How to Maintain an Unfinished Neck?

[MesSihr]

Hello All,

I have a custom-built 8 string V bass with an unfinished Warmouth neck. It is maple/ bubinga with an ebony fretboard. When I had the guitar built I asked for a bare neck (I love the feel), and to the best of m knowledge, it was never treated with anything (unless Warmouth's unfinished necks receive something that they failed to list). I don't want to change it or anything, but I also want to make sure the neck remains stable and adequetely hydrated. I don't play it regularly, so I can;t say that it's very dirty, nor can I say (like Zakk Wylde) that my natural oils are hydrating it. I do run a humidifier, so i should be good there. Any suggestions?

Best

 

[Minimalist]

I have used tung oil, Danish oil, and food grade mineral oil. They all work but they all need to be reapplied regularly AFAIK. some more often then others.

 

[lug]

I have Danish oil on one of my home-builts, love the feel, very close to unfinished. Have Tru-Oil on another, like it but it doesn't feel unfinished at all.

 

[Gervais Cote]

I have Danish oil on one of my home-builts, love the feel, very close to unfinished. Have Tru-Oil on another, like it but it doesn't feel unfinished at all.

That’s very good information, thanks for sharing.

 

[Prodigus Filius]

I use nothing but diy polish made with mineral oil and beeswax on the unfinished neck attached to a jazz body. Seems to do the trick. I did lay down a couple of goings over with tan boot polish on the unsealed neck before starting the regular minoil/beeswax regimen

 

[Malak the Mad]

I don't know if this would work or not, but I remember a tip from one of Fender's lead guitar builders. He prefers a smooth, non-sticky neck so he goes over it with thin layers of pure carnauba wax, much like what's used on surf boards. Specifically, he recommends the 100% pure kind without any cleaners or abrasives in it. He also says it'll eventually wear away and won't alter a neck's finish forever, unlike Scotchbrite, steel wool or sandpaper.

 

[tindrum]

If you follow the YouTube tutorial from Ernie Ball they walk you thru using the oil and wax method. It’s very, very easy and works great.

 

[MesSihr]

Thanks for all the suggestions y'all!

A few follow up questions.

Firstly, i have seen mixed reports online. From your expierience do I need to finish it? If I were to leave it unfinished indefinitely will it come back to bite my backside?

The other question is I've never done anything like this and I rather not have to dissassemble this beast. Are any of these options things that can be applied after assembly and without any difficulty?

Best,