Dunlop fingerboard kit usage question

[Crimson Sunset]

Hello everyone !

I know that "Fretboard conditioner" shouldn't be used too often for the neck.

But I bought the Dunlop Fingerboard Kit, which contains the "Dunlop 01 Fingerboard Cleaner" en the "Dunlop 02 deep conditioner". The fingerboard cleaner is used to get rid of the dirt on the fretboard.

Now, my question, is it okay to use the "Fingerboard cleaner (dunlop 01)" everytime I change strings (which is about every 2 or 3 weeks) ?

 

[candid_x]

Since the Dunlop product you mention is in direct competition with EB Wonder Wipes products, I don't expect lots of supportive response to your question.

 

[Crimson Sunset]

Oh I didn't think about that.

I'm sorry for making this thread then, since it's the Ernie Ball forums.

No problem if a mod wants to close this.

 

[colinboy]

buy some EB wonderwipes nxt time and we,ll forgive you.

 

[guitarman23]

well i only change my strings once a month cause they dont wear out as fast cause i dont like my fret board too moist, what i do every month: Polish Frets, Wipe Down Fret board with eb wonder wipes(Fret board condishiner), Re-String, and thats all, Make Sure You Wash Your Hands After Eating Before You Touch Your Balls!

 

[Larry]

Wonder Wipes every other string change

 

[marsguitars]

What's the issue with using fretboard conditioners 'to often'? I'm not sure what problems it would cause... surely it's better than a build-up of sweat and crud?

 

[Nicolarsen]

What's the issue with using fretboard conditioners 'to often'? I'm not sure what problems it would cause... surely it's better than a build-up of sweat and crud?

+1!

I use lemonoil on my Luke. Didn't think it would work, when I first tried it, but I was surprised. It's a quick way to clean and keep my fretboard in shape.
I use lemonoil when I restring my guitar. So far, it hasn't resulted in any problems or damages to the wood, as far as I can tell.

 

[Crimson Sunset]

buy some EB wonderwipes nxt time and we,ll forgive you.

I surely will !


thanks for the responses

 

[travs]

+1!

I use lemonoil on my Luke. Didn't think it would work, when I first tried it, but I was surprised. It's a quick way to clean and keep my fretboard in shape.
I use lemonoil when I restring my guitar. So far, it hasn't resulted in any problems or damages to the wood, as far as I can tell.

I just cleaned the back of my neck with the lemon oil and fret fast on the frets/strings and its Perfect! I also use a 3M polishing cloths that are lint free and machine washable.

Will Wonderwipes do the same? If so I will get a case on order today.

I do not like a dry neck. or a red one

 

[Nicolarsen]

I just cleaned the back of my neck with the lemon oil and fret fast on the frets/strings and its Perfect! I also use a 3M polishing cloths that are lint free and machine washable.

Will Wonderwipes do the same? If so I will get a case on order today.

I do not like a dry neck. or a red one

Did you clean the entire neck or just the fretboard? The manufacturer of the lemonoil I'm using, doesn't recommend that you use on anything else but rosewood.

To clean and maintain the back of the neck on my Luke, I'm using canauba-wax...Works like a charm, and you won't "stick" to the neck as you would on a coated one...

- Nico

 

[Spudmurphy]

Why shouldn't you use lemon oil on Maple? - I have, and experienced no problems!
The bottle of lemon oil, which is a proprietary brand for guitars, doesn't say "don't use on maple necks"??

It does however say "please apply sparingly".

I seem to remember someone saying that prior to the removal of frets, they apply a good coating of lemon oil, which helps to soften the wood gripping the fret tang.

So I would say that lemon oil is fine as long as you use it sparingly.
Spud

 

[travs]

Did you clean the entire neck or just the fretboard? The manufacturer of the lemonoil I'm using, doesn't recommend that you use on anything else but rosewood.

To clean and maintain the back of the neck on my Luke, I'm using canauba-wax...Works like a charm, and you won't "stick" to the neck as you would on a coated one...

- Nico

Nico, Fast fret on the fretboard and a light smeer of squeeze my lemon oil on the back. I wiped it down and it feels amazing. Dirt has never been a issue with my Albert.
I just wanted a less dry neck/protection. I live on a beach in a old cabin with very little insulation. I have base board elect. heat and they are always on. I was worried about my maple going dry. I am new at this so any info is apprectiated.

 

[candid_x]

I think it's a mistake to soak a rosewood board with anything: lemon oil, wonder wipes, etc. As others have said, I use them (either one) sparingly. I will say that between pure lemon oil and the Wipes, I prefer the Wipes.

