades to clean woods and it works like a charm. Don't forget to cover your pickups with painter tape before, or better, remove the neck if it is possible.

 

[richntiff]

Don’t clean it. Let the built in mojo propel your hopes and dreams.

Just kidding. EWWWW! Clean that. Now. My basses don’t get near that, and it’s just me.

 

[egarcia]

I whipe down freatboard, strings, and all the Bass everytime I finish playing. It takes less than a minute. So I only need a deep clean once a year.

 

[Matty Koff]

You don't oil a laminated maple fretboard, it could ruin the finish, wet cloth followed by dry cloth is the way to clean that.

Rosewood needs hydration from time to time, and oil is one way of doing that, but I'd definitely clean the gunk off before oiling. Letting it dry out could lead to cracking. It might not but, generally you do want to maintain some moisture in such a fretboard.

That Fender Fretboard Remedy should do the job of both cleaning and hydrating based on it's labeling, and I would imagine wouldn't hurt if you use it everytime you change your strings.

THe one bass I own that doesn't have a glossy maple finish on the fretboard has a Panga Panga fretboard and like rosewood it needs to maintain some level of moisture, I.E. wouldn't want to let it dry out.

I use the dunlop stuff, as it's what's been sitting around my house for several years. I generally clean it with fretboard conditioner, wipe it down, apply fretboard oil, wipe excess off every time I change strings.

No on the "abrasive cleaning". Just use your Fender Fretboard Remedy, a washcloth, or better yet a microfiber cloth and some elbow grease. If it hydrates as it says it does, it's already doing the job that oil would do.

 

[Vinny_G]

You don't oil a laminated maple fretboard, it could ruin the finish, wet cloth followed by dry cloth is the way to clean that.

Rosewood needs hydration from time to time, and oil is one way of doing that, but I'd definitely clean the gunk off before oiling. Letting it dry out could lead to cracking. It might not but, generally you do want to maintain some moisture in such a fretboard.

That Fender Fretboard Remedy should do the job of both cleaning and hydrating based on it's labeling, and I would imagine wouldn't hurt if you use it everytime you change your strings.

THe one bass I own that doesn't have a glossy maple finish on the fretboard has a Panga Panga fretboard and like rosewood it needs to maintain some level of moisture, I.E. wouldn't want to let it dry out.

I use the dunlop stuff, as it's what's been sitting around my house for several years. I generally clean it with fretboard conditioner, wipe it down, apply fretboard oil, wipe excess off every time I change strings.

No on the "abrasive cleaning". Just use your Fender Fretboard Remedy, a washcloth, or better yet a microfiber cloth and some elbow grease. If it hydrates as it says it does, it's already doing the job that oil would do.

Oil does not contain water and is hydrophobic (it doesn't mix with water). You can't hydrate anything with oil, you need water to do this. We put mineral oil on our fingerboards to make them shiny and pretty.

 

[Matty Koff]

Oil does not contain water and is hydrophobic (it doesn't mix with water). You can't hydrate anything with oil, you need water to do this. We put mineral oil on our fingerboards to make them shiny and pretty.

Fretboard Oil | Taylor Guitars

https://www.sweetwater.com/insync/how-often-should-i-clean-my-fretboard/

https://www.sweetwater.com/insync/oil-fretboards/

The Why and How of Using Lemon Oil on Guitar Fretboards | Feature

Several articles that kindly disagree with you. Oiling a fretboard is an act of preservation, as well as making things shiney and clean. For an unfinished fretboard it's recommended once or twice a year.

 

[Vinny_G]

Fretboard Oil | Taylor Guitars

https://www.sweetwater.com/insync/how-often-should-i-clean-my-fretboard/

https://www.sweetwater.com/insync/oil-fretboards/

The Why and How of Using Lemon Oil on Guitar Fretboards | Feature

Several articles that kindly disagree with you. Oiling a fretboard is an act of preservation, as well as making things shiney and clean. For an unfinished fretboard it's recommended once or twice a year.

Science kindly disagree with this marketing BS.

Sweetwater sells these products, so they're not really a reference.

As for Bob Taylor's interview, he does not talk about hydration at all. He says "The wood can dry out over time, and an oil like this, or linseed oil, or even mineral oil, can protect the wood and beautify it as well. Don't overdo it".

I didn't say it was bad to do it. But Mr. Taylor himself said not to overdo it. Why is that? Because if you do it too much or too often the layer of fat attracts and binds dust, dead skin and all that dirt. You can even make the ends of the frets protrude from the edges of the fingerboard (fret sprout).

A dehydrated fingerboard can also have this effect. How to avoid this? By moisturizing the air to keep the ambient level correct. Moisture is water, not oil. Wood doesn't need oil, it needs water. Sorry but I'm not the author of the laws of nature.

