mahogany and solid rosewood necks - what finish?

axisus

I've always liked the look of 'dark' wood necks. What are the finish options for Mahogany, Rosewood, Wenge etc? Can any of them be left unfinished? I plan to have a go at making a dark wood neck but I really have no idea on finish. what do PRS do to their Rosewood necks? they look amazing.

Any other dark coloured woods that would be suitable for a neck?

WezV

both wenge and roseewood don't really need a finish.  they can be buffed to a high shine, or just given a light oil if they look pale or dry

 

 

Mahogany really does need a finish

TTony

I much prefer a neck that you can properly "feel".  So, something that isn't insulated under layers of grain filler, paint and/or laquer.

That generally means a light coat or two of oil is the most finish that I like to apply.

Has the happy benefit of being a lot quicker and easier too.

axisus

WezV said:

both wenge and roseewood don't really need a finish.  they can be buffed to a high shine, or just given a light oil if they look pale or dry

 

 

Mahogany really does need a finish

Tru-oil for Mahogany?

WezV

Tru-oil is my favourite for mahognay.   it offers more protection than light oils like danish, and will last a bit longer

Andyjr1515

WezV said:

Tru-oil is my favourite for mahognay.   it offers more protection than light oils like danish, and will last a bit longer

I'll second that.  Used it on my recent bubinga bass build which has a mahogany through-neck.  The feel of the Tru-oil finished neck is sublime... 

axisus

Many thanks, as always everyone

octatonic

Andyjr1515 said:

WezV said:

Tru-oil is my favourite for mahognay.   it offers more protection than light oils like danish, and will last a bit longer

I'll second that.  Used it on my recent bubinga bass build which has a mahogany through-neck.  The feel of the Tru-oil finished neck is sublime... 

Thirded.

Tru-oil is a good finish to use for your first few guitars.

It is relatively easy to do and looks great.

TTony

Whenever anyone says Tru-Oil, I always think of this.

axisus

TTony said:

Whenever anyone says Tru-Oil, I always think of this.

That's useful! Thanks for highlighting, and thanks of course to WezV for producing the info