Dyed Fretboard Solution?

[firstbassman]

Paul, if you don't mind . . .

I have a Rondo SX guitar with a "rosewood" fretboard. Whenever I play it, my fingers turn black. Others (at another forum) have told me that this is because the fretboard is dyed and it is the dye coming off on my hands. The solution, they say, is to use a product called Fret Doctor.

A little more Internet research has brought up the following other possible solutions: acetone - Dr. Ducks Axewax - Thomas Fretboard Oil (bore oil) - Ernie Ball Wonder Wipes Fretboard Conditioner.

Your advice ... ?

Thanks, as always.

[johnallg]

Mark, my SX jazz bass had the rosewood fretboard that is unfinished too. It is not making my hand turn black, but I did get Dr. Stringfellow Lem-Oil at GC and used that and it has done a very good job of moisturizing and sealing the rosewood.

For a $120 bass, this one is so much fun to play (and easy) it is my second favorite behind the 4001.

[jingle_jangle]

I'd avoid acetone, as it dries the rosewood. I'd definitely try the Lem-Oil idea, and I'd keep wiping until no color was on the cloth. Then I'd try rewiping every once in awhile to see if it's holding fast.

[johnallg]

Mine was/is very porous. I put at least 5 coats on it the first time, and today while playing noticed it is looking semi dried out again. So I need more coats.

[firstbassman]

Thanks guys! Will do.

John,
I've been itching to get a SX J bass for ages. There's only two things stopping me:
1. Since I quit my band I hardly ever play bass any more. I play guitar now almost all the time.
2. The SX J is a 30-inch bass. I (now) only own medium scale (32"). It seems, well, kinda small in photos next to other instruments. I'm sure it would be fine but I'd sure like to try one first. And, as I say, I'd hardly get to use it unless Jack decides to retire and Jorma calls me up looking for a bass player . . .

[jingle_jangle]

Mine was/is very porous. I put at least 5 coats on it the first time, and today while playing noticed it is looking semi dried out again. So I need more coats.

The solvents/oils in Lem-Oil will evaporate at different rates, but the least volatile essential citrus oils will remain in, and nourish, the fretboard. Note, however, that you can't get too much gloss on a really thirsty cheaper rosewood 'board. And that Rondo cannot have a premium rosewood 'board at its price point, if it even has rosewood. Could be a lower grade or a similar-to-rosewood substitute wood, labeled as rosewood, as manufacturers occasionally do.

[johnallg]

Mine was/is very porous. I put at least 5 coats on it the first time, and today while playing noticed it is looking semi dried out again. So I need more coats.

The solvents/oils in Lem-Oil will evaporate at different rates, but the least volatile essential citrus oils will remain in, and nourish, the fretboard. Note, however, that you can't get too much gloss on a really thirsty cheaper rosewood 'board. And that Rondo cannot have a premium rosewood 'board at its price point, if it even has rosewood. Could be a lower grade or a similar-to-rosewood substitute wood, labeled as rosewood, as manufacturers occasionally do.

Both points a high possibility, Paul. It was very dry to begin with, so I plan to treat again and maybe again.

Mark - I bought a black one like this Lake Placid Blue - http://www.rondomusic.com/sjb62mglpb.html It is a 34" scale bass. Then they have the short scale one that are the 30" you mention. Nothing in between. If you want a solid bass to just have to keep your hand in it or for the occasional jam with friends, the SX is very competent and capable. I had to do a full setup on mine, and a little fret leveling with a sanding block as frets 2 and 3 were a bit high. Once done and set up properly, it is my second favorite bass to play, after the '75 4001. I know, blasphemy, and only $134 delivered. Sounds really good and the hardware was surprisingly decent - very good machines that are smooth and hold tuning. At the price, you don't need to feel guilty if it sits unplayed for a while.