Might Strip Finish Off my 620 FretBoard...

1632 · Post by **1632** » Mon Mar 06, 2006 5:14 pm

So the heavily laquered fretboard on my new 620 has hindered my playing drastically (I was a strat player previously). The friction kills my speed, whereas on a regular strat style unfinished fretboard I can fly. Anyone know of any dangers that could come with removing the finish? The mod would be on the fretboard only and done by a professional. However (and I'd much rather do this instead), does anyone know of any waxes or anything that would lube it up and keep it slick? Guitar polish wears off immediately and Fast Fret only lubes the strings. I think Finger Ease or any spray-on stuff would just drizzle off the board. Any suggestions would be much appreciated, THANKS!!!

ken_j · Post by **ken_j** » Tue Mar 07, 2006 6:23 am

Welcome to the forum Eric. I would wait for the Curmudgeon to return from vacation before doing anything. I believe he recommends DR. Stringfellows.

rick12dr · Post by **rick12dr** » Tue Mar 07, 2006 9:46 am

Eric;
Do Not, I Repeat, DO NOT use Finger Ease!!!
Contains silicone, which is Bad, Bad, Bad for your guitar and finish.I'm actually amazed this product is still out there...

jingle_jangle · Post by **jingle_jangle** » Tue Mar 07, 2006 4:36 pm

Use Dr. Stringfellow spray. It's a blend of citrus oils and naphtha.

Get an old cotton t-shirt. Spray a good few squirts of Dr. S onto an area of it (ball it up first) and rub, rub, rub. Now take a look at the t-shirt. See all the grunge? Spray some more Dr. S onto a different part of the t-shirt. Repeat.

Keep repeating until the rag comes up clean. Now take a dry part of the t-shirt and buff off all the extra Dr. S. Also do this to the back of the neck. Don't forget to buff.

Result: fast fretboard, clean and fast strings (especially the wound/wrapped ones), fast neck.

It's even better if you can do this when you change strings--you can get all the grunge from around the neck before refitting new strings. Then proceed as above to pre-lube the strings.

I heartily agree with Don about Finger Ease. Yuck.

joepee · Post by **joepee** » Tue Mar 07, 2006 4:59 pm

Paul,

There are several Dr. Stringfellow products out there. A polish. A string cleaner, etc. Which one are you recommending? They may all be the same. Are these the ones made by Kyser?

jingle_jangle · Post by **jingle_jangle** » Tue Mar 07, 2006 5:07 pm

Yes, Kyser. The string cleaner/fretboard conditioner. Comes in a small pump bottle.