slayer63636 Posted November 4, 2004 Report Share Posted November 4, 2004 i recently decided to strip off the clear finish on my squire strat and leave the neck without a finish. after i sanded it down it looked a little dull so i used lemon oil to give is shine (it now looks the same as before). would this but a good idea to keep it like this or do i need a clear coat on the neck? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
unclej Posted November 4, 2004 Report Share Posted November 4, 2004 it won't hurt your neck to leave it unfinished. it may get a little grungy over time but i know several players that like the feel of an unfinished neck. i would be careful about putting too much lemon oil on an unfinished neck though. a good wipe down and polish every six months should be ok but too much more than that could saturate and weaken the wood. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dugz Ink Posted November 4, 2004 Report Share Posted November 4, 2004 Hmmm... wood that is completely unfinished will be very prone to ALL elements... especially moisture, which will increase the risk of warpage. Granted, you have a truss rod and strings, which will help to maintain forward/backward tensions, and a fretboard laminated on, which will help to protect against bedning and twisting... but I would recommend putting something on the neck to keep out the moisture. Of course, sanding the finish off of the surface of the wood doesn't mean that you have removed all of the finish; there may still be some in the wood grain, which would still provide some protection. Just my observation and opinions. D~s Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
unclej Posted November 4, 2004 Report Share Posted November 4, 2004 Of course, sanding the finish off of the surface of the wood doesn't mean that you have removed all of the finish; there may still be some in the wood grain, which would still provide some protection. that's what i figured also when he said sanding it made it "dull" and a little lemon oil brought it back. doesn't sound like it's really down to bare wood. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slayer63636 Posted November 6, 2004 Author Report Share Posted November 6, 2004 thanks for the input, even though this is a really crappy guitar i still take care of it and keep it in its case when not in use. ive been also thinking of sanding the neck down to a "Jackson feel" becasuse i love those neck. so i guss im going to give it a go and try that. ill end up just leaving it raw and taking good care of it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thedoctor Posted November 25, 2004 Report Share Posted November 25, 2004 UncleJ is right. I know from the error part of trial-and -error that it is really difficult to sand below the factory neck sealer. I use my own water-based dye on necks and bodies and cannot get them to enter the wood of any factory-sealed necks. A regular oiling will keep your acidic hand sweat from causing any damage. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
genbloke Posted November 25, 2004 Report Share Posted November 25, 2004 Squire Strats have maple necks don't they? Maple is very prone to warping due to humidity change etc. Leaving maple bare is regarded as not a good idea. genbloke Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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