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Alembic Club » Alembic Basses & Guitars » Archive 2006 » Archive through November 24, 2006 » Fingerboard side? Finished or not? « Previous Next »

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bassjigga
Junior
Username: bassjigga

Post Number: 47
Registered: 8-2005
Posted on Wednesday, November 01, 2006 - 2:48 pm:   Edit Post

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
Senior Member
Username: adriaan

Post Number: 1108
Registered: 6-2002
Posted on Thursday, November 02, 2006 - 12:03 am:   Edit Post

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
Intermediate Member
Username: grateful

Post Number: 176
Registered: 12-2004
Posted on Thursday, November 02, 2006 - 3:25 am:   Edit Post

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
Intermediate Member
Username: keurosix

Post Number: 111
Registered: 10-2005
Posted on Thursday, November 02, 2006 - 4:04 am:   Edit Post

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
Senior Member
Username: adriaan

Post Number: 1109
Registered: 6-2002
Posted on Thursday, November 02, 2006 - 4:05 am:   Edit Post

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
Junior
Username: bassjigga

Post Number: 48
Registered: 8-2005
Posted on Thursday, November 02, 2006 - 9:41 am:   Edit Post

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
Moderator
Username: mica

Post Number: 3739
Registered: 6-2000
Posted on Thursday, November 02, 2006 - 12:05 pm:   Edit Post

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
Junior
Username: bassjigga

Post Number: 49
Registered: 8-2005
Posted on Thursday, November 02, 2006 - 2:23 pm:   Edit Post

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

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