CAN YOU STAIN A FRETBOARD WITH A MARKER???

In this video we find out if you can stain a fretboard with an ebony stain marker, and/or what kind of results you can expect. I've seen mixed results due to a handful of variances including the shade of the fretboard, the grain, how oily it is, etc. My rosewood fretboard on this Ibanez Universe UV70P was VERY light and just ugly asf!!! I've wanted to change this ever since I got it last year and finally got the motivation to do so. I learned a few more things about trying to change the color of my fretboard during this project, and I wanted to share the process with you guys. Whether I made mistakes or not, I was still going to post this to share what the results were. In part 2, you will see what the conclusion was and what I learned from trying to stain the board by doing it this way. Hope you guys enjoy the video, thanks for watching!

[@hamsterman64]

The point where the video freezes desperately needs to be the thumbnail.

[@ICEIOKYI]

i second that

[@andrerizan9453]

3rd 🍻

[@humanmonke]

I didnt even realise i thought my phone froze

[@MT_800]

4th 🤘

[@OrfinMusik]

5th that's a goofy look

[@gl3605]

Looking forward to Part II. Viewers jump to 17:24 of this video.

[@jackson777ification]

Ill let it play through, priceless! lol

[@PleaseForgiveYourself]

Poor Kev... running into technical issues left and right. 😬

[@davidstephen5472]

Vid stops at 6 min or so man

[@Lord_Aghast]

Yep noticed that too thought it was my phone

[@ProjectCreativityGuy96]

6:31 - Poor Kev... This is going to be a meme! 😢

[@spongebob6664]

The suspense is killing me

[@jasonbates2687]

I have used that exact same marker on a few of my light rosewood fretboards and it works great!

[@SuicidalGrind]

Congratz on 200K Brah Brah

[@dive-bomb]

Pretty huge milestone bro town

[@shaneburbery4478]

I've done this to 3 guitars with Laurel fretboards with Cabot Ebony stain pens, and it makes a massive difference!

[@builtbyrock8343]

Here is my take on staining the fretboard. I did it on my Jackson JS32T build on my KZbin channel. Sadly it was filmed two years ago and I remembered I had camera problems. GoPro kept on overheating so that section isnt included on my build series. I can tell you that staining is totally OK. my guitar fretboard is just as good as the day I stained it. And like I said its been two years. I will say the pens are junk. There for touch ups and not covering surfaces. The smallest can is plenty and cost the same if not less. Anyways here is how I did a Ebonized fretboard. First clean the board. I used a simple kitchen de-greaser that has no bleach and a toothbrush to clean the gunk. It will not harm the wood. Ive cleaned my boards the same way for 30 years and never ever had an issue. Then wipe the frets with rubbing alcohol. The purpose is to remove and left over de-greaser and to dry and open the pores in the fretboard so the stain can absorb better into the wood. Mask off back off neck and headstock. Don't worry about the inlays. They are not wood. The stain will just wipe off. Stain the board. Use a stain and stain only. Nothing that has polyurethane or enamel. Just stain. Do as instructed on the can. When the stain is at the color you like depending how many time you applied and is fully dry. Do what ever fretboard conditioner method you like. String up and shred.

[@dresdensinn6669]

2:40 "Set it and forget it" - Ron Popeil (R.I.P. 7/28/2021)

[@Lord_Aghast]

We thank Kev for this science!

[@dive-bomb]

Such a G for leaving the freeze in there made my day lololol

[@darthg6505]

Greetings from Missouri! Your video stopped at 6:32 & starts back up at 17:26, Love this idea!

[@dive-bomb]

😂

[@enricotavella4148]

200k man, congrats!!

[@hershelshochter4703]

sup, i can recommend black shoe polish for leather boots if you want to darken light fret boards or keep dark fret boards clean and shiny.

[@brandonbryson3317]

All black guitars should have a black or stained board.

