Basic maint query (lubricating fretboard)

[BJG145]

Just a simple thing, but I have a Strat I want to look after and it's developing some lighter patches on the rosewood fretboard. It plays and looks fine, but I'm not sure if these things need rubbing down with oil or whatever periodically to increase longevity, or protect against wear...?

[Wonks]

Yes. I use Jim Dunlop No.65 lemon oil. Put some on a cloth, wipe it over the fretboard and let it soak in. I normally keep applying until no more oil soaks in, then wipe off the excess so that it's nice and dry. Take the strings off first (so wait until string change time) and you can then polish the frets at the same time.

Any unfinished/unlacquered fretboard wood will continue to loose moisture over time (not juts rosewood but also ebony, pau ferro etc.). As it does so, the wood shrinks a bit and the fret ends can start to poke out. In more extreme cases, the frets can also start to become loose in their slots.

So it pays to keep the board lubricated as the oil replaces the lost moisture. The oil itself will evaporate over time. so oiling should be a regular occurrence. I'd recommend at least once a year, but more doesn't do any harm. Rubbing the board with lemon oil on a cloth also helps remove dirt and dead skin build-up and keeps the board feeling nicer to play.

[BJG145]

OK! Thanks Wonks.

[BJG145]

...just got round to following up your advice on this and very pleased with the result.

I'm a bit stingy when it comes to replacing strings, so I found "string spreaders" handy for keeping them out the way while treating the fretboard.