Cleaning & Conditioning Your Guitar Fretboard

Fingerboards require regular cleaning and conditioning, otherwise some pretty nasty things can happen to them. Conditioning the fingerboard (also commonly referred to as a "fretboard"), will keep it looking new and prevent a host of problems as the guitar ages, like cracking.

On a related note, moisture is also very important to maintaining fretboards and should be controlled, in addition to regular cleaning and conditioning. Be careful not to substitute one for the other. They work hand-in-hand when preserving fine wood.

WHAT KIND OF WOOD NEEDS CONDITIONING?

Any guitar with an unfinished fretboard should be cleaned and conditioned regularly—at least every string change. Unfinished means there is no additional layer of protective lacquer over the wood. Unfinished fretboards are fairly common, especially when constructed with darker woods.

Fretboards are made with a variety of woods—Ebony, Rosewood, Maple, Bacote, Pau Ferro, and even Ziricote, just to name a few. Some are very common, others are quite exotic. Some are finished, others are not. Most of these woods are made into unfinished fretboards. Maple fretboards, which are lighter colored, will often have a finish on them and won't need any conditioning. Check your guitar's specs to find out what your fretboard is made from and if it is finished.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I CONDITION MY FINGERBOARD?

Every time you change your strings, you should clean and condition your fingerboard. This will remove the dirt, sweat, and grime that build up on the neck and around the frets. In addition, it will keep your fingerboard looking brand new.

HUMIDIFICATION VS. CONDITIONING —
WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE?

Moisture or humidity is the amount of water in the air and thus within the cells of the wood. Proper humidification is very important because it prevents some of the problems listed previously. Conditioning prevents the cells of the wood from becoming brittle, discolored, and wearing prematurely. When the humidity fluctuates, the conditioner will help stabilize the wood and prevent cracking and loose frets.

HOW TO DO IT RIGHT:

First, determine the best conditioner for your guitar. Many manufacturers have recommendations, but they all differ greatly. According to their websites, PRS, Tom Anderson and Takamine all recommend Lemon Oil for their fretboards. On the other hand, Martin does not recommend lemon oil because it can break down the nitrocellulose finish on their necks.

However, you can't go wrong with D'Addario Hydrate Fingerboard Conditioner. We've taken all the science and information into account to create an all-around superior fingerboard conditioner which works for any unfinished guitar fingerboard.

It's safe on all woods and finishes, smells good and cleans up easier than lemon or linseed oil. Application is easy. Just spray on, let it absorb into the wood, and wipe it off with a paper towel.

Now, you're ready to restring!