Do you clean anything with oil, by the way?

 

[Matty Koff]

Science kindly disagree with this marketing BS.

Sweetwater sells these products, so they're not really a reference.

As for Bob Taylor's interview, he does not talk about hydration at all. He says "The wood can dry out over time, and an oil like this, or linseed oil, or even mineral oil, can protect the wood and beautify it as well. Don't overdo it".

I didn't say it was bad to do it. But Mr. Taylor himself said not to overdo it. Why is that? Because if you do it too much or too often the layer of fat attracts and binds dust, dead skin and all that dirt. You can even make the ends of the frets protrude from the edges of the fingerboard (fret sprout).

A dehydrated fingerboard can also have this effect. How to avoid this? By moisturizing the air to keep the ambient level correct. Moisture is water, not oil. Wood doesn't need oil, it needs water. Sorry but I'm not the author of the laws of nature.

Do you clean anything with oil, by the way?

It might be more about locking moisture in.. i.e. protecting it. However - given that it's advice from many guitar manufacturers.. I do totally recommend oiling your unfinished fretboards at least once a year.

If you'd like.. you can continue to debate "WHY' one might want to do so.. I'm not going to. But the general consensus is that YES we should oil our unfinished fretboards from time to time. And I'm leaving it at that.

Quoted from the Fender 2011 bass owner's manual

"Oil The Fretboard Periodically: The natural oils in Rosewood, Pau Ferro and Ebony fingerboards may dry out over time. Rough, exposed fret edges are evidence of dry, shrunken wood. It is a good idea to give your fretboard a “drink” of lemon oil, boiled linseed oil or other non silicone-based wood/furniture oil, periodically to preserve its integrity and natural beauty. Note: With the strings removed, apply oil first to a clean lint free cloth, rub into the wood, let it soak in for a few minutes, and then wipe to dry any excess oil. Do not apply oil to the finished surfaces of the bass."


Link Removed - From Gibson

"Tip #7 You may see hairline cracks on a dried-out fingerboard. Gibson’s Luthier’s Choice Fretboard Conditioner is your friend. Or rub one or two drops of oil (mineral, almond, linseed) into the fretboard to condition it. Please don't overdo it, and make sure to wipe off excess oil with a soft, dry cloth.

The jury remains out on some Lemon Oils – as they are advertized – because many contain added ingredients. Go for special guitar oil: no silicon, no wax and as minimal chemicals as possible. Your Gibson's rosewood or ebony 'board should still get a light oiling at least once a year."

Spector http://www.spectorbass.com/FAQ

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
What is recommended to clean and maintain the fingerboard on my Spector?
We recommend Dunlop Formula 65 01 & 02 Fingerboard Conditioner and Cleaner for our fingerboards. (what i use)

This can be used with Rosewood and Pau Ferro fingerboards. Sealed (gloss) maple fingerboards can be cleaned with Dunlop Formula 65 care products. Matte finished Maple Fingerboards can be cleaned with a pure lemon oil such as Formby's Penetrating Lemon Oil, to remove dirt, etc.


Bottom line.. it is recommended to oil your unfinished fretboards from time to time. WHY - someone else can answer that. That's a little beyond the scope of the OP. I didn't come here to nitpick.. i just came to encourage the OP to clean and oil his nasty looking fretboard. And yes.. based on my reading, which I'm providing references for at least, oiling is an act of preservation. Replenishing the natural oils in the wood that may dry out over time. That doesn't mean there aren't guitars and basses out there that haven't been oiled in decades that seem just fine, but it doesn't hurt to be cautious and overprotective of your slab of wood.

 

[Vinny_G]

It might be more about locking moisture in.. i.e. protecting it. However - given that it's advice from many guitar manufacturers.. I do totally recommend oiling your unfinished fretboards at least once a year.

If you'd like.. you can continue to debate "WHY' one might want to do so.. I'm not going to. But the general consensus is that YES we should oil our unfinished fretboards from time to time. And I'm leaving it at that.

Quoted from the Fender 2011 bass owner's manual

"Oil The Fretboard Periodically: The natural oils in Rosewood, Pau Ferro and Ebony fingerboards may dry out over time. Rough, exposed fret edges are evidence of dry, shrunken wood. It is a good idea to give your fretboard a “drink” of lemon oil, boiled linseed oil or other non silicone-based wood/furniture oil, periodically to preserve its integrity and natural beauty. Note: With the strings removed, apply oil first to a clean lint free cloth, rub into the wood, let it soak in for a few minutes, and then wipe to dry any excess oil. Do not apply oil to the finished surfaces of the bass."