[@K13R0NI3O6]

Even though it errored I got the general idea, can't wait for part 2

[@zloboslav_]

I didn't know that wood stain markers existed. I have the same rice cooker, but the coating started to flake off and I don't know if it's toxic so I'm afraid to use it now. The video stopped from 6:32 to 17:25 and I find the frame it froze on pretty funny. I hope the stain turns out good in part 2. :)

[@bengibbons376]

New segment: Kooking with Kevin.

[@Rebar77_real]

He actually has some pure cooking vids.

[@object-9356]

G'day Kev! gotta say that fretboard looks really dry on that guitar. little trick I've learned is using raw linseed oil on my guitars with rosewood fretboards. it tends to help darken the timber over time. it won't turn jet black of course. But I've got a Ibanez Genesis RG-521 that had a fretboard that almost looked like that one on your universe, It's now a much darker and deeper brown.

[@zx6rgang527]

Dope video sucks it stops around 6 mins. But at least I got to see the end of the video.

[@user-vk3lk1zf3g]

Kevin, I love your videos but may I suggest an easier way to block the tremolo bridge than credit cards? Packing material taped over itself shoved under the tremolo when you use the tremolo arm to pick up the bridge momentarily. I have five Jackson's that I customized with Floyd Rose bridges (titanium and 1984 styles) and that is what made restringing easier for me. Up the irons!

[@Keepitsavage21]

Currently staining my fret board with a marker, so far does make a little bit of a difference, though you have to apply about 10 coats to get that Ebony look. Not bad for a cheap, cosmetic improvement.

[@TheSpineSplitter1990]

I did this to a 90's Greco Les Paul that I had, It works best for neck without binding. It was such a hassle to clean off the binding but it worked. Stained my fingers for a while but after a month it cured fully.

[@jeremykemmerer7169]

Video freezing at 638 man. Im really interested to see how it turned out. Oh may i suggest a 9volt battery under the bridge instead of credit cards may not work on ibanez though but thought it might be a suggestion.

[@neverman3398]

The 9 volt battery works on my Jackson Demelition.

[@jeremykemmerer7169]

I don't know if it the 9volt trick will work on Ibanez trems though. I have Jacksons.

[@vincemcman4086]

There is a great deal on one of these on Reverb right now, real nice looking fretboard. Extra Gotoh trem. Case.

[@thomasbaldiscola4671]

GO KEVIN!! Thanks for being real man! You inspire me to work out also! KILLING MAN!

[@matthewkelly1950]

6:33 The power of nutritional eating! Somebody open the window

[@Cognitoman]

Same dude hate changing strings

[@aidab7258]

awesome. are those just stock pickups, or upgraded? have seen some dimiarzios green like that. just curious. And, wow, that is one thick jumbo neck. maybe its just the angle of the video.

[@derekkennedy7346]

Man I was looking forward to watching this video technical difficulty suck anyways looking forward to your next video take care and have a great day😊

[@redkurn]

hope you did some fine sandpaper before applying the stain, never know what/if any sealer was used.

[@Rebar77_real]

New strength pose!

[@thomashalley7258]

Can't wait for part two.

[@Avliv_Satan]

NIce NAILS hoodie man, I have the Unsilent Death longsleeve myself

[@lilbitofOverdrive]

I use to the dye the fingerboards on rg7620's using leather hide dye

[@ProjectCreativityGuy96]

Video freezes at 6:31 , and video stops freezing at 17:24 !

[@monkeyon777]

Thumbnail that frozen shot

[@ambrosgonzales]

Are you an NPC amateur or a pro, and do you compete as open or classic or in a different category? I'm just wondering because I used to compete in amateure NPC, you look great btw brother.

[@ProjectCreativityGuy96]

Sometimes, I love hearing Metal guitars that sound as if Bigfoot is crying His heart out!!!!! And when You give Him a hug, He becomes more brutal after He's had a good cry!!!!!!!!!

