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Scratching the lacewood itch

K

Kabal

Nov 8, 2007
198
2
#1
I've got a bass body made of solid lacewood and after playing it my forearm breaks out in a rash that takes a few weeks to go away. I've heard lacewood can do this to some people and I was wondering if a high gloss finish could fix this problem or am I doomed to be the itchiest bass player around?
 
#3
Wow that stinks, you might even be able to get away with a good wax finish, that might provide enough protection for you. It's worth a try and would be a lot cheaper and take less time then a poly finish.
But the bottom line yes a clear coat finish should indeed prevent any future outbreaks.
Good luck,
Dirk
 
#4
Kabal said:
I've got a bass body made of solid lacewood and after playing it my forearm breaks out in a rash that takes a few weeks to go away. I've heard lacewood can do this to some people and I was wondering if a high gloss finish could fix this problem or am I doomed to be the itchiest bass player around?
Click to expand...

The temp fix is to play with one of those "sport" wrist bands, maybe two. And of course a long sleeve shirt works too.

The long term fix is thick poly finishes. You might want to steer clear of other allergy prone woods in the future. Most people aren't allergic to just one type of wood. Definitely steer clear of the dust...

http://www.wood-database.com/wood-articles/wood-allergies-and-toxicity/
 
#7
For lacewood I would definitely put a poly finish on it...will help your rash, but will also protect the wood more. Lacewood is prone to denting inside the little 'honeycomb' grains...those little cool looking grains are soft in the middle. A good hard poly finish will help protect the body and your arm :)
 

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