What do you guys use to condition/oil rosewood and ebony fretboards?

[EdF_PA]

This works great, is not expensive, and a little goes a long way. And it has a built-in blot applicator.

 

[Old dude 70]

Fret doctor/bore oil once a year or as needed

 

[jb_abides]

No love for Howard's Feed and Wax?
I think it's what the Gibson Custom Shop recommends.

I stated above.

 

[Any Name You Wish]

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This works great, is not expensive, and a little goes a long way. And it has a built-in blot applicator.

I bought a new rosewood neck for my Tele and it showed up looking pretty dry. I used Dunlop 65, which is probably mostly mineral oil, and it now looks beautiful. Darker but not dark enough to hide the variations in the rosewood. I got the surface wet with it, let it sit for maybe 10 seconds, wiped it around and then off. I agree with others that one should not overdo it. Too much and the wood will swell. I also think that letting a rosewood fretboard get really dry is probably a mistake in the other direction. I live in a very dry climate so I keep an eye on these things. In a humid climate you probably don't need to do anything but clean the gunk off when you change strings. That's what I did when I lived in CA and dated smoking hot models.

 

[jb_abides]

I live in a very dry climate so I keep an eye on these things. In a humid climate you probably don't need to do anything but clean the gunk off when you change strings. That's what I did when I lived in CA and dated smoking hot models.

Apparently, in dry climates you can keep your outrageously cool vintage amp collection out in the garage!

 

[Thunder Dump]

+1 for Fret Doctor. But as others have said, you should be using drops (and not that many). A little goes a long way.

 

[1allspub]

I am a fan of Fret Doctor. As much for its board darkening qualities as anything. Down side is, it’s sold in small bottles and it’s not cheap (but it does last a long time). I use good old fashioned lemon oil too on boards that I don’t necessarily want to darken.

 

[garywright]

+1 for Fret Doctor. But as others have said, you should be using drops (and not that many). A little goes a long way.

mojodan gave me good advice ...use a lightly coated Q-tip when applying

 

[Keefoman]

Have used Fret Doctor for about 15 years. I got a 30ml bottle that isn't empty yet, but as it is nearing the end I searched to buy another one, but it cost way too much to get it shipped to Norway, so I got a 60ml bottle of MusicNomad F-One oil. Guess that will last my lifetime. I apply some drops about once a year, or if needed when I get a new guitar.

 

[Tollywood]

I like Lizard Spit.

Lizard Spit Fretboard Conditioner - 4-oz. Bottle

Fretboard Cleaner and Conditioner - 4oz

www.sweetwater.com

 

[axeman565758]

Over 20 years with Fret Doctor. I’d never use anything else.

 

[Tollywood]

I’ll try Fret Doctor. I’m always open to discovering a better product.

 

[Mattyboy75]

I use fret doctor, I know it’s not cheap but put it into perspective, it’ll last you at least 5 years plus. Mine has and I have 5 guitars with rosewood necks.

 

[Midnight Blues]

 

[gibson-r8]

+1 for Fret Doctor. But as others have said, you should be using drops (and not that many). A little goes a long way.

My first bottle of fret doctor lasted me over 10 years. Number 2 will probably be the last one I ever need. Lifetime investmen.

 

[Mike58]

Lovely results with bore oil, sorry about F**d*r pic ?
Just the right amount of darkening without losing the wood grain

 

[wild.joz]

Been using Fret Doctor for over 15 years. Still on the same bottle…

 

[MrNubs]

Nomad F-One seems to work well

anyone have any experience with the Stewmac ColorTone fretboard finishing oil?

 

[fretout]

FretDoctor. Not cheap, but it’s worth it. Before FD, I used bore oil and it was fantastic as well.

I live in one of the most arid locations in the world, and I’ve never had an issue with wood swelling, splitting, or fret sprout, but in meticulous with maintenance.

Just avoid anything that contains petroleum.

 

[CK6]

Fret Doctor doesn’t ship to Canada… sucks