When you’re a guitar enthusiast, one of the most important things you can do to keep your instrument performing at its best is to take care of the fretboard. However, even with the best care regime, there might come a time when your fretboard is scratched up, and you’re left wondering how to soothe it.
Fortunately, there are several ways you can go about restoring your fretboard to a great condition, and we will take you through some of the best ways to soothe a scratched-up fretboard.
1. Identify the type of wood on your fretboard
The first step in taking care of your scratched-up fretboard is to determine the type of wood it’s made of. The type of wood will determine the best way to treat the fretboard as each wood has its unique characteristics that call for different care treatments.
For example, rosewood fretboards are relatively easy to treat, whereas those with a maple finish need a more gentle treatment as it is relatively more sensitive. Before you start any repair, make sure you research to ensure you use the right methods for the specific type of wood.
2. Clean your fretboard
Before you start fixing your fretboard, it’s essential to clean it first. Dirt and grime often get trapped on the surface of the fretboard and can be challenging to get rid of if left for a long time. You can clean your fretboard using one of three options:
– Water and a rag: Dampen a cloth with clean water and run it over the fretboard to dislodge the dirt.
– Lemon oil: This oil contains citric acid that dissolves dirt and grime on your fretboard. Dab some on a clean cloth and run it over the frets.
– Fretboard cleaner: Commercially available fretboard cleaners are made up of safe chemicals that are specifically designed for cleaning guitars. It is an excellent option when you want to remove dirt from areas you can’t get to on the guitar.
3. Relieve the pressure
One of the most common causes of scratches on a guitar fretboard is tension from the strings, causing the fretboard to become dried out and even brittle. Removing the strings can help relieve the pressure on the fretboard, therefore reducing the likelihood of further damage.
4. Sand the fretboard
The next step to restoring your scratched-up fretboard involves sanding. Sanding the fretboard is useful when you have scuffs, scratches or other forms of wear that are visible on the surface. You can use sandpaper for this process.
One thing to keep in mind is to use the correct grade of sandpaper for the specific type of wood on your fretboard. Typically, medium-grit sandpapers are best for this exercise. However, for fretboards made of softer, more delicate woods such as maple, use extra-fine sandpaper.
When sanding, wrap the sandpaper tightly around your fingers, and work your way over the frets carefully. Avoid sanding too hard, too fast, or too frequently, as doing so can lead to further damage. Sanding too much of the fretboard can cause the inlays, dots, or markers to disappear, making it hard to play, so be careful.
5. Polish the fretboard
After sanding, it’s essential to polish your fretboard to give it a shiny and smooth finish. Polishing also helps smooth out minor scratches that might be left behind after sanding.
To polish the fretboard, apply a small amount of a good quality guitar polish to a clean, damp rag and gently massage it on the surface. Rubbing in a circular motion helps to remove any marks, stains, or swirls left behind after sanding.
6. To oil or not to oil
Using an oil treatment is an excellent way to nourish dry fretboards, and it’s useful even on those fretboards with a lacquer finish. The oil not only helps to rehydrate the wood of the fretboard, but it also helps to remove any residue from the polishing.
Oiling your fretboard also gives a long-lasting sheen that not only helps protect the surface but also makes it look brand new. Fretboard oils are readily available and come in different varieties, but you need to make sure you use the right oil for your guitar.
7. Replace the fretboard
In cases where the scratched-up fretboard is too damaged to fix using the methods previously mentioned, you might need to consider changing the fretboard altogether. However, replacing the fretboard can be time-consuming and expensive, so it’s essential to evaluate the extent of the damage carefully.
If replacement is necessary, consulting a guitar repairer or luthier is your best bet. They will guide you on the best course of action to take, including the type of wood to use and how to install the new fretboard.
In conclusion, fixing a scratched-up fretboard can be a daunting task, but it’s doable. Identifying the type of wood on your fretboard, cleaning it, relieving pressure, sanding, polishing, oiling, or replacing it entirely can restore the fretboard to its brand-new condition. With the right care and attention, your guitar can last a lifetime.
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