A word to the wise,
During the dry winter months ( and throughout the year in the western US ), it is crucial to keep your guitar properly humidified to at least 40% as best you can- especially those hardwood instruments.
Remember, this does NOT mean to oil the neck and bridge all the time. Give the neck and bridge ( usually rosewood or ebony ) a good drink of oil a couple times a year, but no more is necessary.
Though you mean well I know, you are actually handicapping your guitar's potential if you constantly slather it with that beauty enhancing oil.
Think of it this way. Remember the purpose of the bridge is to transmit the vibration of the strings to the soundboard. If the bridge is too soaked with oil, it will vibrate less giving your guitar a muted sound. Another danger is that over time the oil can weaken the bond holding the bridge to the top. As for the neck. The fingerboard is a transmitter of a great deal of sound. If you don't believe me, stick your ear right up to the back of the neck and strum. The ringing in your ear should cease after a few minutes. If there is too much oil soaked into the fingerboard you will compromise the sustain.
That oil is really to clean and shine the glossy finished parts. For those, use that stuff to your heart's content.
-Brad
During the dry winter months ( and throughout the year in the western US ), it is crucial to keep your guitar properly humidified to at least 40% as best you can- especially those hardwood instruments.
Remember, this does NOT mean to oil the neck and bridge all the time. Give the neck and bridge ( usually rosewood or ebony ) a good drink of oil a couple times a year, but no more is necessary.
Though you mean well I know, you are actually handicapping your guitar's potential if you constantly slather it with that beauty enhancing oil.
Think of it this way. Remember the purpose of the bridge is to transmit the vibration of the strings to the soundboard. If the bridge is too soaked with oil, it will vibrate less giving your guitar a muted sound. Another danger is that over time the oil can weaken the bond holding the bridge to the top. As for the neck. The fingerboard is a transmitter of a great deal of sound. If you don't believe me, stick your ear right up to the back of the neck and strum. The ringing in your ear should cease after a few minutes. If there is too much oil soaked into the fingerboard you will compromise the sustain.
That oil is really to clean and shine the glossy finished parts. For those, use that stuff to your heart's content.
-Brad