On Fri, 22 Jul 2005 16:40:58 GMT, "Doug Kanter"
wrote:

There's been a friendly debate going on in alt.guitar.bass about what sort
of treatment is best for guitar fingerboards, many of which are rosewood.
I've heard lemon oil (which I know is just "flavored" mineral oil) can
actually cause drying out (which I don't understand), and a host of other
theories. I'm interested in opinions from this crowd. The goal is to apply
something that'll remove normal hand dirt, and then leave the fingerboard
somewhat moisturized, but not VERY oily.


Guitar fingerboards are usually ebony or rosewood. They do not need
any finish or oil. To clean a fingerboard, take the strings off and
use fine steel wool.

Guitars should be properly humidified. Take the proper precautions to
keep them from drying out or getting too much humidity.

Why would you want a fingerboard "moisturized"? It's normal moisture
content is fine as long as it's not too dry - usually evident by sharp
fret ends protruding. Don't confuse moisture (water) with oils.
Big Daddy