New epiphone with excess dye coming off fretboard

[Bobbydazzler]

Hi,I bought a new epi lp custom and put a new set of strings on it right away.
I haven't had it long but after every playing session I am getting really black finger tips.
I read that it is probably excess dye coming off the board and was wondering what is the best way to clean it off and what is safest to use?

 

[Raiyn]

That's a new one. Are you sure someone didn't magic marker you an "ebony board"? Try a naphtha lighter fluid like Ronsonol.

 

[MerrChan]

It's best to remove the strings and clean the fretboard

It's a different guitar but you should get the idea

 

[Biddlin]

I would use a soft cloth, lightly moistened and patience.

 

[Davis Sharp]

Had the same experience with my Casino Coupe. I cleaned the fretboard with some lemon oil. The problem stopped after while.

 

[Jeffytune]

It's best to remove the strings and clean the fretboard

It's a different guitar but you should get the idea

I would be very careful with a razor blade on a fret board with inlays. That Fender has clay dots and most of the Epi guitars and "Mother of toilet seat" plastic large inserts.

I would suggest removing the strings, lemon oil and a soft toothbrush to scrub the neck with.

 

[BlackSG91]

I would use a soft cloth, lightly moistened and patience.

You've got it legendary Blues Man Bo Biddlin from Northern Californ-I-A.




;>)/

 

[Bobbydazzler]

That's a new one. Are you sure someone didn't magic marker you an "ebony board"? Try a naphtha lighter fluid like Ronsonol.

After searching around the web I found out that they use darkening dye on their fretboards(don't know if this is the case for all or just some)

 

[Bobbydazzler]

I would use a soft cloth, lightly moistened and patience.

I'll try this first but with a dry cloth and then maybe i'll try a tiny amount of lemon oil.

 

[Raiyn]

After searching around the web I found out that they use darkening dye on their fretboards(don't know if this is the case for all or just some)

Who knows. CITES is making the whole rosewood thing a crapshoot anymore. Frankly, I think they should just go Richlite or Blackwood Tek and call it a day, rather than do this dye job on whatever wood stuff they seem to be doing now.

 

[MerrChan]

They might want to make sure it lasts a couple of seasons..

 

[Raiyn]

They might want to make sure it lasts a couple of seasons..

Maybe some Thompson's Water Seal?

 

[Keefoman]

Are you sure it's not from the strings?

 

[BGood]

What Keefoman says. It happened to me after playing 18 hours in a row.

 

[Bobbydazzler]

Are you sure it's not from the strings?

It could be,I have another spare set from the same batch so the next time the strings get changed if my fingertips start blackening then I'll know for sure but at this moment in time I'd reckon it's from the fretboard as I have been using dunlop pure nickel strings for a few months now and not had this problem but it doesn't rule out the possibility of course.

 

[Peter C]

bought a new epi lp custom and ......... I am getting really black finger tips.

Well it sounds exactly the same as the new LE James Bay Century - so it will be basswood composite, not rosewood, with a shed load of black dye. Sadly, enjoy!

 

[Raiyn]

 

[CheshireFrog]

I member.

 

[Raiyn]

I member.

 

[MerrChan]

I do