Maple Guitar Necks are favored by players for their bright tone and smooth feel. Known for their durability and attractive light appearance, maple necks, however, require proper care to maintain their pristine condition and playability. This guide provides expert advice on cleaning and maintaining your maple guitar neck, ensuring it remains in top shape for years to come.
Understanding Maple Neck Finishes
Maple necks often come with different types of finishes, each requiring slightly different care approaches. Many manufacturers use a polyester finish, which creates a glossy and robust layer. These finishes are relatively easy to maintain, often cleaned with the same polish you use for the guitar body. However, for a more natural, smooth feel, some necks are finished with tru-oil and gunstock wax. This finish penetrates the wood, offering less of a hard coating and more of a direct wood feel in your hands.
Routine Cleaning for Tru-Oil and Gunstock Wax Finished Necks
For maple necks finished with tru-oil and gunstock wax, routine cleaning is crucial. Ernie Ball Wonder Wipes Fretboard Conditioner are highly recommended for regular conditioning and cleaning. These wipes are designed to gently clean the wood while also conditioning it, preventing dryness and cracking. If Wonder Wipes are unavailable, a high-grade lemon oil can be used as an alternative. Lemon oil works effectively on maple, as well as other fretboard woods like rosewood and ebony, providing a moisturizing effect and cleaning light grime.
Deep Cleaning a Dirty Maple Neck
If your maple neck has accumulated significant dirt and grime, a slightly more intensive cleaning method may be necessary. A diluted solution of Murphy’s Oil Soap can be effective for deeper cleaning. Mix a small amount of Murphy’s Oil Soap with water at a 3:1 ratio (3 parts water to 1 part soap). Apply a small amount of this diluted solution to a cloth and gently clean the neck. It’s important to use this method sparingly, as excessive moisture can be detrimental to the wood. Always remember prevention is better than cure; washing your hands before playing your guitar is the simplest way to keep your maple neck clean in the first place.
Addressing Discoloration and Long-Term Maintenance
It’s worth noting that some discoloration on a maple neck is normal, especially after extensive playing. This is often due to oils and dirt from your hands being absorbed into the wood over time. While this is a natural process, regular cleaning can minimize it. For long-term maintenance, consider an annual application of tru-oil and gunstock wax to necks finished in this style. Products like Birchwood-Casey Tru-oil are specifically designed for this purpose and can help maintain the finish and feel of your neck. Any good quality gunstock oil will generally work, but always follow the manufacturer’s safety precautions when using these products.
Maintaining your maple guitar neck properly will not only keep it looking its best but also ensure optimal playability and longevity. Regular cleaning and conditioning are key to preserving the natural beauty and smooth feel of your maple neck for years of enjoyable playing.
