Fret board friction issues...

[mynameistaken]

I have a maple fretboard that is unfinished. Bending strings is not very smooth due to my fingers catching or rubbing on the fretboard. Is their any kind of wax or technique to smooth the fretboard face? lemon oil just made my strings slippery so thats out.

 

[petruccirocks02]

I have a maple fretboard that is unfinished. Bending strings is not very smooth due to my fingers catching or rubbing on the fretboard. Is their any kind of wax or technique to smooth the fretboard face? lemon oil just made my strings slippery so thats out.

Lemon Oil isn't supposed to be used on maple boards. Not sure what you could use for friction though. If I think of something I'll give you a shout.

-Phil

 

[Dizzy]

"Tone Finger Ease" reduces friction on everything.

JP absolutely drenches his fretboards in the stuff.

I used to use Fast Fret, but once I tried Finger Ease I haven't gone back.

The main benefit being that you can spray F.Ease on a clean cloth (or directly on the board), whereas you're always using the same old applicator with Fast Fret - and it gets dirtier with each application.

It's supposed to be fine with Maple boards too.

 

[TonyEVH5150]

I refer you to this thread. Links are in there for the "Caring for your Fretboard and neck" video, and EBMMM's guidelines for using gunstock oil and wax. Consider finding the Ernie Ball Wonder Wipes. THey do a great job of maintaining your neck's moisture level.

http://www.ernieball.com/forums/mus...k-oil-wax-ernie-ball-music-man-wws-again.html

 

[TNT]

Strings should never touch the fretboard and once in a while fingers do. I just don't see how it's catching??? The only wood your hand touches is the back profile. Unless you mean the "edge" of the fretboard where the fret ends come out??

 

[azazael]

Strings should never touch the fretboard and once in a while fingers do. I just don't see how it's catching??? The only wood your hand touches is the back profile. Unless you mean the "edge" of the fretboard where the fret ends come out??

No I get it too with some really really wide vibrato i feel rubbin off the fretboard.
Its possibly more of an issue with action.

 

[patpark]

Strings should never touch the fretboard and once in a while fingers do. I just don't see how it's catching??? The only wood your hand touches is the back profile. Unless you mean the "edge" of the fretboard where the fret ends come out??

i think he is talking about his finger tips dragging against the fingerboard when he bends. if his frets have a lower profile his finger tips could be touching the fretboard as he frets or bends a string. a taller profile fretwire can help as the extra height keeps the finger tips clear of the fretboard.

 

[whitestrat]

a taller profile fretwire can help as the extra height keeps the finger tips clear of the fretboard.

I was about to say this...

 

[Larry]

"Tone Finger Ease" reduces friction on everything.

JP absolutely drenches his fretboards in the stuff.

I used to use Fast Fret, but once I tried Finger Ease I haven't gone back.

The main benefit being that you can spray F.Ease on a clean cloth (or directly on the board), whereas you're always using the same old applicator with Fast Fret - and it gets dirtier with each application.

It's supposed to be fine with Maple boards too.

Stuff looks pretty neat, I might have to pickup a bottle.

 

[catdaddy]

I've been using Finger Ease since the early '70s. It's slicker than cat doo on a linoleum rug.
I was surprised how long they've been making it: Chem-Pak® Incorporated - Online Catalog

I was also using Extra Slinkys back then. You didn't want anything to slow you down.

 

[mynameistaken]

i think he is talking about his finger tips dragging against the fingerboard when he bends. if his frets have a lower profile his finger tips could be touching the fretboard as he frets or bends a string. a taller profile fretwire can help as the extra height keeps the finger tips clear of the fretboard.

Yes this is what I am saying. My other guitar has stainless steel frets so bending strings is almost effortless. However, the EB frets are not bad. But.... I still think there must be a way to reduce fingerboard friction while bending. I will try the wax stuff next time i restring.

The guitar is still pretty new and its not really dirty. I just think thats one of the drawbacks of an unfinished neck..

 

[bugbus]

I have the fingerease and it's amazing how it much easier it is to play. Makes the action very fast. Slides and bends are a cinch. But I don't use it day in and day out. I'm a bit concerned of the long term effects on my maple board which is already getting some discolorations from daily use even though I wash my hands before playing.