A guitar question from reader Rob M:
| “I noticed the Godin manual recommended using Danish oil on the fretboard every 6 months. Is the WATCO brand I see around in wood/hardware stores OK to use?” |
Sweetwater Tech and guitar guru Max Gutnick replies: “WATCO brand Danish oil is fine. Incidentally, if you want to save some money you can buy any brand of linseed oil instead of the more expensive Danish oil. Both penetrate the entire fretboard and protect very well. You can also use lemon oil, but this would require more frequent applications as lemon oil does not penetrate as deeply as the others; say one per month instead of every six months.”
Thanks Rob and Max! Three additional notes: Don’t over-oil the fretboard – if you have to wring the oil out of your guitar’s neck before playing, you may be oiling too frequently!
Second, fretboards which are finished (i.e. most maple fingerboards) should not be oiled. If you are in doubt as to what kind of maintenance to perform on your instrument, check the owner’s manual, talk to your Sweetwater rep, or consult with the manufacturer.
Third, avoid getting oil on any unfinished areas of the neck (besides the fretboard), cracks or dings in the finish, screw holes, etc. If it should ever be necessary to repair, glue or re-finish over an area that has absorbed oil, there will be problems!