Only thing I'd really caution about is using products which claim to be or have lemon oil but are nothing more than lemon scented petroleum distillates, i.e. Lemon Pledge.

Wonder Wipes contain orange oil, at least I'm pretty sure I recall Brian saying so.

 

[BigTony]

Ernie Ball Wonder Wipes are the best product on the market. If you are using anything else, you are missing out. Its that simple.

I have tried everything on the market and gig 3 times a week. Nothing comes close.

 

[Nicolarsen]

Why shouldn't you use lemon oil on Maple? - I have, and experienced no problems!
The bottle of lemon oil, which is a proprietary brand for guitars, doesn't say "don't use on maple necks"??

It does however say "please apply sparingly".

I seem to remember someone saying that prior to the removal of frets, they apply a good coating of lemon oil, which helps to soften the wood gripping the fret tang.

So I would say that lemon oil is fine as long as you use it sparingly.
Spud

Ok... On my bottle it says: "Not for use on maple necks" - I don't know why they don't recommend it.

However...I still think you should treat the neck with some kind of wax/oil since the necks on MM's aren't coated...

- Nico

Edit:
"Q: How do I clean and maintain my Music Man neck?"

"A: To clean the neck, use a high-grade of lemon oil. If the neck is very dirty, try Murphy's Oil Soap diluted 3:1. Some players have found that using a toothbrush for cleaning is very effective.

Since the neck is finished only with the gunstock oil/wax blend, it is more susceptible to humidity changes. A very infrequent dose of gunstock oil will help to keep the neck maintained; we recommend Birchwood-Casey Tru-Oil, but any good quality gunstock oil will work. Use a small amount, leave it on for just 5 minutes, then wipe it off with a paper towel. After that, apply Birchwood-Casey Gunstock Wax. Be sure to douse the paper towel with water before disposing of it! Read the wax and oil manufacturer's instructions regarding disposal of these used paper towels.

Birchwood-Casey products are available at most sporting goods or gun stores or directly. Their web address is Birchwood Casey

Rosewood fingerboards should not be treated with the gunstock oil; instead they should be treated with a high grade of lemon oil. Again, for cleaning, try using the same high grade of lemon oil to clean the entire neck, both maple and rosewood fretboards. Ernie Ball Wonder Wipes Fretboard Conditioner are excellent for frequent cleaning and maintenance as they are very effective and string removal is not necessary.

If the neck is very dirty, you can use a small amount of Murphy's Oil Soap, diluted 3:1 to clean it. Keep in mind that if the dirt has gotten into the wood, it cannot be removed except by sanding it down, which we do not recommend. It is better to keep it clean in the first place. Washing your hands first helps! On an unfinished neck, some discoloration after many hours of playing is normal. Be sure to follow all of the manufacturers recommended safety precautions when using any of these oils or waxes."

 

[Spudmurphy]

My mate - a professional Luthier uses Baby oil!!!

I'll ask him tomorrow about the "Lemon Oil Quandry"

 

[candid_x]

Ok... On my bottle it says: "Not for use on maple necks" - I don't know why they don't recommend it.

They are referring to finished maple necks.

 

[Spudmurphy]

I had a word with my guitar building buddy who says that he shies away from using lemon oil on maple necks. if he is doing a job requiring fret removal he confirms tha he liberally douses the fret with lemon oil which assists in a clean fret removal.

His experience with Lemon on maple is such that he feels that after a period of time a "line" appears right next to the fret tang which is dirt being "drawn in" by the oil- akin to osmosis.

He does use lemon oil on rosewood, he also uses Baby oil.

He says that if a very small quantity of lemon oil is used on maple and you are happy with the results then "go for it" - just don't use copious amounts.

He loves the birchwood casey tru oil too.

 

[Spudmurphy]

Since the neck is finished only with the gunstock oil/wax blend, it is more susceptible to humidity changes. A very infrequent dose of gunstock oil will help to keep the neck maintained; we recommend Birchwood-Casey Tru-Oil, but any good quality gunstock oil will work. Use a small amount, leave it on for just 5 minutes, then wipe it off with a paper towel.

My advise is do not leave it on for 5 minutes. In that time it goes all "gloopy" - I know because it happened to me.

In the EB factory one forumite witnessed the necks being finished. He observed that the oil is wiped on with a paper towel and is wiped off after roughly 30 seconds. The same with the wax.

My experience of using the tru oil confirms this observation