First Core Question...

[Rick31759C]

Just got my first core PRS, a Custom 24, and this is probably a really stupid question, but the headstock veneer is made of rosewood. Should I put fretboard conditioner on it like I do with the fingerboard? Sorry for the stupid question, but didn't know if it needed any maintenance like the fretboard does.

 

[GratefulDean]

I don’t have one of these but in looking at photos on Reverb it doesn’t look like face of the headstock has a finish on it. If that’s the case I don’t see why fretboard conditioner would be a bad thing. But you may want to contact PRS directly. I have found them to be very responsive.

 

[Warmart]

There's really no need, but if you do put any on it be sure and wipe the excess off fairly quickly. I've never put anything on my headstock woods.

 

[Bowtiefanatc]

I’ll do a light amount with a q-tip when I hydrate my fretboard 2x a year.

I live in Colorado where humidity doesn’t really exist so I try to prevent them from getting too dry.

 

[veinbuster]

There's really no need, but if you do put any on it be sure and wipe the excess off fairly quickly. I've never put anything on my headstock woods.

Right answer.

 

[Rick31759C]

Thanks for the help all!

 

[László]

There's really no need, but if you do put any on it be sure and wipe the excess off fairly quickly. I've never put anything on my headstock woods.

Right answer.

Agreed.

Also don't overdo the fretboard conditioner. Most merely bring the oils in the rosewood to the surface, but because they're mostly naphtha (lighter fluid) they tend to soften the wood. Wipe the fretboard down after you use the conditioner. It's really for cleaning. I'd try the PRS tung oil if you're concerned about drying out, etc, though I haven't tried it myself yet.

 

[Alnus Rubra]

Related vaguely to this. I was having an interesting conversation with my instrument maker friend last weekend. He told me that Ebony and Blackwood blanks are soaked in natural oils prior to turning, when making bagpipe chanters.

I don’t suggest you soak your guitar neck!