Question Unfinished Maple Board Care

[faeother]

Ok I will start by apologizing as I see a ton of posts on this but can't seem to find the simple answer I am looking for. So basically my new EBMM Sterling (USA) has a sweet "unfinished" maple neck and maple fretboard. I saw the great video on caring for my neck, but the video references the rest of the fretboard care doesn't pertain to maple boards.

Basically in a nutshell I just need to know how to clean/care for my "unfinished" maple fretboard. I know it truly isn't "unfinished" but that is how EBMM references it

Any help would be great!

 

[tbonesullivan]

The care for the back of the neck is the exact same care as the fretboard when you have a maple board.

For "regular" cleaning the EBMM wonder wipes are fine for the back of the neck, and the fretboard, whether you have a maple, roasted maple, mahogany, or rosewood neck. They also work on the rosewood, ebony, maple, and roasted maple fretboards. They are really a well thought-out product.

For more DEEP cleaning, unlike the back of the neck, you don't want to use 400/800 grit sandpaper on the fretboard. It'll hit the frets and be not good. Purists may use 000 or 0000 steel wool, but that makes a BIG MESS, IMHO. Also it can leave steel in the board, which can rust later and discolor it.

So, I would use something maybe like scotchbrite pads if you want. In general though I've only had to sand the back of the neck, where the tru-oil finish can start to flake off. It doesn't seem to do that on the fretboard.

When I last cleaned a fretboard, I used a 1:1 mixture of murphy's oil soap, and a soft tooth brush. It really helped get the gunk out of the wood grain. After that, refinish with Tru-Oil and Gunstock Wax.

 

[five7]

yes, murphy's really helps if the neck is dirty

 

[faeother]

thanks all! worked on it last night after getting the replies here and talking to EBMM. I was a little intimidated but man did it work out. this neck is so clean and smooth!

 

[tbonesullivan]

Glad to hear it! I was also intimidated, but once I did it, I quickly did my SR5HS as well, and it really does make a difference. So smooth and nice. Sure it's a bit more care than finished maple, but in the end it is worth it.