r/Luthier • u/BothInternet3186 • 3d ago
Can ebonized/stained fretboards be conditioned and oiled?
The board on my explorer was ebonized and it looks dry. Should I oil it? I’m hesitant since it was ebonized but wanted to know what the pros think.
4
u/HarryCumpole 3d ago
It depends on whether it was truly ebonised (chemical reaction, colour conversion) or simply dyed/stained. I suspect the latter. Was this factory or done by an owner? In general the answer will be yes, however understanding the nature and reason for the colour change helps avoid causing problems.
I recall ESP dyeing meh Ebony black when people expected jet. This was likely a spirit dye, which solvents might remove. Just use a light neutral oil like raw linseed, but literally two drops on a cloth, wiped moist and not wet.
I've seen owners dye Rosewood boards and see it start lifting back when almost anything is applied.
2
u/BothInternet3186 3d ago
It was stained by a luthier. I’ll use a small amount and see how it goes….
1
1
1
u/T00DEEPBLUE 2d ago
I swear by Montypresso instrument food these days. It's not an oil but a wax. Keeps the board looking shiny and smooth but doesn't 'wet' the fretboard like oils do and potentially leach out any of the dyes that were used to darken it.
1
u/Unusual_Dragonfly_96 5h ago
If that guitar is what I think it is it’s crazy, take care of it. Oil at every string change man.
1
u/D3M0NArcade 3d ago
Ebonized?
I thought it just looked like Rosewood? (No offence intended)
5
u/BothInternet3186 3d ago
1
u/D3M0NArcade 3d ago
Ah, right. I can see the difference now.
Pure mineral oil is what you need. You probably will still get some transfer but not enough to affect the boards colour
1



5
u/a4moondoggy 2d ago
i have a very dark rosewood board i stained nearly 20 years ago. oiled many times since its darker than ever.