What type of oil is recomended to moisturize fretboards?

[nismaniac]

I know someone has probably told me in the past but I couldn't remember. If any of you use a certain type/brand I would appreciate you telling me your experience with it.

I don't think it matters but I have a rosewood fretboard.


Thanks for the info.

 

[johans]

lemon oil

 

[ynot]

lemon oil

Any particular brand !

 

[johans]

no particular brand i know of

check out musiciansfriend
i think they have a couple there

 

[Aussie Mark]

Lemon oil or orange oil - pure natural with no additives or preservatives. DON'T use furniture oil. If you hunt around you can find pure lemon or orange oil in hardware stores, otherwise the small bottles of essential oil (used for aromatherapy etc) are a good option, since you only need a few drops for fretboard.

 

[dlloyd]

I know someone has probably told me in the past but I couldn't remember. If any of you use a certain type/brand I would appreciate you telling me your experience with it.

I don't think it matters but I have a rosewood fretboard.


Thanks for the info.

I've used raw linseed oil in the past on rosewood boards with great results. Some people reckon it's too sticky, but that's because they're using too much.

 

[TSanders]

I use good old Pledge. Really seems to moisturize the rosewood good.

 

[nismaniac]

Alright, thanks for the responses. I ended up using some pure lemon oil. It looks amazing, I think the fingerboard was getting pretty thirsty. I'm glad to know there are some other options as well. With the oiled fingerboard and a new set of strings, she is looking beautiful!!

 

[bassmonkeee]

I use good old Pledge. Really seems to moisturize the rosewood good.

I really hope you are kidding. If not, please stop.

 

[dlloyd]

I really hope you are kidding. If not, please stop.

Some years ago, I used vegetable oil on my Danelectro's fretboard. How's that for stupid?

 

[JB1]

Pledge (or any other wax polish for that metter) is fine, I've been using it for 7+ years with no ill effects.

 

[bassmonkeee]

Pledge (or any other wax polish for that metter) is fine, I've been using it for 7+ years with no ill effects.

Well, first of all, Pledge doesn't contain wax. Secondly, they themselves say not to use Pledge on unfinished wood.

Personally, I'd never in a million years use the stuff on an instrument. But, if you're happy, go for it. As my bass is not furniture, I won't be using furniture polish on it.

 

[dlloyd]

Pledge (or any other wax polish for that metter) is fine, I've been using it for 7+ years with no ill effects.

Pledge is a silicone polish (as far as I am aware).

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

 

[MM Scarborough]

I use JOE dunlop lemon oil, but for stuburn stains I may used a small amount of MR Sheen aswell!

 

[JB1]

I guess no more Mr Sheen for me based on that article!

Think I'll just use a littl oil......lemon maybe!!!!

 

[kdsi44]

yeah...better safe than sorry....i use reg lemon oil as well

 

[nismaniac]

yeah...better safe than sorry....i use reg lemon oil as well

It seemed to do the job perfectly.

 

[Jazzbassman23]

I seem to be prefacing a lot of posts with, "I could be wrong", but it seems I've read a lot of respected luthiers state that orange oil is the preferred choice because lemon tends to dry out the wood. I'll see what I can dig up.

 

[tkarter]

From experience Orange oil can make the board really dark and change colors. It will work however as does lemon oil.

IMHO

tk

 

[Jazzbassman23]

Apparently Michael Dolan uses lemon oil, while Roger Sadowsky prefers boiled linseed oil. Here's another thread on the subject.

http://p219.ezboard.com/fthedudepitfrm33.showMessage?topicID=743.topic