Oiling fret board (Page 1 of 2)

Art, I usually oil the fret board when I change strings. When I change strings I take all the strings off. So the strings are not in the way at all. Some folks don't like to remove all the strings bit I have never had issues from doing that and I've been doing it for over 30 years.
Use a lemon oil specificly for fret board use. And don't over appy. Wipe off any excess completely. You don't need to over appy, use just enough to get into the wood.
Hope this helps.

  Joe

A lot of people will tell you a lot of different things when it comes to caring for your guitar.  Lemon oil is something I've heard on numerous occasions. There is also different and varying opinions on whether or not to take all strings off when changing them out or just take one or two off at a time. I agree with Tyson7 in that I have never experienced any problems with removing all the strings, which gives you an opportunity to thoroughly clean the fret board. Though I'm not an expert by any means, I do however know some who are. Try Dunlop Formula 65 Guitar Polish and cleaner. just a couple of sprays on a clean cloth goes a long way and really makes your guitar look nice, it's inexpensive and you can use it often. Lacking this cleaner, lemon oil is viable option. Just don't use very much and wipe it off thoroughly. Hope this helps.

If others have and advice or opinions on this subject, I would be interested in hearing them. Any information I can get on keeping my guitars in top condition can be very helpful, and educational.  Come'on  pro's how about sharing some tried and true tricks or experiences you've gained throughout your years/careers.

Thanks in advance
cj-5

Can't argue with that Russell. 40 years speaks volumes. But what do you do if you live in an extremely dry environment and have no way of controlling humility. what keeps it from drying out? I can't imagine not putting some type of moisture returning product in any of my wood furniture. Is guitar wood any different? Also some people have naturally more acid in their system then others that cause deterioration of the finish on wood and/or metal. Will wiping with a dry cloth keep the acid from eating away the finish?

Not disagreeing with you. I don't have nearly the experience you have,  but it just goes against everything I've been taught about wood, especially in a very dry environment.

Respectfully,
cj-5

I have never oiled myfretboard either,russell has this right!

I just pulled this off the first site I googled. 
A well-oiled rosewood fretboard is essential to protecting your guitar's neck and its overall value. If a fretboard becomes too dry it can cause warping and cracking. Protecting your guitar's fretboard can be accomplished with very little effort. Preventative maintenance is the best insurance for any instrument.

So funny, a typo obviously, but still funny. HUMILITY. Right after Russell says he is a pro.

I forgot to add my 2 cents. I oil my fretboards when changing strings also. I just like to get them clean and nice looking. Lots of gunk on our fingers.  I do believe that if they get too dry they can crack.

I oil once a year or so, around the same time I buff frets and whatnot, so I only do it with strings removed. Some oils will break down strings so you have to be careful. Lemon oil is a fave of mine.

If you're too lazy, just spray 'er down with finger ease or fast fret or whatever.

my favorite oil is KY works wonders

Due to our wide-ranging winter-to-summer climate (it's Canada, eh?), a little lemon oil is necessary now and then to keep the fret board from actually shrinking. This can cause protruding frets, cracking fretboards, and even little chips coming out on the edges ... who needs it? We'll typically run anywhere from 70% - 90% humidity from May until October, then drop to 30% - 40% in the winter. That's tough on most tone woods, which are typically quite porous to produce resonance.

Most of our guitar shops run humidifiers all winter and dehumidifiers all summer, to keep their air at that ideal 55% - 60% relative humidity. At home, we run a dehumidifier in the summer for comfort, but since I don't want the extra cost of heating damp air in winter plus condensation on the windows, the fret boards get some lemon oil every Fall during a string change. The trick is a real light application, as others have said. It'll soak in, and won't leave a residue to gunk up the strings.

Your local climate will help dictate your need to oil or not to oil ... hope this is helpful.

That Dunlop formula 65 sounds pretty good to me.  I think I'll try it.

To sum it up...... Use a little oil if it makes you feel better. (It helps the wood) And don't use it if you haven't had any problems through the years.

I oil my rosewood fretboards but never, ever oil my maple fretboards.

On maple, I just use normal guitar polish.

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