> Hullo chaps! > > Am changing strings and noticed the fingerboard on my lute is a bit > dry looking and the finish(?) looking a bit worn in those spots > between courses. I note that guitarists seem to swear by lemon oil as > a fingerboard maintenence and care method. Do you chaps recommend it?
Are you in contact with the maker? Moderns guitars commonly use Rosewood for the fingerboard, nice and hard, interesting grain, naturally oily. The commercial wood called 'Rosewood' has many sources, almost all of them Delbergia sp. Dalbergia is irritating to humans, the dust is a known carcinogen and alergy irritant, many woodworkers have had to give it up, most take dust precautions when working it. A light coating of wax well buffed off is to be expected over the whole instrument, and this protects the player from most risk. Rosewood fingerboards on lutes are less common, but are seen. The wood was not used on historical instruments, but may have been used on baroque ones. Some oils will polymerize, others will darken. Do some research into oiled finishes before you make a choice. Lemon oil is commonly used on furniture, but modern commercial formulations may include stuff you wouldnt want on your fingers. Almond, Walnut, other nut oils are used on wooden eating utensils (bowls, plates, spoons), avoid oils with toxic properties, and consider allergy issues as well as cost, supply etc. -- Dana Emery To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
