Fingerboard care

[Ken Smith]

Originally Posted by Bob Faulkner

Ken, I just wanted to bounce this off you. I've read where some people have had problems with their ebony fingerboards splitting or cracking after a period of time (not Smith basses). While I'm not overly concerned I'll have this problem on my Smith fretless, I wanted to get your recommendations on how best to care for my lined fretless ebony.

Up to now all I've really done is hit it with some Smith Pro Formula Polish from time to time to remove the finger crud and ebony dust that builds up. Do I need to be oiling it or anything as well? If so what do you recommend?

Don't use the Pro Formula on the FB. It is water based and may dry up and crack your FB like when your hands get wet and then dry. It has some wax in their but it's not an oil product. Use any kind of oil, any kind. Use 0000 steel wool or white scotch brite to get the dirt off but NEVER put any water product on raw wood.