The fingerboard of a guitar is one of the most important parts of the instrument. The smoothness and cleanliness are not only what helps your fingers glide across, but it also contributes to how much volume the guitar will produce. The fingerboard can get dirty from oils and dirt that accumulate over time, so you’ll want to make sure you know how to properly clean it and care for your guitar.
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What is Fingerboard?
A fingerboard is the flat portion of a guitar where the guitar strings are placed. It is what the player presses down on to play, and there are many different methods and materials that are used to build fingerboards for different types of guitars.
Why Should I Clean My Guitar’s Fingerboard?
Your fingerboard is in contact with your fingers and hands a lot, so oils (coconut oil or lemon oil) and other impurities can accumulate over time. The buildup may effect the playability of the guitar, causing some notes to sound dull or muffled. It can also make your fingers slick, making it hard to perform some of the more intricate parts of certain songs.
How to Do It Properly?
- Use a cleaning solution (mineral oil, lemon oil, Jim Dunlop strings cleaner, etc) and a brush to remove any dirt or oils from the fingerboard.
- You can also apply a guitar polish to make your fingerboard shiny and smooth.
- Don’t use general household cleaners on your guitar’s fingerboard, as these products may cause damage.
- Take some time to also focus on the frets. You can use steel wool to perform a fret polishing.
- Store a clean, dry cloth in the case of your guitar to wipe it down before and after playing.
These tips should help you keep your guitar’s fingerboard in good shape. Don’t forget to also purchase a guitar polish so that you can add some shine and sheen to your instrument. If you want to add a bit of extra protection, consider purchasing some fingerboard oil. This oil will help nourish the fretboard wood, giving it that extra boost of protection.
When Should You Do It?
The fingerboard can be cleaned anytime of the day, anywhere. You’ll want to make sure that you clean your fingerboard after ever time you have played a note on it. Take your guitar out of the case and wipe it down with a cloth after each use, whether you’re practicing or performing. For dirty fingers, you could also put some conditioner on your fingers safely before playing so that they don’t dull from constant contact with the guitar.
Other Things to Consider
While the fingerboard is the most important part of the guitar, keep in mind that there are other things to consider when cleaning it. It is important to keep your guitar’s bridge clean and polished at all times. The bridge is what transfers the vibrations from a guitar string to your sound hole, so you’ll want to make sure it stays in good shape. Make sure you’re also using glass or crystal cleaner on your rosewood, maple or ebony fretboard. These areas can accumulate oils and dirt as well, potentially leading to some issues with the guitar’s performance.
Now is also a good time to inspect your neck for a guitar neck twist or any other issues.
Also look at – Cleaning your guitar strings.
Guitar Fingerboard FAQs
What is the best guitar polish?
While there is no one polish that is better than others, it really comes down to preference. Certain polishes have different finishes and shades ranging from matte to gloss, so you can choose a finish that fits your preferences. The hard part will be deciding on the brand and the specific product. While there are many great brands out there, you may need to go through a few before you find one that works for you.
What is the best way to clean a guitar fingerboard?
Most people like to use a soft cloth or brush to remove any dirt. If you are looking for something more abrasive, however, there are products out there that will help with this. Many guitar polishes will scrub the fingerboard with abrasives that can remove dirt and oils from your instrument. You should look into using an actual polish on top of a cleaner, only if it’s something you like.
Is it safe to use a guitar cleaner on a guitar fingerboard?
While most people use a cloth or brush to clean their instruments, you may want to consider investing in a specific guitar cleaner. These products work by using different chemicals and polishes that can remove any dirt and oils from the fingerboard. If you’re looking for something you can use on your electric and acoustic guitars, there are many great products out there. Just make sure you don’t apply any chemicals that weren’t intended for use on guitar products.
In Conclusion
In summary, the best way to clean a guitar fingerboard is to use a soft cloth and brush. You can also use a guitar polish if desired. The guitar will be more playable and sound better when cleaned properly. Be sure to wipe down your fret board, bridge, and other parts of the instrument as well in order to keep it in tip top shape!