Link Removed - From Gibson

"Tip #7 You may see hairline cracks on a dried-out fingerboard. Gibson’s Luthier’s Choice Fretboard Conditioner is your friend. Or rub one or two drops of oil (mineral, almond, linseed) into the fretboard to condition it. Please don't overdo it, and make sure to wipe off excess oil with a soft, dry cloth.

The jury remains out on some Lemon Oils – as they are advertized – because many contain added ingredients. Go for special guitar oil: no silicon, no wax and as minimal chemicals as possible. Your Gibson's rosewood or ebony 'board should still get a light oiling at least once a year."

Spector http://www.spectorbass.com/FAQ

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
What is recommended to clean and maintain the fingerboard on my Spector?
We recommend Dunlop Formula 65 01 & 02 Fingerboard Conditioner and Cleaner for our fingerboards. (what i use)

This can be used with Rosewood and Pau Ferro fingerboards. Sealed (gloss) maple fingerboards can be cleaned with Dunlop Formula 65 care products. Matte finished Maple Fingerboards can be cleaned with a pure lemon oil such as Formby's Penetrating Lemon Oil, to remove dirt, etc.


Bottom line.. it is recommended to oil your unfinished fretboards from time to time. WHY - someone else can answer that. That's a little beyond the scope of the OP. I didn't come here to nitpick.. i just came to encourage the OP to clean and oil his nasty looking fretboard. And yes.. based on my reading, which I'm providing references for at least, oiling is an act of preservation. Replenishing the natural oils in the wood that may dry out over time. That doesn't mean there aren't guitars and basses out there that haven't oiled in decades that seem just fine, but it doesn't hurt to be cautious and overprotective of your slab of wood.

They sell you these products. They make you want to use them, they make you think that you need them. Nothing new. Remember Gibson tone polish? But hey, if you want to continue to buy snake oil, more power to you.

 

[Matty Koff]

They sell you these products. They make you want to use them, they make you think that you need them. Nothing new. Remember Gibson tone polish? But hey, if you want to continue to buy snake oil, more power to you.

Yes.. fender and spector are recommending their own namebrand products in their manuals as well right? No wait. they aren't at all. Fender just named types of oil, they didn't mention a brand. ..Spector said Dunlop. They're just telling you how to care for your bass. If you choose to ignore that.. all the power to you.. I'm done though. You take care. I'll continue caring for my instruments as described in the manuals that came with them.

P.S. my bottles of dunlop fretboard cleaning and conditioner have lasted me like 5 years and have enough liquid in them to last a decade or two... but yeah they're totally just trying to make a buck. /s

I.E. Invested anywhere between $500-$5000 into an instrument.. but where they really get ya.. is that $10 bottle of fretboard cleaner or Oil. Come on man. hit somebody else with that strawman please.

 

[Rockbobmel]

I get a laugh when I see “clean lint free dry cloth”. You can mop up the excess oil with a paper towel and it won’t scratch the wood. A Q-tip works close to the frets- or a toothbrush for the grime on that board. “Lemon Oil” is just scented mineral oil.

 

[DrMole]

Fretboard Oil | Taylor Guitars

https://www.sweetwater.com/insync/how-often-should-i-clean-my-fretboard/

https://www.sweetwater.com/insync/oil-fretboards/

The Why and How of Using Lemon Oil on Guitar Fretboards | Feature

Several articles that kindly disagree with you. Oiling a fretboard is an act of preservation, as well as making things shiney and clean. For an unfinished fretboard it's recommended once or twice a year.

No, oils still do not " hydrate". (Pedantic? Perhaps)
may protect and preserve and actually minimize evaporation of H2O from the wood but oiling any material adds zero hydration.

Oh, and please clean that nasty fingerboard.

 

[Vinny_G]

Yes.. fender and spector are recommending their own namebrand products in their manuals as well right? No wait. they aren't at all. Fender just named types of oil, they didn't mention a brand. ..Spector said Dunlop. They're just telling you how to care for your bass. If you choose to ignore that.. all the power to you.. I'm done though. You take care. I'll continue caring for my instruments as described in the manuals that came with them.

P.S. my bottles of dunlop fretboard cleaning and conditioner have lasted me like 5 years and have enough liquid in them to last a decade or two... but yeah they're totally just trying to make a buck. /s

I.E. Invested anywhere between $500-$5000 into an instrument.. but where they really get ya.. is that $10 bottle of fretboard cleaner or Oil. Come on man. hit somebody else with that strawman please.

I'm not telling you what to do with your bass, or that you are wrong to do it. I'm just pointing out some basic facts. My apologies if I ruffled your feathers.