One of the most important aspects of finishing a guitar fretboard is to ensure that the fretboard is level. The levelness of the fretboard will determine how well the guitar plays and how comfortable it is to hold. A level fretboard will also reduce the likelihood of the guitar going out of tune. There are a few different ways to level a guitar fretboard, but the most common method is to use a block plane. To level the fretboard, first find the highest point on the fretboard. This is usually at the 12th fret. Place the block plane on the fretboard so that the blade is touching the 12th fret. Then, gently push the block plane forward until it contacts the 1st fret. Slowly move the block plane back and forth across the fretboard, taking care not to change the position of the blade. As you move the block plane, you will notice the blade start to remove material from the fretboard. Continue moving the block plane until the entire fretboard is level. Once the fretboard is level, you can start sanding it. Begin with a coarse grit sandpaper and work your way up to a finer grit. Be sure to sand evenly across the fretboard to avoid creating high and low spots. When sanding, it is also important to use a light touch so that you don’t sand through the finish. After the fretboard is sanded, you can apply the finish. There are a variety of finishes that can be used on a guitar fretboard, but the most common is lacquer. To apply the lacquer, first sand the fretboard with a very fine grit sandpaper to create a smooth surface. Then, apply a thin coat of lacquer to the fretboard with a brush. Allow the lacquer to dry completely before applying a second coat. Once the second coat is dry, you can buff the fretboard with a soft cloth to create a shine.
Do You Finish A Fretboard?
A fretboard is the part of the neck on a stringed instrument that holds the frets. To finish a fretboard means to install the frets into the neck and cut the slots for the strings. This is usually done by a luthier, but some instruments come with pre-finished fretboards.
Two Main Guitar Neck Finishes: High Gloss And Satin
In terms of finishing for your guitar neck, high gloss and satin are the two most common options. When humidity is present, glossy finishes can become tacky. High gloss finishes are attractive and can smooth out curved notes. When changing hands, satin finishes look matte and are considered faster to play. Most guitar manufacturers recommend cleaning fretboards every six months with a specialty wood oil, despite the fact that fretboards may not need to be oiled. When your fretboard begins to dry out, cracks appear, or wears out, it is time to replace it.
How To Finish A Rosewood Fretboard
There are a few things to keep in mind when finishing a rosewood fretboard. First, rosewood is a very oily wood, so it is important to wipe it down with a damp cloth before applying any finish. Second, rosewood is very porous, so it will absorb a lot of finish. Be sure to apply a thin coat and allow it to dry completely before applying a second coat. Finally, rosewood is a soft wood, so it is important to be careful not to sand through the finish when sanding the fretboard smooth.
It is okay to use lemon oil, but keep in mind that it is simply paraffin oil with added fragrance. Because some of the drying oil or other finish that dries and hardens onto the board will most likely adhere to the frets and make cleaning them difficult in the long run, it is best to leave it on the board. I like to use polymerized tung oil, such as Sutherland Welles or General Finishes Salad Bowl Oil, in my dishes. If you’re using an oil, varnish, or urethane, use mineral spirits instead of naphtha because the spirits dry slower, allowing you to easily control the finish.
Why You Should Oil Your Rosewood Fretboard
Most guitarists think that oiling your fretboard is a waste of time – after all, it will not rot or harm the wood. This one, on the other hand, is worth repeating: Rosewood fretboards do need a little oiling on occasion, but they are not particularly difficult to do. Because Rosewood is a naturally occurring wood, it can easily fall out over time. Sweat can also cause wood to lose its moisture, making playing the guitar difficult. If you want to avoid this, you should oil your Rosewood fretboard on a regular basis. By doing so, you can keep the wood hydrated and playable. If you do not want to use your own oil, you can use lacquer or a resin-based varnish to seal the fretboard. If you don’t do it on a regular basis, you run the risk of damaging your rosewood down the road.
Peter Williams is a graduate of B.A Arts and Culture from the University of Technology Sydney. Peter is very much interested in cultural practices around the world including music, history, languages, literature, religion and social structures.