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are there any household oils that i can use to oil a fingerboard? would you oil this fingerboard? i know its going to darken over time from playing, but should i apply something now? thanks.

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sweat the small stuff.

Go to the grocery store. In the salad dressing isle, look for Walnut oil. That's what I use. Got the tip from Mr. Proulx.

I would use mineral oil(baby oil will do in a pinch, as it's basically mineral oil with additives to give it it's odor).

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Mike

The only thing nescessary for evil to thrive is for good men to do nothing.

I also use walnut oil. Be careful how you store the leftover oil it will go rancid-no good on two counts: 1. it's not cheap 2. it really stinks.

And yes, you should oil it . Oil is used to protect the wood.

Maybe I should start a new thread but my question is related, just in regards to a maple fingerboard. I am about to finish a flat top mandolin and it has a highly flamed maple fingerboard. Would oil be a good finish such as you all have suggested here or should I use a shellac or lacquer? Would oil just invite dirt and dust to work it's way in? How about Tru oil as this is what I am considering finishing the rest of the mandolin with.

For over 30 years I have used canning wax. Just rub a block over the fingerboard between frets, and rub in with a rag. Very long lasting, re buffs easily, does not get gummy and lasts a very long time.

Oil is fine but very sparingly. A few drops . Martin used 3 in 1 oil for many years . The best thing is just play your guitar. The body oils will do the job nicely . Wax is also a fair substitute . If you use a penetrating oil like mineral oil , over time if you use too much you may have glue failure.
Oil isn't used to "feed" the wood but more to give it a sheen. The best advice is keep your fretboard wiped off and use a gentle solvent like naphtha to get the gunk off. Too much of a good thing isn't a good thing

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John Hall
blues creek guitars
Authorized CF Martin Repair
Co President of ASIA
You Don't know what you don't know until you know it

I picked up some Roche Thomas Fingerboard Oil on a visit to Martin and it seems to be a good product. I have no idea what is in it but I have had it 4 years and it does not go bad and does a nice job.

Fred

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Fred Tellier
http://www.fetellierguitars.com
Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/pages/FE-Tellier-Guitars/163451547003866

True mineral oil is ok and so is the walnut someone mentioned. Most food grade oils turn rancid but walnut does not. As for mineral oil most of it on the market isn't true mineral oil it is a petroleum distillate. I know some will cringe but i use WD-40 not to moistuize but to clean my fingerboards of grime, dead skin and other gunk. I also like its smell. Umm!

I've used food grade olive oil on a lot of guitars. I like the smell, and I have never had problems with it turning rancid. It's pretty thick though, so I guess it won't penetrate the wood as well as the mineral oils

If you get your mineral oil from the drug store you should be fine, since among it's other uses it is recommended for use as a laxative, so I don't think theyll be putting any petroleum distillates in there.

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Mike

The only thing nescessary for evil to thrive is for good men to do nothing.

hey thanks guys! i knew there had to be a cheaper way than paying shipping for a single bottle of fingerboard oil. lots of options too. i appreciate it.

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sweat the small stuff.