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Alternative Fretboards

Does anyone have any experience using non-standard wood for fingerboards?

For example, I know maple needs to be sealed... rosewood and ebony do not.

My problem is when I start getting into woods that aren't "typically" used as fingerboards. Does anyone know which woods need sealed, which don't, etc etc?

And, while we're on the subject, what do you use on your fingerboards?

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Permalink Reply by Paul Doug on November 12, 2009 at 5:55pm

Don't put much stock in this, because I don't play but the only thing I have put on fret boards is Mylands Sanding Sealer. Not sure why other than I figured varnish and such would wear through and not look good after a while. This sealer seems to put a nice finish on and I think it can be reapplied at any time.

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Permalink Reply by Will Carter on November 13, 2009 at 1:09am

As far as I am aware all woods can do with some kind of attention. I use oak and other australian hard woods, even recycled or reclaimed woods and have tried stains, varnishes, paints, laquors, oils and alternative building materials such as perspex. After conferring with the nationites the product universally approved of seemed to be Danish oil applied with 400 grit sandpaper. I now use this exclusively on necks, bridges and fretboards and am always amazed with the results.

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Permalink Reply by Tim on November 13, 2009 at 4:21am

it really depends on how oily the wood is naturaly. btw on thing you need to watch when using wood with high oils in them is gluing they are much harder to glue. but here is a tip if you want a more natural feel to the fret board try tung oil instead of laquer or poly. it soaks in and has a nice natural feel.

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Permalink Reply by Tim Fontaine on November 13, 2009 at 6:49am

My last build (which was only #2 for me so I'm certainly not an authority) I used walnut for the fretboard and used the tung oil mentioned earlier. It turned out nice but I suppose time will tell.

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Permalink Reply by Nathan King on November 13, 2009 at 11:26am

FYI, here's a decent resource for various woods used, their tonal characteristics, and if you have to finish them. Cool!

http://www.warmoth.com/Guitar/Necks/NeckWoods.aspx

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Permalink Reply by Diydc on November 13, 2009 at 2:16pm

That`s a great link!
I recently did a build with a wenge fretboard and every detail mentioned in their description was perfectly true.

I once used apple wood for a mandolin neck which went very well,

Nathan King said:

FYI, here's a decent resource for various woods used, their tonal characteristics, and if you have to finish them. Cool!

http://www.warmoth.com/Guitar/Necks/NeckWoods.aspx

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Permalink Reply by Al Allen (Hangten) on November 13, 2009 at 7:01pm

Nathan, one of the nicest things I've found is Minwax Wipe-On Poly in satin or gloss and available at Lowes or Home Depot. It is easy to use, seals well, resist hand oils and doesn't create residue.