Author Topic: Fingerboard side? Finished or not? (Read 139 times)

bassjigga · « **on:** November 01, 2006, 02:48:12 PM »

I'm getting ready to oil the fingerboard and I'm wondering if the side edges of the board are unfinished as well as the front. It's hard to tell with that satin finish on the neck where it stops. Do you oil the side also or is it finished?

adriaan · « **Reply #1 on:** November 02, 2006, 12:03:21 AM »

I checked my satin-finished Epic, and it does look like the side has a finish on it.

There are some small chips missing on mine - collateral damage from a defret - but you don't see a rough edge there, so it is a chip from the finish, not from the wood.

grateful · « **Reply #2 on:** November 02, 2006, 03:25:51 AM »

I oiled the edges of my Further, and it definitely soaked in. I believe the entire fingerboard is taped up when in spray.

Mark

keurosix · « **Reply #3 on:** November 02, 2006, 04:04:34 AM »

It shouldn't hurt to oil it. If it soaks in, then it is unfinished. If it sits there, or beads up and runs off, then it probably is finished. Any non-finished wood will benefit from the oil. Only a little is necessary. My luthier says twice a year is fine, and not to get carried away. Lemon oil (preferred) is really a light oil and should not damage the finish for the few minutes that it sits there.
To tell for sure if it really is finished, ask the pros with model and serial number. They will know how they made your baby.
Kris

adriaan · « **Reply #4 on:** November 02, 2006, 04:05:10 AM »

If it's finished, it will be shiny. On my Epic, it's definitely different between the front and the side. COuld you post an picture?

bassjigga · « **Reply #5 on:** November 02, 2006, 09:41:05 AM »

Well it's not shiny because the back of the neck has the satin polyester finish. That's why it's so hard to tell. I think the edge of the board is unfinished cause I did put some oil on and it seemed to soak it up. I don't think it would get through the finish if it were finished. Maybe I will put the SN up and see if Mica can comment. I'll try to get a pic too.

mica · « **Reply #6 on:** November 02, 2006, 12:05:59 PM »

On the oldest instruments, the finish was over the edge of the fingerboard. Since at least 1992 (and I think maybe earlier) we haven't put finish on the edge of the board. This make repairs a lot easier.

Sometimes the edge will shine up just from playing it alot, like slowly buffing the edge.

bassjigga · « **Reply #7 on:** November 02, 2006, 02:23:44 PM »

Thanks Mica. I didn't think it was but it's so hard to see with that satin finish.