What to clean DB fingerboard?

[Burns-bass]

I just picked up a really lovely old Musima bass which will do for my indoor and outdoor gigs. 
 

However, the fingerboard is err, a bit rank!

 

I’m going to swap the strings so I can clean it then. What would you recommend I use to do so?

 

Appreciate it.

[Beedster]

Lemon oil?

[Beedster]

Need to see some pics mate 👍

[Burns-bass]

  On 12/08/2024 at 18:20, Beedster said:

Need to see some pics mate 👍

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Bog standard beater bass. But will do pics when it’s clean!

[TheRev]

If it's heavy gunk, then isopropyl alcohol (isopropanol) followed by lemon oil.

[Burns-bass]

  On 12/08/2024 at 20:18, TheRev said:

If it's heavy gunk, then isopropyl alcohol (isopropanol) followed by lemon oil.

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Thanks. I’ve ordered some alcohol wipes and will update!

[Burns-bass]

Update is in. The alcohol wipes worked an absolute treat. Thanks for that, great tip!

[NickA]

I just use vodka.

[Burns-bass]

  On 13/08/2024 at 21:48, NickA said:

I just use vodka.

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Im not sure if this is a joke or some kind of old Russian tip!

[Beedster]

  On 14/08/2024 at 07:00, Burns-bass said:

Im not sure if this is a joke or some kind of old Russian tip!

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Well Lawrie, you used alcohol and Vodka is............?

[NickA]

..to clean my fingerboards!  Too boring as a drink, tho we usually have a bottle around for my wife to splash in soft drinks ..to make them more interesting!

[Burns-bass]

  On 15/08/2024 at 20:47, NickA said:

..to clean my fingerboards!  Too boring as a drink, tho we usually have a bottle around for my wife to splash in soft drinks ..to make them more interesting!

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Great tip!

 

My brother bought me one of these, maybe we’ll use that.

 

https://www.crystalheadvodka.com

[NickA]

Use the contents as a solvent and fill it with decent malt whisky 😁

[three]

Holland and Barrett is doing buy one get one half price on organic lemon oil (the kind of thing that's used in aromatherapy) - it's highly purified: there's a link here:

 

https://www.hollandandbarrett.com/shop/product/tisserand-lemon-organic-pure-essential-oil-9ml-60039857

 

I have a couple of bottles and have been very pleased with the results on an ebony board.  I also use isopropyl alcohol or surgical spirit (approx 90% ethanol) for nasty stickiness!

[Burns-bass]

  On 16/08/2024 at 09:54, three said:

Holland and Barrett is doing buy one get one half price on organic lemon oil (the kind of thing that's used in aromatherapy) - it's highly purified: there's a link here:

 

https://www.hollandandbarrett.com/shop/product/tisserand-lemon-organic-pure-essential-oil-9ml-60039857

 

I have a couple of bottles and have been very pleased with the results on an ebony board.  I also use isopropyl alcohol or surgical spirit (approx 90% ethanol) for nasty stickiness!

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That’s a great tip. I have a bottle I used for electric bass fretboards which I used. All this help was perfect in cleaning up the bass and getting it ready for new strings

[NickA]

How far does 9ml go? 

 

I'll stick to vodka, that's £12 a litre not £50 ...and you can drink what's left, if you're desperate😁.

[Chienmortbb]

This. I use this https://howardproducts.uk/feed-n-wax/

[NickA]

  On 20/08/2024 at 18:39, Chienmortbb said:

This. I use this https://howardproducts.uk/feed-n-wax/

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On your fingerboard? Doesn't the wax gunge the strings up? 

[Chienmortbb]

  On 21/08/2024 at 22:17, NickA said:

On your fingerboard? Doesn't the wax gunge the strings up? 

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It’s more or less wipe on wipe off so no. You do not need to slather it on and make sure you do wipe it off and buff lightly after a short time. 
 

The lustre from the finger boards is lovely. 

[Burns-bass]

Sounds good. I'm all done now and have 96 alcohol wipes left (if anyone needs any?)