How to Take Care of Fretboard and Strings?

Jason_Clement · 07-02-2012, 12:58 AM

Sorry for being the n00b here, but I just got a Schecter SLS C-7 and really do not want to wreck this guitar in any way.

So my question is; what's the proper and best way to clean the fretboard and frets, and to keep care of the strings so they last as long as possible and stay relatively clean?

Any helps is appreciated! It is an ebony fretboard, if that makes a difference :P

j_m_s · 07-02-2012, 01:23 AM

For strings I usually use GHS fast fret, but have recently picked up the planetwaves XLR8.. both are good.

BucketheadRules · 07-02-2012, 02:11 AM

I use Kyser lemon oil and a clean cloth, generally. It's good stuff.

chrisharbin · 07-02-2012, 02:21 AM

I know nothing about "fretboard" care but as a string saver I recently had a thread where fast fret was recommended and it's been FABULOUS. Take it from the old crusty guy

GhostsofAcid · 07-02-2012, 02:23 AM

I scrub my fretboards with cloth and a bit of lemon oil every 2nd or 3rd string change or so. It's visible when the board is dry or dirty.

Weimat01 · 07-02-2012, 02:29 AM

I use Fret Doctor to condition my fretboard. Awesome stuff, it keeps the wood nice and healthy Bore Oil for the Fife and Fret Doctor

Jason_Clement · 07-02-2012, 02:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Weimat01

I use Fret Doctor to condition my fretboard. Awesome stuff, it keeps the wood nice and healthy Bore Oil for the Fife and Fret Doctor

Lol, that site is old school.

On another note, would anyone recommend:

http://www.amazon.com/Jim-Dunlop-D65..._bxgy_MI_img_c

??

bluffalo · 07-02-2012, 03:52 AM

Kinda Ibanez specific, but there are 9 pages with some great tips here.

IBANEZ RULES Clean and Setup

-JeKo- · 07-02-2012, 04:07 AM

Big Bends's Fretboard Juice is the best! All their stuff is top notch.

xxvicarious · 07-02-2012, 04:10 AM

Good ol' fashioned baby batter!

Captastic · 07-02-2012, 05:34 AM

All good suggestions...but the best thing you can do to keep your strings and fretboard in good condition is to wash your hands every time prior to picking up your guitar. I never touch mine till my hands are Dawn clean ;-)

MaxOfMetal · 07-02-2012, 05:50 AM

Clean the board with some naphtha and a clean, lint free cloth. Then condition it with mineral oil.

Don't give into the "special blends", "proprietary formula", or "extreme" trends. At the end of the day 90% of them contain the two ingredients I listed above only they tend to throw in a whole bunch of crap like scents, drying compounds, and coloring.

Lagtastic · 07-02-2012, 06:10 AM

^

If you need to clean a guitar that has been neglected for quite some time, try out some Gorgomyte as an alternative to steel wool.

Stay away from GHS Fast Fret like the plague. Yes, it makes your strings and fretboard smoother, but, it operates just like Rain-X for your car windshield. It does an amazing job for a short time after you use it, but it you don't regularly reapply, it gunks up and dries, leaving your fretboard in worse condition than when you started it. Just follow Max's easy advice.

elrrek · 07-02-2012, 06:13 AM

Project Guitar :: Maintenance Tips

Lot's of cool info here

chrisharbin · 07-07-2012, 11:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lagtastic

^

If you need to clean a guitar that has been neglected for quite some time, try out some Gorgomyte as an alternative to steel wool.

Stay away from GHS Fast Fret like the plague. Yes, it makes your strings and fretboard smoother, but, it operates just like Rain-X for your car windshield. It does an amazing job for a short time after you use it, but it you don't regularly reapply, it gunks up and dries, leaving your fretboard in worse condition than when you started it. Just follow Max's easy advice.

I don't use fast fret on the actual fingerboard. I just lightly brush it on the strings. Is this the same? I mean, I keep my guitars pretty fracking clean.

mhickman2 · 07-08-2012, 12:10 AM

I find washing my hands before I play does wonders.

	sevenstring guitars		sevenstring registry		photo gallery		subscription		spy

07-02-2012, 12:58 AM	#1
Jason_Clement SS.org Regular Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Thunder Bay Posts: 722 Thanked: 7 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	How to Take Care of Fretboard and Strings? Sorry for being the n00b here, but I just got a Schecter SLS C-7 and really do not want to wreck this guitar in any way. So my question is; what's the proper and best way to clean the fretboard and frets, and to keep care of the strings so they last as long as possible and stay relatively clean? Any helps is appreciated! It is an ebony fretboard, if that makes a difference :P

