Fretboard finish noob question

[kevsta]

So I'm currently putting together a TL-1A, which I assume is the same as a TLA-1 and the fretboard is maple? Anyhoo, it's quite a bright colour compared to the rest of the body and looks out of place.



From what I've read on various google searches, I shouldn't apply any stains / or fingerboard remedies to the fretboard. Is this correct? Is there a safe way of making the fretboard a little darker to match the body? Or should I just suck it up?

Thanks.

[Brendan]

You can stain fretboards (see http://www.buildyourownguitar.com.au...?t=3128&page=5) - from memory he used a leather dye. Downside is that if you're just wanting a touch darker, you may need to experiment on some scrap to make sure you get the right colour.

In terms of other products, most products for fretboards will have limited impact on colour - e.g., LemOil or Dr Ducks Axe Wax, may have a very slight darkening effect, but it will likely be very minor.

[BJMtz]

I am currently using Tru Oil to finish my RCA-4 and it has darkened up the finish quite a bit. I am putting it over an amber stain but I would think that it would darken raw maple without having to use a stain.

[Sonic Mountain]

I've stained the maple neck of my current build to make it match the theme better. You can see some of the stain on the frets that I'll clean off with a dress when it's done. The fingerboard is satin poly finish here.




There is no reason not to - it's not going to change the properties of the wood or anything. You can then oil, seal, clear over it you want. My last TL build I did the maple fingerboard in poly to stop it going grubby. I really like the way it feels and plays, all my other guitars are oiled rosewood and it isn't any better or worse than those IMO.

I actually think the maple with the darker butterscotch body looks good - but everyone has their own taste so you do you

[king casey]

but everyone has their own taste

That's a definite.
I went all the way and stained it with F&W Golden Teak.
Several coats of Molotov clear over the top. Dried nice and hard.
With a fine sand and polish is holding up quite well (unlike the Tru-Oil attempt).



cheers, Mark.

[wazkelly]

Here is my J Bass done with just Tru Oil.....feels great.


Guitar is about 1 year old in this shot as when 1st done it looked almost clear however it does age up over time and takes on a vintage look.