Werner232
Hi guys! Been a while since I was on. I need some advice. I've started a build on a Stratocaster. The neck is all maple. What finishes can I put on that will last on the fret board and will also not be sticky when you sweat a lot? Help and advice will be appreciated! ?
V8
I'd say a satin finish is probably the go-to - since peeps often use a bit of steel wool on the back glossy neck to get a satin-ish finish that feels a bit less sticky with sweaty paws.
I've got a ultra glossy neck on my Cort - when it feels a bit sticky, I just wipe it down. Perhaps not ideal to do during a gig though.
A option (ymmv) - when I did my relic'ed hofner bass, I used denatured coconut oil (no smell) on the exposed wood of the back of the neck. That glides like you can't believe, I did polish the *dickens* out of it. It's so nice, that people want me to relic the whole neck just like that.
Not sure I'd use it if I wanted a clean looking build that was stain resistant, but for my purposes it's a boss finish.
If you don't get a definitive answer, try tdpri - that's a great build resource!
Wizard
MusicMan apparently use something similar to Tru Oil on their maple fretboards; which was designed for gun stock finishing.
MusicMan have an amazing finish - not that sticky poly feel.
I bought a bottle, but haven't tried yet.
I had a maple neck with poly that drove me mad because of the stickiness.
Rubbed it down with steel wool.
It lost the glossy look, but feel fabulously smooth - no more stick.
