What's the wax for??

[akozols]

HI,


Quick question. What is the wax used for on the necks? I've done the oil/wax treatment but wasn't really sure what the wax did. Does it add slickness or lustre?

thanks, Al

 

[Jimi D]

Besides feeling great, I think the wax seals the neck, essentially acting like a kind of finish, helping protect it against climate change and such...

 

[Hookpunch]

That would be my guess, wood is very sensitive to change in humidity and will warp - not a good thing for a guitar neck.

I think EB/MMs necks usually have a gun stock oil finish. Which brings up a question that one of the moderators can answer - how often should you re-apply the oil finish?

I usually apply Tung oil to my fretboard in the fall to preserve it from drying out.

 

[akozols]

HI,

Back when I had my EVH, I called and got a detailed description of how EB finishes the necks. This is from memory, but I remember that the neck was dipped in a vat of oil and "meticulously" hand rubbed into the neck and wipe off the excess. I think they did this twice in two days. The last application was a mixture of the oil and wax. If I got this wrong, please correct me.

I usually do my neck wen the fret ends start sticking out. I give em a quick file and oil the neck.


I have a Peavey Patriot that I modded to be a Strat type and will soon sand and oil the neck.


Al

 

[bing4sons]

When I did the treatment on my Axis, the gunstock oil left a little tackiness. The wax left the neck smooth and fast (and shiny!). Jimi's answer make sense, that it would seal the neck.

Bing

 

[akozols]

HI,

Back when I had my EVH, I called and got a detailed description of how EB finishes the necks. This is from memory, but I remember that the neck was dipped in a vat of oil and "meticulously" hand rubbed into the neck and wipe off the excess. I think they did this twice in two days. The last application was a mixture of the oil and wax. If I got this wrong, please correct me.

I usually do my neck wen the fret ends start sticking out. I give em a quick file and oil the neck.


I have a Peavey Patriot that I modded to be a Strat type and will soon sand and oil the neck.


Al

 

[Daggo]

Yeah, the oil itself leaves a sticky feel, and the wax really makes the next slick. I have found that a very light rub with 0000 steel wool after I've oiled and waxed helps to get rid of any remaining sticky spots--you just have to be careful not to rub too hard and strip off all the wax you have just applied.

Daggo

 

[Derek]

The oil is used to seal the neck and applied first. The Wax is mainly used to protect the neck, and give it a smooth,slick shiny feel.

There is no set amount of time when you should reapply the oil and wax, basically you can treat your neck when it's stops feeling smooth. Over time as it builds up on the neck you should not have to apply as often.

There is a factory recommended application method in our FAQ section on the eb wesite.

Its still true we dip the neck in a "vat" of oil and then wipe the excess off, but would not recommend this for reapplication.

If you want to clean the neck just apply some lemon oil with a clean polish cloth to take any excess dirt of the neck. This can be repeated as offen as needed .
Derek

 

[akozols]

Thanks,

I looked at the FAQ and next time I need to do it, I'll follow it to a T. My last step is usually a mix of oil and wax and it's a bit tacky for a few days.

Al