[@jayh8457]

Gotta see it. Re up the vid if ya got time brother

[@user-sz3oy4pn7j]

Kev vid just freezing in the middle

[@dinkins335]

Exactly why I loosen strings before cutting. I don't want to get whacked in the face with a string. 😂

[@testpilot1985]

i using AA battery under floyd, so great!

[@BA99253]

Trusty 9v under the trem works great in a pinch.

[@Impulse21s]

Glen just gave me the extended stink-eye, so I made chicken & rice real quick. I think I'm safe now.

[@metalband]

Hi Dean Lamb. Nice that you're here. Sorry, psychic - George

[@dadkingcoffey8333]

I built a les paul kit guitar. Bad cat .. I used a marker to stain my fret bord ..worked great

[@eddiewixson9680]

"Set it and forget it'.. Video camera.. Hold my beer!! Ugh lol

[@isacpalsson8352]

im currently wanting to do this myself, have you tried the method of putting steelwool in vinegar and putting on the fretboard? ive seen some great videos of carpenters doing it for various stuff but havent found anyone using it on rosewood fretboards? would be instreasting to hear your opinion if you have tried it

[@davidh.quusacine]

Could your playing fingers sand off all stained paintings in about 3 months what do you think maybe a better product somewhere else.

[@jeffarab4947]

Chicken and rice still a great dish in many cultures its popular

[@HATCHETface83]

Rose Wood is beautiful

[@rossincognito273]

That guitar makes me think of morbid freakin Angel nice

[@infmda4365]

KZbin Gremlins again... It freezes around 6:30 but the time keeps counting 😮 really interested in how it turns out!

[@ProjectCreativityGuy96]

Kevinnibal Corpse!!!!

[@vincemcman4086]

Do you feel like the high e slips off the board a lot?

[@user-yk8vs5qd2i]

Вот это размерчик! 😁🤘🤘🤘шиииик!!! 🔥🔥🔥🔥✨✨🔥🔥🔥

[@Ibaneddie76]

Dang for some reason KZbin will only let me watch half of the video it keeps freezing at the spot right when you are about to start taping the neck off. I'm sure you didn't really get the result you wanted with that touch up pen it's not really meant to stain that type of wood, Rosewood is hydrophilic and has a very tight grain so you really need to properly prep the wood witch requires removing the frets and level sanding the fingerboard with 220 to open the wood fibers up enough to accept a true dark stain or wood dye. I've done it quite a few times I'm a luthier and guitar builder out in Commeeformia! Wish I was closer to you I would have hooked that up for you I have some killer stains that work great. Next time if you want to do that check in your area and see if you have a local Woodcraft store, that place has what you need and people who know about woodworking. Sorry for the long winded comment I'm bored since I didn't get to watch the video. Keep up the great work and good luck with your upcoming comp!

[@aidab7258]

oops, wide I meant. are ibanez necks usually like that?

[@rexrocker1268]

This video keeps breaking for me at 6:32 ish. Love your channel though very impressive. I don’t even play my guitars anymore but it’s fun to watch.

[@captainhowdy3104]

fret wood most times has a satin clear coat some lighter some heavier…. ive done this before,pretty much like painting the fretboard…. f sanding down a fretboard tho

[@deanfaulkner2262]

Absolutely should have used different wood for the fretboard. I’ve passed on guitars I’ve loved because of the pale light brown rosewood fretboard. Silly I know but not a fan.

[@Spawnofpossession]

I don’t blame you for over a thousand dollars its ridiculous

[@deanfaulkner2262]

@@Spawnofpossession it catches your eye doesn’t it? The guitar is beautiful, looks mean as hell, quality even…it’s just that cheap looking pale brown thing of a fretboard that ruins it…anyway I hope this stain works, I’m worried it will rub off during playing but hopefully it won’t over time. Hopefully doesn’t need like a lacquer or something.

