Rust(?) on maple fretboard

[Redemption]

Hi everyone,

Recently I have been getting some rust-coloured stains on my fretboard. I have absolutely no idea how this came about as I always wipe down my strings before and after I play! I have tried rubbing it with cloth and even a flathead screwdriver but it refuses to come off. Also since it is a maple fretboard I cant use lemon oil to clean it can I?

Here are some pictures:

Any ideas on the source of this problem and how to solve it? Thanks!

 

[loldude333]

Perhaps your strings are rusty, and you're pressing them so hard onto the fretboard that the rust stains the wood?

 

[Godspeed64]

That is from your strings. Wood can't rust (that honestly doesn't make ANY sense).

How on Earth can you play with such rusty strings!

 

[Redemption]

Haha I dont see any rust when i wipe them down plus they feel good, thats what I didnt bother to change them. So a string change will solve the problem? And how do I get rid of the rust thats already there?

 

[Nicholasim]

Haha I dont see any rust when i wipe them down plus they feel good, thats what I didnt bother to change them. So a string change will solve the problem? And how do I get rid of the rust thats already there?

tell me youre joking dude.

Your strings are BLACK!

Yes, a string change will most definitely solve the problem. Judging by the stain on the fret board, it looks like it was from the strings.

Please dont keep rusted strings on your guitar, they will end up staining your guitar. Not to mention the dangers if you cut yourself with the rough, rusted strings.

 

[Redemption]

Im not! I too was wondering why there wasnt any rust when I wiped them since they were black, especially the G string. Weird...

Anyway I would really appreciate some advice on how to remove the stains! Is there any type of cleaner I could use?

 

[subversion]

apply some spirit-based fluid to dislodge that dirt. use a dry cloth thereafter to remove any residue, your fretboard should be dry & stain free before playing/ storing.

 

[Redemption]

Sorry what is a spirit-based fluid?

 

[subversion]

any cleaning agent that contains spirit- alcohol. eg: fretboard cleaner/ string cleaner

if you live in the CCK neighbourhood & need assistance in string-changing this ibanez, do let me know...

 

[Redemption]

Actually I do! I have already changed the strings, just need to wipe the dirt off now. Anyway I have yet to find a fretboard/string cleaner that does not say 'stay away from maple fretboards' is it ok to just use them?

 

[subversion]

1. You are not applying the fretboard cleaner per se, just dabbing a little bit on the dirty part & wiping it off

2. I've never come across any string cleaning fluid that has a keep-off-fretboard warning because string cleaning fluid is meant for strings, if it gets on the fretboard by accident, immediate wipe off won't do any harm

If you have second thoughts about this, use an oil-based fluid, just don't resort to dish washing liquid & scouring pad

 

[an2]

for maple, i use a plain cloth to wipe it down when the strings aren't on =)

happens to me too cause i leave my strings till who knows when before finding time to change it