Fretboard Oil

[tippie53]

I have seen a few fretboards that were and I grant you this , over oiled . Both were mineral oil that penetrated to the glue line and ruined the glue joint. I was trained at Martin and asked them and was told something similar. I think anything in moderation but there are better products out there than mineral oil for fretboards.

[David L]

Well that certainly cleared that up, think I'll just use some 20W-50 Castrol left over from the last time I did an oil change in my truck, hey don't laugh, it is multi-grade! No really all kidding aside, thanks for all of the feedback, just like everything else in guitar building, there is no "one" right answer. I was kinda looking for something that I might have laying around the house and 3 in 1 and minwax both are alreadt at hand, again, thanks guy!

David L

[kencierp]

The only other product I would consider other than Minwax finishing wax is the Dr. Duck's Ax Wax --- it indeed has become the standard used and recommended treatment including Martin -- the documentation is there -- check it out.

BTW Old English oil and lemon oil are really scented and dyed mineral oil -- that can be documented also.

[kencierp]

http://www.ducksdeluxe.com/gtrbldrs.html

[Woody OKeefe]

There is always Roche Thomas premium fingerboard oil. Use mostly on bowed instruments, but great on guitars.

[Ben-Had]

I think anything in moderation

That may be the key. I've oiled my '69 Gibson MAYBE 6 times in 42 years and then my treatment is this:

1. lightly polish/clean with 0000 steel wool
2. lightly wet the end of my finger with the mineral oil and that's all it takes for the whole board
3. let set for several minutes and wipe off with clean cotton cloth
4. Done

[segovia]

What about lemon Oil ?

J

[Ken Hundley]

I have used and liked fingerboard oil. It comes in such a tiny bottle, though, I lose it all the time. Int hat case, I also use Howards Restore-a-finish. Love how it works, and how it looks.

[tippie53]

lemon oil is usually a perfumed mineral oil.