Fretboard Treatment

[just strum]

Just curious if anyone has used Planet Waves Hydrate?

http://www.firstqualitymusic.com/itemdetail.asp?item=PW-FBC&keyword=hydrate

[Spudman]

Just curious if anyone has used Planet Waves Hydrate?

http://www.firstqualitymusic.com/itemdetail.asp?item=PW-FBC&keyword=hydrate

I haven't tried that one but I have been using Formby's Lemon Oil and The Fret Doctor (http://www.beafifer.com/boredoctor.htm) with good results. The key is to get a treatment that doesn't have any detergents or cleaners in it. It's best to use mild soap and water to first clean the fretboard then treat it.

[Andy]

I've been using lemon oil , than I read up on it ,tho it definately dries out the wood over time if left alone.

most of the recomendations I have read say to use the lemon oil for cleaning(very minimal amount) remove as much as possible ,than follow with a different type of oil to actually hydrate the wood.

so I'm back to looking for a replenishing oil I guess.

[ShootTheGlass]

After some good advice on here, i used lemon oil on both my fretboards (one of which was disgusting).

Very pleased with the results, see here! http://www.thefret.net/showthread.php?t=8079

I havent found it to dry out the wood, it still seems fine from when I last did it. That said,my guitars dont get gigged, only ever used in the house. Not sure if that makes a difference.

[just strum]

Wasn't it noted someplace that lemon oil goes rancid and ruins the fretboard? I thought I recalled reading that here or some place else.

[luvmyshiner]

I've used both lemon oil and the Planet Waves product with very good results. Dave sent me a free bottle of the planet waves stuff about a year ago. Works great and so far I've only used about half the bottle.

[ShootTheGlass]

Wasn't it noted someplace that lemon oil goes rancid and ruins the fretboard? I thought I recalled reading that here or some place else.

I think that was olive oil, someone recommended using that, but was told it went off.

[just strum]

Something of interest:

http://www.muzique.com/schem/fret.htm

[just strum]

I think that was olive oil, someone recommended using that, but was told it went off.

I was born during the day, but not yesterday - what does Popeye's girl friend have to do with this?

[ShootTheGlass]

I imagine olive oil would be better on the fretboard than alice the goon.

:S

Maybe it was on another forum I read it, im sure someone advocated the use of olive oil though.

[evenkeel]

Not tried the product in question. Have used both lemon oil and mineral oil. Honestly can't say I could tell any real difference. You can buy pure mineral oil at any pharmacy for a couple of bucks, for 16oz. A lifetime supply for every body on thefret.net. Rancid olive oil smells nasty so I'll leave the good stuff for cooking and keep it off the fretboard.

Couple of other web sites that discuss the issue.

http://frets.com/FRETSPages/Musician/GenMaint/Cleaning/cleaning02.htmlhttp://frets.com/FRETSPages/Musician/GenMaint/Cleaning/cleaning02.html

http://www.fretnotguitarrepair.com/cleaning.htm


Posted this before but these web sites all talk about using 0000 steel wool for cleaning. This makes me very nervous. I've seen the results of using steel wool on a boat for cleaning. Thousands of tiny,embedded rust stains, from the flecks of the wool!!! :thwap: I've never seen this on a guitar, but I figure why take the risk. I use a toothbrush or a 0000 equivalent scotch bright pad. And a bonus for you electric guys, you don't need to tape off the pups. No little metal shavings to stick to the magnets.

[just strum]

Keel, thanks for the additional info. I'm like you when it comes to steel wool and stay away from it.

I tried it once and had to run about a gallon of water through the pick-ups before they were clean - never seemed to play the same again, except for Beach Boy tunes:D

[wingsdad]

Until just a couple of years ago I used a Lemon Oil you'd find on the store shelf with furniture polishes on my rosewood or ebony boards and acoustic bridges. I switched to Kyser's 'Dr. Stringfellow', essentially Lemon Oil, but seems lighter, permeates better/faster. In the dry high desert clime, I treat boards and acoustic bridges about every 6 months. My maple fingerboards are all glossed, so they just need a periodic cleaning at a string change with a dampened cloth.

[ZMAN]

I asked my tech what he uses in his shop and he uses D'Andrea lemon oil and fretboard conditioner. I bought a bottle and a little goes a long way.
I actually do it with the strings on. I use a Q tip to apply it and then let is sit for a half an hour then wipe off the residue with a clean cloth. It works like a charm. I think you only need to do it about once a year.

[peachhead]

I've just been using the Dunlop 65 lemon oil stuff so far but I've had no issues. I have not had any dryness issues but then again I don't know if maybe humidity or lack of it is not as big a deal here as in other places.

[ShortBuSX]

Posted this before but these web sites all talk about using 0000 steel wool for cleaning. This makes me very nervous. I've seen the results of using steel wool on a boat for cleaning. Thousands of tiny,embedded rust stains, from the flecks of the wool!!! :thwap: I've never seen this on a guitar, but I figure why take the risk. I use a toothbrush or a 0000 equivalent scotch bright pad. And a bonus for you electric guys, you don't need to tape off the pups. No little metal shavings to stick to the magnets.

Ive read the same recommendations...most leave out the fact they are using "synthetic" steal wool as it doesnt leave behind the stray bits on the fretboard.
I havent used it, or even seen any to really comment...Im a lil leary using steal wool as well, but I do use 2000 grit wet paper often on my maple necks(usually with lemon oil) so I really wouldnt be scared.