Guitar folks, how to clean the fret-board?

[scottmandue]

I had a friend (he has moved out of the country) who was a fantastic guitar player (could play anything from classical to heavy metal) he also worked in a music store repairing guitars. I asked him what to use to clean my guitar and he whispered to me 'pledge'... that kind of made sense seeing as guitars are kinda like furniture... if I'm feeling really ambitious I will use paste was but that requires more elbow grease.

But what I really want to know is, I live by the ocean so the frets start to get a little oxidation and I'm concerned if I used any kind of chrome/metal polish it would ruin the wood fret-board. Anyone have a technique for cleaning frets?

[flatbutt]

I imagine the judicious use of super duper fine grit on the frets followed by a thin coat of a good wood oil should do the trick. I'd avoid any petroleum distillates like Pledge. But my cello has no frets.

[svandamme]

High pressure washer?

[Cajundaddy]

101 possible ways. This is what I have been using since the 70s. So far, so good:

Pledge to clean and a little lemon oil if I want some protection from the elements. I also put a little oil on a cloth and run it up and down the underside of the strings to clean and protect. Graphite or sewing machine oil at the bridge and nut to prevent binding.

YMMV

[OldSpool87]

Frets will oxidize typically on the edges. Regular use keeps it at bay. Washing hands before play or at least not having the remnants of a cheeseburger on your hands as you get going is a good thing. I have used lemon oil on the fret board and really don’t do a lot for the actual frets. If the instrument is in need of some real TLC you might just want to drop it with a local shop. The best thing you can do is keep it in the case when not in use.

[scottmandue]

Originally Posted by OldSpool87

Frets will oxidize typically on the edges. Regular use keeps it at bay. Washing hands before play or at least not having the remnants of a cheeseburger on your hands as you get going is a good thing. I have used lemon oil on the fret board and really don’t do a lot for the actual frets. If the instrument is in need of some real TLC you might just want to drop it with a local shop. The best thing you can do is keep it in the case when not in use.

This is part of the problem, I keep the guitar out on a stand to encourage myself to play with it.

[OldSpool87]

Unless it’s something super special, I would keep it out and play it. Deal with some oxidation as it comes. Maybe find some religion in wiping it down after every use. Kinda like a P-car.

[craigster59]

Spritz this on the fretboard and use a light rub of #0000 steel wool up and down with the grain. Wipe with a clean soft cloth.....
https://www.amazon.com/Gerlitz-GGH-Guitar-Honey-Fingerboard/dp/B000EEJF4O

[scottmandue]

Originally Posted by OldSpool87

Unless it’s something super special, I would keep it out and play it. Deal with some oxidation as it comes. Maybe find some religion in wiping it down after every use. Kinda like a P-car.

Ibanez artcore, fun guitar but not a vintage Gibson
Truth be told I should find some religion in picking it up and playing it more often!

Originally Posted by craigster59

Spritz this on the fretboard and use a light rub of #0000 steel wool up and down with the grain. Wipe with a clean soft cloth.....
https://www.amazon.com/Gerlitz-GGH-Guitar-Honey-Fingerboard/dp/B000EEJF4O

Added to my Amazon wishlist, Thanks!

[DanielDudley]

+1 on the 0000 steel wool. It will not hurt the wood.

[targa911S]

0000 wool and a good fretboard oil. oil it and wipe 2-3 times let the oil soak in. Just did that with my fretless 66 frankenbass project...

[OldSpool87]

That chrome saddle for your volume and tone knobs is tits. It reminds me of the bridge pick up cover on my ‘76 Tele except the cover is utterly useless.

[targa911S]

thanks. I had a guy in Texas make up the whole control panel with old school CTS stacked V/T V/T pots and all the vintage wiring and orange drops.

[masraum]

Originally Posted by svandamme

High pressure washer?

Or maybe BrakeKleen?

[KFC911]

Jimi cleaned his with lighter fluid

[Superman]

I just clean fretboards with whatever. Water. Perhaps a little soap. Yes, you can use 0000 steel wool, which will remove fret corrosion. Then I finish with lemon oil. You can also used boiled linseed oil. Make sure it is the boiled kind.

I do this about annually. Many of my guitars live outside their cases. Guitars are for playing.

[WolfeMacleod]

Like others said, 0000 steel wool. Move in the direction of the frets. Finish with a good fretboard oil.

If it's seriously gunky, a little naptha won't hurt.

Superman... don't use water. Don't.

[69 Soft Targa]

I'm late to the party but...

Originally Posted by scottmandue

'pledge'... that kind of made sense seeing as guitars are kinda like furniture... if I'm feeling really ambitious I will use paste was but that requires more elbow grease.

Originally Posted by craigster59

Spritz this on the fretboard and use a light rub of #0000 steel wool up and down with the grain. Wipe with a clean soft cloth.....
https://www.amazon.com/Gerlitz-GGH-Guitar-Honey-Fingerboard/dp/B000EEJF4O

+1 Guitar Honey is really all you need. It's simple and a little lasts a long time.

Originally Posted by scottmandue

But what I really want to know is, I live by the ocean so the frets start to get a little oxidation and I'm concerned if I used any kind of chrome/metal polish it would ruin the wood fret-board. Anyone have a technique for cleaning frets?

Acquire or simply make a fretboard protector and hit the frets with the 0000 steel wool. The protector has a slot so only the fret is visible. Often I just cut a slot in thin cardboard with a razor.

[targa911S]

A friend on a bass forum turned me on to this stuff. $8.00 at lowes. Enough to do every bass in the county. Put it on let it sit for an hour, wipe off excess, buff. Really nice stuff.
Howards Feed & Wax.

[Rick Lee]

Ernie Ball Wonder Wipes, available at most Guitar Centers and pretty cheap.