What is included in the Dunlop Formula 65 Finger Board Care Kit?

The kit contains Formula 65 Fingerboard Cleaner & Prep, Fingerboard Deep Conditioner, and application cloths. These components work together to remove grime and hydrate the wood.

Can I use this kit on a maple fingerboard?

It is generally not recommended for finished or lacquered maple fingerboards. Most maple necks have a hard finish that does not require conditioning oils; it is designed for 'open-pore' woods like rosewood and ebony.

How often should I use the Finger Board Care Kit?

Most technicians recommend using the kit every 6 to 12 months, or during string changes if the board appears dry or dirty. Over-conditioning can lead to wood softening, so it should be used judiciously.

Does this kit help prevent fretboard cracking?

Yes, the Deep Conditioner stage is specifically designed to replace lost moisture. This helps prevent the wood from shrinking and cracking in dry environments.

Do I need to remove the strings to use this product?

For the best results, strings should be removed. This allows you to clean the entire surface of the wood and reach the areas immediately adjacent to the frets.

Is the cleaner safe for my guitar's finish?

While designed for the fingerboard, the formula is generally safe if small amounts get on the finish, but it should be wiped off immediately. It is not intended for use as a body polish.

How much does the Dunlop Finger Board Care Kit typically cost?

In the UK market, the kit typically retails for approximately GBP 20.00. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer.

What is the difference between the 01 and 02 bottles?

The 01 bottle is a cleaner meant to strip away dirt and old oils. The 02 bottle is a conditioner meant to nourish and protect the wood after it has been cleaned.

Will this kit make my fretboard look darker?

Yes, the Deep Conditioner often restores the natural dark lustre of woods like rosewood and ebony. This makes the wood look healthy and 'like new' again.

Is this product suitable for vintage instruments?

Yes, it is widely used on vintage instruments to preserve the wood. However, users should always test a small area first to ensure compatibility with aged timber.

How does this compare to Ernie Ball Wonder Wipes?

The Dunlop kit is a more thorough two-step liquid system for deep maintenance. Ernie Ball Wonder Wipes are pre-soaked disposable cloths intended for faster, more frequent light cleaning.

Can I use this on a tenor saxophone or other woodwinds?

No, this is specifically formulated for guitar and bass fingerboards. For woodwinds, you should use specialized products like BG Microfibre and Silk Cleaning Swabs.

Gear article

Dunlop Formula 65 Finger Board Care Kit

The Dunlop Formula 65 Finger Board Care Kit is a professional-grade maintenance set designed to clean, condition, and protect unpolished guitar and bass fingerboards. Manufactured by Jim Dunlop, the kit provides the necessary chemical solutions to remove grime and restore moisture to the wood to prevent cracking and wear.

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Overview

The Dunlop Formula 65 Finger Board Care Kit is a comprehensive maintenance solution developed to keep fretboards in optimal playing condition. As part of Dunlop’s broader 'Formula 65' line of instrument care products, this kit specifically addresses the build-up of oils, sweat, and dirt that naturally occurs during regular use. By providing a two-step process, it ensures that the wood remains hydrated and visually 'like new' while protecting the structural integrity of the instrument.

Kit Components and Functionality

The kit typically operates as a two-stage system:

Fingerboard 01 Cleaner & Prep: This solution is formulated to break down grease and salt deposits that accumulate around frets. It prepares the surface of the wood for the conditioning stage by removing old oils and residue.
Fingerboard 02 Deep Conditioner: Once the wood is clean, the conditioner penetrates the pores to restore moisture. This is particularly important for open-pore woods that can dry out and shrink over time.
Application Tools: The kit includes microfibre or polishing cloths designed to apply the fluids without leaving lint or scratching the fret wire.

Usage and Application

Effective use of the kit requires removing the instrument's strings to gain full access to the fingerboard. Users apply the cleaner first, wiping away loosened grime with the included cloths. Once the surface is dry, the deep conditioner is applied sparingly. The result is a fingerboard that feels smoother to the touch and possesses a deeper, richer wood grain appearance.

Target Audience

This product is primarily aimed at guitarists and bassists who own instruments with unfinished wood fingerboards, such as rosewood or ebony. It is a essential tool for touring musicians, guitar technicians, and hobbyists who wish to maintain the resale value and playability of their instruments. It is less suitable for instruments with lacquered or finished fingerboards (like many maple necks), which usually only require a simple surface polish.

Comparison with Alternatives

Compared to single-step products like Ernie Ball 4278 Wonder Wipes, the Dunlop kit offers a more intensive deep-cleaning process. While wipes are convenient for quick on-the-go maintenance, the Formula 65 kit is designed for comprehensive bench work. Unlike multi-purpose cleaners such as Ernie Ball 4223 Guitar Polish, which is intended for the instrument body, this kit is chemically balanced specifically for the unique needs of fretboard timber.

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Frequently asked questions

What is included in the Dunlop Formula 65 Finger Board Care Kit?: The kit contains Formula 65 Fingerboard Cleaner & Prep, Fingerboard Deep Conditioner, and application cloths. These components work together to remove grime and hydrate the wood.
Can I use this kit on a maple fingerboard?: It is generally not recommended for finished or lacquered maple fingerboards. Most maple necks have a hard finish that does not require conditioning oils; it is designed for 'open-pore' woods like rosewood and ebony.
How often should I use the Finger Board Care Kit?: Most technicians recommend using the kit every 6 to 12 months, or during string changes if the board appears dry or dirty. Over-conditioning can lead to wood softening, so it should be used judiciously.
Does this kit help prevent fretboard cracking?: Yes, the Deep Conditioner stage is specifically designed to replace lost moisture. This helps prevent the wood from shrinking and cracking in dry environments.
Do I need to remove the strings to use this product?: For the best results, strings should be removed. This allows you to clean the entire surface of the wood and reach the areas immediately adjacent to the frets.
Is the cleaner safe for my guitar's finish?: While designed for the fingerboard, the formula is generally safe if small amounts get on the finish, but it should be wiped off immediately. It is not intended for use as a body polish.
How much does the Dunlop Finger Board Care Kit typically cost?: In the UK market, the kit typically retails for approximately GBP 20.00. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer.
What is the difference between the 01 and 02 bottles?: The 01 bottle is a cleaner meant to strip away dirt and old oils. The 02 bottle is a conditioner meant to nourish and protect the wood after it has been cleaned.
Will this kit make my fretboard look darker?: Yes, the Deep Conditioner often restores the natural dark lustre of woods like rosewood and ebony. This makes the wood look healthy and 'like new' again.
Is this product suitable for vintage instruments?: Yes, it is widely used on vintage instruments to preserve the wood. However, users should always test a small area first to ensure compatibility with aged timber.
How does this compare to Ernie Ball Wonder Wipes?: The Dunlop kit is a more thorough two-step liquid system for deep maintenance. Ernie Ball Wonder Wipes are pre-soaked disposable cloths intended for faster, more frequent light cleaning.
Can I use this on a tenor saxophone or other woodwinds?: No, this is specifically formulated for guitar and bass fingerboards. For woodwinds, you should use specialized products like BG Microfibre and Silk Cleaning Swabs.