Care for unfinished maple neck?

Jonathangus

Uncle Ben does a good video guide:

https://benellerguitars.wordpress.com/2015/09/07/this-is-why-you-suck-at-guitar-your-neck-finish-sucks-oil-and-wax-finish-tutorial/

WezV

Here is my method.... messier  but develops it into the sleekest finish possible. 
https://www.thefretboard.co.uk/discussion/235/oil-finishes-little-tutorial-for-my-wet-sanded-oil-finish-technique/p1

pmbomb

what about fretboard folks? (I mis-named the thread title).

thegummy

guitars4you said:

Musicman tend to favour a mix of gunstock oil and wax, blended together and rubbed in as required - silky smooth feel

Mine is the most budget model they do, was about 300 quid. I don't think they do that finish on these like they do on their proper models (though I don't know for sure, I've never actually played a full fat MM).

Would taking a close up photo with a flash allow anyone to judge whether there's any varnish or oil or neither I wonder?

Cols

The easiest way to determine whether or not it’s finished would be to put a spot or water on it and then wipe it off.  If it sinks in and causes a colour change, it’s unfinished.

Ernie Ball recommend this for unfinished maple fretboards.  But they would, wouldn’t they?

https://www.stringsdirect.co.uk/accessories-c2/guitar-care-c56/fretboard-conditioner-c339/ernie-ball-4276-wonder-wipes-6-pack-fretboard-conditioner-p3249?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI9sSoxqjW8gIVhe_tCh18PwcTEAQYASABEgIMQ_D_BwE#fo_c=1949&fo_k=226ab3adb150a78e99f0f597325a8d5e&fo_s=gplauk?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=

guitars4you

thegummy said:

guitars4you said:

Musicman tend to favour a mix of gunstock oil and wax, blended together and rubbed in as required - silky smooth feel

Mine is the most budget model they do, was about 300 quid. I don't think they do that finish on these like they do on their proper models (though I don't know for sure, I've never actually played a full fat MM).

Would taking a close up photo with a flash allow anyone to judge whether there's any varnish or oil or neither I wonder?

Yes, I was referring to the USA models 

thegummy

Cols said:

The easiest way to determine whether or not it’s finished would be to put a spot or water on it and then wipe it off.  If it sinks in and causes a colour change, it’s unfinished.

That makes me think it's definitely finished but just thin and matt or satin but I don't think I want to try the water thing just in case it isn't and I cause a mark!

Cols

Relax, it’ll be transient until it dries.  Besides, with unfinished wood you’ll get a lot more colour change from the effect of your grubby paws all over it.

thegummy

Cols said:

Relax, it’ll be transient until it dries.  Besides, with unfinished wood you’ll get a lot more colour change from the effect of your grubby paws all over itZ

That's what made me think it must be finished, I've definitely sweated on it plenty so I'm taking it to not be unfinished.