[@Cooper-cs6dp]

Do you think i would be able to buy a floyd or a kahler and get it installed in my ibanez ? Its a fixed bridge, but im sure it would fit... Just asking someone who has alot more experience than Myself (a 13 yr old)

[@vorpalblades]

You would most likely be better off getting one with it already installed.

[@derekkennedy7346]

Something tells me there's a satin clear coat on that neck and the die is not soaking in properly anyways love your videos keep up the great work

[@jared4668]

I used to use a bic lighter wrapped in a few layers of electrical tape

[@lcuas47]

You seem awesome as hell dude

[@gwugluud]

I "stained" the maple (or light) fretboard to a cheap Chibson just to be stupid before, with a neon-pink Sharpie. The kind of stuff that happens to a Texas hillbilly Sid Vicious wannabe when it's me and a guitar in a room with no adult supervision.

[@aska221]

He can't catch a break, can he 😄

[@sammelton8565]

Careful with your card number there kevin! also as many others have said the video freezes 6 mins in

[@steph-ey4ln]

crash video!! :c is a good one plz fix it. and!! cute guitah ♥♥♥ steph love it

[@ciberblazksm7044]

but it does stain the fretboard or not?

[@billyr1]

I spy an inversion table in there.

[@gwugluud]

6:35 - 17:25 -- Tech, Nicalll...Difficulties, There..?

[@raymondjallen]

You will need some wood stain for this and then wood sealer to protect the stain.

[@NobotyBoi]

Why not just use teak oil???

[@brianbaxterjr1482]

I've done it to a couple of mine and been successful with the same product..

[@antares4975]

Yeah man, finally someone also play them strings to the absolute death! I can't stand these fuckers be like "i do not often change strings, just 1 or 2 times a month"!

[@jeffarab4947]

Sick the fretboard will be dark baby

[@schrodingers_cat8923]

Careful brother, you can see some of the credit numbers (assuming those are your actual cards)

[@ejieboy934]

I thought I have the problem why the video is not working. LMAO

[@MrUNIXsnob]

I remember a warning a few years ago about people using minwax wood stains on their guitars. These chinese products contain dangerous levels of heavy metals and no not of the musical sort.just thought I'd put that out there because playing a guitar doped with toxic metals + eating a sandwich afterward = NOT GOOD.

[@doctoribanez]

Im guessing it will get on your fingers and not feel slick and smooth but idk

[@AcidTechnoMan5000]

No sterile technique with the chicken bro

[@ICEIOKYI]

hey kev . remember me ? probably not lol

[@goodear1540]

Gold.................berg.

[@blakeoms]

I use the super fuzzy chopsticks to block a bridge so nothing gets scratched or dented, I've seen others use a back plate and mouse pad to protect the bridge as well. As long as its stupid and it works right? 😂 Oh no the video stopped working and froze 😫

[@joshdavis5150]

Koala tea content

[@randyhicks6463]

The video stopped bro?

[@daz-guitarmetalvideos7843]

Anyone else think their internet disconnected?😂

[@stealingtomorrowband]

In yhe good words of Mitch Hedburg if your ever hungry and want to eat 1,000 of something... Eat Rice lol I've got a friend that has an OG universe... I wish he would sell it to me, but it'll never happen... Haha

[@bluephoenix3865]

There’s a bit of technical issues, Kevin😬

[@chrisburrelljr9270]

Dam what happen??? 6:32 video stopped

[@theshapeexists]

I have the og version from 1990, but the idiot who owned it before me drilled out the green dots and replaced them with white ones, and he did a sloppy job.

[@gregbrooks7850]

Hahahahahahhahahahahhaha I agree

[@Nick-ih5em]

Get yourself a little bbq. Chicken taste waaaaay better. For us guys who eat train sleep and repeat, its much better.

[@TheGazza83]

Baby shit 😂😂😂😂

[@ericcc546]

somthin happened with the video there capn'

[@Xurl_X]

😂

[@MilitantOldLady]

Yea you can but it comes off annoyingly easily.