Received all maple neck, how to finish?

[martijn]

Hi there,

Yesterday I received a 3A fire maple 1 piece neck from Warmoth. At first, I thought it didn't need any finishing, but after receiving it, and noting the pale colour of the neck, I started looking what finishes are normally used for 'unfinished necks'.

What I want to achieve is a neck that feels unfinished (i.e. without a lacquer), but does have some oil or wax on it (like the Ibanez, Ernie Ball, and Peavey Wolfgang guitars). I already found out that this 'finishing' technique basically comes down to applying Tru Oil on the neck (and fretboard). However, some also speak of Tung-oil, or Danish oil. Can somebody please explain me the differences between the three oils?

Furthermore, as I want the neck to have a darker, yellower, more vintage colour, does applying the Tru oil already darken the neck, or should I apply some dye before applying the Tru oil?

Finally, if I am going to apply the Tru oil, I should sand the neck lightly with some 0000 steel wool first, right? And should I apply the Tru oil with my fingers (as I have seen in some youtube videos), or with some paper or cotton towels?

I'm looking forward to your responses!
~Martijn

 

[Jusatele]

Tonar has a few threads with some incredible neck jobs

 

[Super Turbo Deluxe Custom]

Dying the neck will not work the same as dying a Maple top.  They are different varities of Maple.  Most oils do yellow or tint just a hair compared to the paleness of raw Maple. Avoid the urge of handling raw Maple, as your hands will stain it.  Clean with Naptha beforehand and let dry.  No sanding is necessary before applying oils, as they are ready for finish and have already had the final sanding.  I believe MM does Tru oil on the neck backs.  If going the Tru oil route, apply a few coats and allow the recommended drying time between coats.  0000 steel wool between every few coats just to level any uneven finishing.  Clean again with Naptha after steel wooling and before applying more Tru oil.

 

[AutoBat]

I recommend the Tru-Oil out of the options you listed, as it is a hard finish and will satisfy the warranty needs of your new W neck.

 

[Hbom]

Didn't I read some place to not use tru-oil on a maple fretboard? Good for back of neck but not so much for fretboard.
Or did I mis-remember that?

 

[Super Turbo Deluxe Custom]

Didn't I read some place to not use tru-oil on a maple fretboard? Good for back of neck but not so much for fretboard.
Or did I mis-remember that?

You can, and it even satisfies the W warranty.