And often these guitars are stored away in places with wild temperature swings, low humidity, and generally neglected. These sorts of guitars benefit a LOT from a light oiling--it'll bring the color back into the overly dry wood and tighten up the grain so it looks less like a barn door and more like a fretboard.
- How often should I oil my ebony fretboard?
- How often should you oil fretboard?
- Is oiling fretboard necessary?
How often should I oil my ebony fretboard?
A clean fingerboard feels and looks better and will extend the life of your strings. However, a more long-term concern is your fretboard drying out, cracking, and wearing. For that, many manufacturers recommend every six months you should clean your fretboard with a specialty wood oil.
How often should you oil fretboard?
To keep your guitar in excellent condition for the rest of its life, remember to wipe down your neck and fretboard after every session, and remember to oil your fretboard (if it is unvarnished) every six months.
Is oiling fretboard necessary?
So, no, wood doesn't need anything smeared on it to keep it from cracking. All it needs is a stable, properly humidified environment. But don't let that keep you from doing something that you like to do! Fingerboard oil can indeed condition, moisturize, and beautify wood.