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I am getting close to completing a guitar with cocobolo for the fingerboard, bridge, and tuner buttons- all of which are usually not finished. My question is, for those of you who have used coco for any of these parts, how have you treated them as far as finish goes? My concern is that some people can have a reaction to cocobolo (its oils usually). Normally I would simply polish these parts to a high grit- about 1000. The fingerboard and bridge usually get a light coat of linseed oil, but not the tuner buttons. Would you seal all of these parts with linseed oil? Is oil enough to protect the player from a possible reaction?

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I would just use it like you would any other wood. If you finish it will just wear off any how.

That is how I have handled it before. That said, they have all been commissions.

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Lance@LuthiersForum.com

This is a commission as well. She didn't have any sort of reaction while handling the cocobolo during her visit, but she also didn't have prolonged contact with it.

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ELEVATE || Next Level Lutherie
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As far as I can tell, reactions to the wood (as opposed to the dust) are extremely rare. If you google it, you can find a case of someone who reacted to a bracelet. That is a very sensitive area of skin exposed all day. Fingertips are not nearly as sensitive. Nothing is 100% safe but I have never had or heard of a problem with a guitar and I've got maybe 30 guitars with Cocobolo fingerboards out there. The builder is the one who is most at risk with dust exposure.

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Chris, I always use paste wax on wood tuner buttons.
A couple of coats, buffed up nicely, will provide a barrier of sorts as well as a nice appearance.
And that stuff can be quite long-lasting.
Plus, it's easily repaired.

Steve

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From Nacogdoches...the oldest town in Texas.

http://www.stephenkinnaird.com

Chris,

I used a lot of cocobolo on my Cocozilla build. I found that the dust really affected me, but the finished guitar hasn't had any effect other than to make me want to play it more...

I treated my coco fretboard just as if it were ebony, sanded to high grit and oiled and buffed. It has been great so far... five years later.

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Chris Oliver
Infinity Luthiers
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live every minute...

I agree.
I am an example of someone who has become very sensitive to cocobolo dust. I started with respiratory problems that escalated to contact dermatitis. However, I have no problems at all handling the wood.

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John

As far as allergy some people have a problem, some don't. I have built a lot with coco and not a problem for me, but the wife breaks out just from dust on cloths so I have to take that precautions.

As far as making the buttons, fb and bridge shine, do as you would any wood, but I do as Steve K on mine.

And that, Stan, is why *ahem* your work looks so nice....





Steve

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From Nacogdoches...the oldest town in Texas.

http://www.stephenkinnaird.com