Finish ideas for a maple fretboard

ElRay · 04-15-2010, 10:25 AM

I'm usually not keen on maple fretboards, but for a build I'm planning, it's 99.999999% likely the way I'll go. I could just go with a lacquer finish, but I'd really prefer the "bare wood" feel. Can I get away with a very minimal coating of lacquer? Any suggested lacquers? I'm leaning towards Behlen's Rock Hard Table Varnish.

How about lacquer over epoxy?

If I'm going with a film, then something like the Thor Epoxy finish would be good. I've already experimented with multiple coats of epoxy and sanding down to 600 grit, and I like the feel, but how's the protection? If I did want to do something like the Thor Guitar Labs epoxy finish, what kinds would give sufficiently high build without being too soft?

Any other recommendations?

Ray

jymellis · 04-15-2010, 10:29 AM

i dont know about the fretboard but.

"The Ultimate Question: What string gauge is needed for 18.84# of tension when tuned to E2 on a 27" scale guitar? "

whichever sounds and feels the best, its a guitar not a suspension bridge about to survive a hurricane.

Wi77iam · 04-15-2010, 10:34 AM

That's his signature. Tis a joke.

jymellis · 04-15-2010, 10:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wi77iam

That's his signature. Tis a joke.

thats my answer...tis a joke

Mr Incredible · 04-15-2010, 12:28 PM

The new Charvel production models use gunstock oil.

http://www.interstatemusic.com/webap...yle201rev2.pdf

Doesn't Carvin use tung oil?

AthenaInlay · 04-15-2010, 10:06 PM

I've seen a lot of people do nice work with Tru-oil. On OLF (luthier's forum) I read about a guy who was doing some tests. His results:

"I did just finish a month long experiment testing various finishes on maple fretboards. The best results occurred with wipe on finishes.....Tru-oil and Minwax gloss urethane both achieved a very nice, smooth sealed surface. Both are harder than shellac. The Minwax gloss is very easy to apply and can be flattened with 0000 steel wool or highly polished with compound.

Minwax wipe-on has my vote so far with maple. It's easy and durable. I haven't tried it on darker woods but this is my clear choice for lighter woods."

...Athena

ElRay · 04-19-2010, 11:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AthenaInlay

... I read about a guy who was doing some tests ...

Thanks!

BTW, phenomenal work.

This build is "only" a travel guitar, so it will have a blank board.

Ray

	sevenstring guitars		sevenstring registry		photo gallery		subscription		spy

04-15-2010, 10:25 AM	#1
ElRay Mostly Harmless Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: NoIL Posts: 2,237 Thanked: 32 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Finish ideas for a maple fretboard I'm usually not keen on maple fretboards, but for a build I'm planning, it's 99.999999% likely the way I'll go. I could just go with a lacquer finish, but I'd really prefer the "bare wood" feel. Can I get away with a very minimal coating of lacquer? Any suggested lacquers? I'm leaning towards Behlen's Rock Hard Table Varnish. How about lacquer over epoxy? If I'm going with a film, then something like the Thor Epoxy finish would be good. I've already experimented with multiple coats of epoxy and sanding down to 600 grit, and I like the feel, but how's the protection? If I did want to do something like the Thor Guitar Labs epoxy finish, what kinds would give sufficiently high build without being too soft? Any other recommendations? Ray The Ultimate Question: What string gauge is needed for 18.84# of tension when tuned to E2 on a 27" scale guitar?

04-15-2010, 10:34 AM	#3
Wi77iam Ibanez fanboi Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Sydney, Australia Posts: 2,739 Thanked: 20 Feedback Score: 8 reviews	That's his signature. Tis a joke. Ibanez RG7 pr0n. Please contribute to my awesome thread.

04-15-2010, 12:28 PM	#5
Mr Incredible 7-string hack Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Oregon Posts: 61 Thanked: 3 / 1 Feedback Score: 2 reviews	The new Charvel production models use gunstock oil. http://www.interstatemusic.com/webap...yle201rev2.pdf Doesn't Carvin use tung oil? LTD H-207 - Gotoh locking tuners, looking for pickups Charvel San Dimas & SoCal in Slime Green Ibanez SZ520 - PAF Joe (n), Sreamin' Demon (b), Grover mini locking tuners, TonePros locking studs Ibanez SZ320 - Sperzel locking tuners LTD GL-600V - Fat Cat (n), Screamin' Demon (b), Sperzel locking tuners Hohner G3T Jet City 20H Marshall DSL 100 with JJ Electronic KT77s and ECC 83Ss VHT Fat Bottom 4x12 cabinet Line 6 Spider III 15 W combo

04-15-2010, 10:06 PM	#6
AthenaInlay ss.org irregular Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Redding, CA Posts: 42 Thanked: 2 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	I've seen a lot of people do nice work with Tru-oil. On OLF (luthier's forum) I read about a guy who was doing some tests. His results: "I did just finish a month long experiment testing various finishes on maple fretboards. The best results occurred with wipe on finishes.....Tru-oil and Minwax gloss urethane both achieved a very nice, smooth sealed surface. Both are harder than shellac. The Minwax gloss is very easy to apply and can be flattened with 0000 steel wool or highly polished with compound. Minwax wipe-on has my vote so far with maple. It's easy and durable. I haven't tried it on darker woods but this is my clear choice for lighter woods." ...Athena www.AthenaInlay.com

Today
Seven String	Sponsored Links __________________ This advertising will not be shown in this way to registered members. Register your free account today and become a member on Sevenstring.org

04-15-2010, 10:29 AM	#2
jymellis Talk To DeWalt Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: sinsi ohio Posts: 9,198 Thanked: 88 Feedback Score: 4 reviews	i dont know about the fretboard but. "The Ultimate Question: What string gauge is needed for 18.84# of tension when tuned to E2 on a 27" scale guitar? " whichever sounds and feels the best, its a guitar not a suspension bridge about to survive a hurricane.

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode