Best way to clean an ebony fretboard?

[steven.rogers]

I recently bought a used Alvarez DY-91 that is about 7 years old. I love everything about it, but I noticed in the light that the fretboard has accumulated some grime and I want to try and clean it off. What's the best method to do this for the ebony fretboard? Thanks - here's a (not so great) pic of the neck in question and the dirt on it. It's easier to see towards the first few frets.

http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x255/tehsuperfox/Yairi/DSCN0160.jpg

[klaetos]

Every time I change strings on my Taylor 710 or Carvin CT4 (both have Ebony Fretboard) I use a product called Lizard Spit Fret Board Conditioner (http://www.zzounds.com/item--LZS479). It is made with Orange oil. It cleans, protects and conditions the wood. Makes the fretboard look really nice and black too!

Here is a pick of my Carvin CT4. Fretboard still looks pretty good, I think it's been over a month since I changed strings last time and I play daily.

http://www.moundassembly.org/gear/carvin2lg.jpg

[riffmeister]

I recently bought a used Alvarez DY-91 that is about 7 years old. I love everything about it, but I noticed in the light that the fretboard has accumulated some grime and I want to try and clean it off. What's the best method to do this for the ebony fretboard? Thanks - here's a (not so great) pic of the neck in question and the dirt on it. It's easier to see towards the first few frets.

http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x255/tehsuperfox/Yairi/DSCN0160.jpg

You will probably first need to scrape off the grime, then lemon oil or similar for the wood.


I like your sig......reminds me of this one:

"I'd give my right arm to be ambidexterous."

:D

[Nuclearfishin]

On all my classical guitars (all have ebony fretboards) if they are really bad I will use 0000 steel wool, then you will need to clean the board with naptha or something similar, and finally I finish it off with lemon oil. If your frets are also looking grungy, you can use micro mesh starting at about 4,000 grit and going up to 12,000. Just one or two swipes with each grit is fine and there will be no worries about changing the profile, although for an electric guitar the frets are much harder and likely wouldn't be affected easily like the soft frets of a classical.

[gh1]

Lore abounds on this topic. While not being an authority, my research has led me to this conclusion. Clean it with naptha (lighter fluid will work -- it's 99% naptha) and condition it with Fret Doctor.

Read the following under Fret Doctor:

http://www.beafifer.com/boredoctor.htm

_____
gh1

[gtr777]

I've been using a product called Hydrate. cleans the fretboard good and leaves it feeling really smooth.

[suttree]

my tech uses an emulsifier to clean the fretboard, then a conditioner afterwards. i didn't get the exact product he uses though, unfortunately.