Fretboard cleaning help

[Diggydude]

Hello,

I recently finished my first kit, a tele, and after about 2 weeks of playing, I’ve noticed the start of a buildup of dirt on the fretboard.



Here you can see what I mean.

What can I do to clean it and then protect it from more build up?

[Sonic Mountain]

That is pretty normal. Is it oiled or sealed?

[Diggydude]

That is pretty normal. Is it oiled or sealed?

Neither I think. I didn’t do anything to it so however it came to me is how it is.

[Sonic Mountain]

Well, there isn't much you can do as far as I know. Personally I prefer to seal maple fret boards, mostly for this reason. I know some guys lemon oil them, which can also be used with a tooth brush to scrub off gunk. If you haven't oiled prior to playing I'm not sure that would work.

Hopefully someone will be along with some better suggestions.

[Diggydude]

Well, there isn't much you can do as far as I know. Personally I prefer to seal maple fret boards, mostly for this reason. I know some guys lemon oil them, which can also be used with a tooth brush to scrub off gunk. If you haven't oiled prior to playing I'm not sure that would work.

Hopefully someone will be along with some better suggestions.

What’s this sealing you keep mentioning? How’s that done?

[Sonic Mountain]

Like with lacquer or polyurethane. I personally like satin polyurethane as its very durable and has a similar appearance to unfinished wood. I normally spray the neck at the same time I'm doing clear coats on the body. Then once its dried I level and dress the frets to get the poly off them.

This is one I did in gloss:



and a commerical Tele also in gloss



This one is I did in satin - its also maple but I stained it black.

[Diggydude]

Ahh ok. Would I be able to use the same spray I used as clear coat?

[Joe3334]

Ahh ok. Would I be able to use the same spray I used as clear coat?

Yes you can, if it worked on the body, it will work on the neck.