Official Luthiers Forum!

So I'm working on #2 which has an ebony fretboard with 0.065" maple binding. How would you suggest the finishing process for the top edge of the maple binding? I plan to spray Mohawk lacquer but need to seal the top of the binding without spraying the ebony otherwise the maple will look dirty before long. Tape up to edge of maple? Seal top edge of maple with shellac only? Other? Fret before or after finishing? Need help here.

_________________
Doug

Don't let fear or common sense stop you from trying to build something

I would tend to agree with Filippo. A light few coats of shellac should help with any dirt stains. I have done that on a few and the maple still looks bright and white today.

With that being said Ive also done a few having done nothing to seal them. Still looks good to me, depends on what your looking for.

_________________
http://Michaudmade.com

I've only done one maple bound fretboard, but I taped it off and lacquered it. It wasn't that hard and I will probably do it again. I also made a maple fretboard, probably a totally different animal, but I only used shellac and it got dirty and nasty very quickly. *

*note-the shellac I used was in a spray can and I'm finding out that it does not dry and harden as quickly as regular shellac, so this may have been the reason for it collecting so much gunk.

_________________
PMoMC

Thanks for the help guys!

_________________
Doug

Don't let fear or common sense stop you from trying to build something

Have you leveled/radiused the fretboard yet? Just thinking that, if not, you might end up sanding all the finish off when you do. If you have prepped it for the frets already (which I'm thinking you probably have) let me throw another suggestion at you. You know that "Stewmac fretboard finishing oil"? Yeah, I know they say not to use it on Maple boards. I once played this guy's guitar and commented on how nice it played. I also noticed how smooth and silky it felt. I asked him what he used to finish it and he showed me the Stewmac oil. He just wiped it on the whole neck and it felt amazing. Not sure WHY they tell you not use it on maple but... If I were you I would wipe the fretboard with that stuff like normal and leave the sides to whatever finish you use on the neck. Such a small amount of maple shouldn't have a problem staying nice and clean as long as it's protected with something.

_________________
"I'm not going to say that perfection has never been achieved. However, if it has, it probably went unnoticed due to it's lack of character."

Few coats of wipe-on poly might do the trick if you want it shiny.

_________________
wah
Wah-wah-wah-wah
Wah

Couldnt you just Tru-oil the top of the fret board. Ebony and all?

Tung or linseed oil on the top surface (both the maple and ebony) and replenish as you normally would treat a fingerboard over time. I would do it after the neck is finished and the sides of the maple binding are finished so adhesion issues are less of a concern.

_________________
David Radlin
http://www.facebook.com/radlin.guitars