07-02-2012, 01:23 AM	#2
j_m_s SS.org Regular Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Singapore Posts: 268 Thanked: 6 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	For strings I usually use GHS fast fret, but have recently picked up the planetwaves XLR8.. both are good. chrisharbin likes this. twitter.com/jmsmusic1 jmsmusic.tumblr.com youtube.com/lotr589

07-02-2012, 02:11 AM	#3
BucketheadRules Annoying idiot Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: UK Posts: 3,379 Thanked: 105 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	I use Kyser lemon oil and a clean cloth, generally. It's good stuff. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Check out my YouTubings by making clicks upon this most generously provided link: http://www.youtube.com/user/ConnorFGuitar?feature=mhee You can thank me later. Or throw stones, it's your call. It's always funny until someone gets hurt, and then it's just hilarious...

07-02-2012, 03:52 AM	#8
bluffalo ss.org Regular Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Gold Coast, Australia Posts: 210 Thanked: 11 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Kinda Ibanez specific, but there are 9 pages with some great tips here. IBANEZ RULES Clean and Setup skeels likes this.

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

07-02-2012, 02:21 AM	#4
chrisharbin SS.org Regular Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: sac Posts: 1,591 Thanked: 9 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	I know nothing about "fretboard" care but as a string saver I recently had a thread where fast fret was recommended and it's been FABULOUS. Take it from the old crusty guy

07-02-2012, 02:23 AM	#5
GhostsofAcid Suiçmez fanboy Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Ohio Posts: 382 Thanked: 2 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	I scrub my fretboards with cloth and a bit of lemon oil every 2nd or 3rd string change or so. It's visible when the board is dry or dirty.

07-02-2012, 02:29 AM	#6
Weimat01 ss.org Regular Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Adelaide, Australia Posts: 95 Thanked: 2 Feedback Score: 2 reviews	I use Fret Doctor to condition my fretboard. Awesome stuff, it keeps the wood nice and healthy Bore Oil for the Fife and Fret Doctor

07-02-2012, 04:07 AM	#9
-JeKo- SS.org Regular Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Finland Posts: 104 Thanked: 0 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Big Bends's Fretboard Juice is the best! All their stuff is top notch.

07-02-2012, 04:10 AM	#10
xxvicarious SS.org Regular Join Date: May 2012 Location: Apple Valley, CA Posts: 485 Thanked: 8 Feedback Score: 1 reviews	Good ol' fashioned baby batter!

07-02-2012, 05:34 AM	#11
Captastic SS.org Regular Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Phoenix Posts: 305 Thanked: 2 Feedback Score: 2 reviews	All good suggestions...but the best thing you can do to keep your strings and fretboard in good condition is to wash your hands every time prior to picking up your guitar. I never touch mine till my hands are Dawn clean ;-)

07-02-2012, 05:50 AM	#12
MaxOfMetal Likes trem wankery. • Super Moderator • Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Milwaukee, WI Posts: 21,198 Thanked: 89 Feedback Score: 5 reviews	Clean the board with some naphtha and a clean, lint free cloth. Then condition it with mineral oil. Don't give into the "special blends", "proprietary formula", or "extreme" trends. At the end of the day 90% of them contain the two ingredients I listed above only they tend to throw in a whole bunch of crap like scents, drying compounds, and coloring. AxeHappy likes this. Need help with setting up a trem? Need info on your Ibby? Live in Milwaukee? Please feel free to message me. New Rules. Read Them.

07-02-2012, 06:10 AM	#13
Lagtastic Five Align Join Date: May 2011 Location: Charlotte, NC Posts: 834 Thanked: 9 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	^ If you need to clean a guitar that has been neglected for quite some time, try out some Gorgomyte as an alternative to steel wool. Stay away from GHS Fast Fret like the plague. Yes, it makes your strings and fretboard smoother, but, it operates just like Rain-X for your car windshield. It does an amazing job for a short time after you use it, but it you don't regularly reapply, it gunks up and dries, leaving your fretboard in worse condition than when you started it. Just follow Max's easy advice. AxeHappy and Jason_Clement like this. Accept the consequence of risk Last edited by Lagtastic; 07-02-2012 at 06:18 AM. Reason: Wow I can't spell

07-02-2012, 06:13 AM	#14
elrrek SS Contributor Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Europe Posts: 1,045 Thanked: 2 Feedback Score: 1 reviews	Project Guitar :: Maintenance Tips Lot's of cool info here Hey look out! It's an opinion! WTF?!? at war with false noise records

07-08-2012, 12:10 AM	#16
mhickman2 The Abiding Dude Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 564 Thanked: 6 Feedback Score: 4 reviews	I find washing my hands before I play does wonders. elrrek likes this.

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