Question on fretboard wipes

[craigny]

You can use these with the strings on right? do you wipe over the strings, or do you snake the wipe under the strings? do you then need to clean the strings? Id like to condition the fretboard now but im not really due for a string change. Any info on how to use them?

 

[the24thfret]

Best way would be to remove the strings completely. In your case, with the JP, make sure to block off the tremolo in the cavity to prevent it from completely recessing -- I'd use a think mousepad stuffed under there or at least a thick cloth -- and then condition the board. Leave a minute or two, then wipe off the excess with a clean towel. The strings shouldn't really be affected if you wipe the excess off before putting new ones on. Hope this helps!

 

[joe web]

i use them on demand.
never pulled off the strings before. they work great.

 

[Spudmurphy]

My way of thinking is that they are "oily" and I dont want to get the oil on my strings - I use them with the strings off.

However - I'm willing to try the wipes with the strings on just to see what happens

 

[craigny]

i was thinking of using the fretboard wipes and then using the string cleaner wipes to remove any residue on the strings. Sound good?

 

[Spudmurphy]

sounds ok - go for it.

 

[Gywhard]

i was thinking of using the fretboard wipes and then using the string cleaner wipes to remove any residue on the strings. Sound good?

watch out that that thing is REALLY oily.
i did this (swiping it with strings on) once and i don't recommend it, actually.

It's better if you take away the strings.
maybe, if you don't wanna mess up too much with the bridge, you could take off 3 strings, clean half of the fretboard, put on the strings, and than do the same thing with the other half.

cya

 

[glockaxis]

Personally, I'd just wait for the next string change. Hopefully you change your strings often so maybe w/in the month?

 

[joe web]

....forget to mention, that i wait a few minutes and wipe over the strings with a dry cloth to get the oil of the strings.

during this dry winter weather, i use the fretboard wipes every second week to protect the fretboard of drying out too much.

 

[bkrumme]

I've used them both ways. If you use them with the strings on be sure to wipe the strings off or use a Wonder Wipes String cleaner on them.

 

[morsecode]

I've used them both ways. If you use them with the strings on be sure to wipe the strings off or use a Wonder Wipes String cleaner on them.

I do as well.

If you want to get down and dirty, and really give your fretboard a scrubbin' then taking the strings off is best.

If you're just looking for a quick treatment and conditioning (which I usually do a couple time over the winter when I fight humidity changes more) then there is nothing wrong with this method either. But you should wipe the excess oil off the strings as you would after playing extensively. I can't see the oil on this being any more damaging than what some players including JP himself use (Fingerease) to help with their performance. Just make sure you wipe off any excess amounts. I usually use the EB String Cleaner after a quick conditioning of the fretboard.

I also use the conditioner on unfinished maple including the necks as well. I think it works great. It helps keep the necks from drying out as well.

 

[craigny]

thanks guys..ill think ill try it with the strings on..wait a few, wipe off the excess, and then use some string cleaning wipes as suggested!!!!!

 

[craigny]

thanks guys..ill think ill try it with the strings on..wait a few, wipe off the excess, and then use some string cleaning wipes as suggested!!!!!

This is what i did...worked out well....i snaked the wipe under the strings and kinda tugged it back and forth between all the frets getting a good amount of conditioning on them.. waited like 5 mins and then wipped off the excess with a paper towell, and then used some EB string cleaner wipes and pinched the strings and cleaned em off....the stuff does have a good amount of oil in it..there was one fret (around the 20th) that i must have missed a small spot on and the next day there was still excess on it!!!It haddnt dried.. a quick wipe and that was that...i know it seems like a lot of drivel about wiping down a fretboard. but im extremley OCD about my stuff and i dwell on S**t like this its just the weather here has been sucking and i wanted to give that fretboard a drink!!!

 

[Slingy]

I see no reason to clean the fretboard except for at string changes. Strings are cheap so change them often.

 

[bkrumme]

I see no reason to clean the fretboard except for at string changes. Strings are cheap so change them often.

I agree with this, except for those of us using coated strings. Since the coated ones last longer, cleaning the fretboard between string changes might be worth it.