Staining the fret board

[stratto8418]

Hi this is my first build. I got one of the ash body teles. It has a maple fret board. I'm about to start staining the neck. Do I stain the fret board as well??
Thanks
Derek

[wokkaboy]

Hi Derek, welcome to the forum. Most people just apply an oil or wax to the fingerboard but you can give it a vintage yellow colour if you like.
what stain colour will the body and headstock be ?

hope you have sufficiently sanded the body and neck prior to staining ?

would love to see some pics so start a build diary and the forum will help you with any questions you may have

[stratto8418]

Hi mate thanks for the fast reply, I have posted a little story and I few picks in the intro page.
I want a natural finish and have picked up some tru-oil.
So the neck and body will be all natural colour.
So do I give the fret board a little cover of the tru-oil?
Cheers

[wokkaboy]

Hi Derek, sure tru oil the body, back of neck and headstock but the fingerboard is best to use some lemon/orange oil, Dr Ducks wax axe or Dingowax, you want it to be slippery and fast.
Each time you change the strings give the fingerboard another rub of the oil or wax

[Rabbitz]

(Tongue firmly in cheek)

The only stains that should ever go anywhere near a fretboard are:
sweat
blood
booze
smoke

[wazkelly]

Unfortunately mostly blood & sweat as no longer aloud to smoke in venues these days. When I was a smoker last century I remember how hanging a fag off the end of a string on the headstock looked cool until I noticed nicotine stains appearing on the headstock. Looking back it was pretty stupid trying to smoke and play at the same time but heck, Keef made it look so cool and easy at the same time.

[BroTown]

Yeah, but look at what it did to his face long term...

[kimball492]

I saw this the other day guys. Wasn't much said as to how it was achieved,or the finish to protect it.

[Gavin1393]

Probably ink......