Varnish and Cigarettes

[Jack Roberts]

I recently played a custom built varnished mandolin that was owned by a smoker. It seems that the neck had cigarette stains up where the left hand usually holds it. The same player's lacquer instruments didn't have this crud on the neck.

Has anyone noticed this? Is varnish more likely to absorb dirt or cigarette residue?

[peterleyenaar]

Now , see , there is another good reason #to consider varnish or lacquer, now ,why didn't this come up on the varnish versus lacquer debate, #we would have had the benefit of both the practical and academic opinions.:p http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

[addcourt]

May not have been cigarette damage(though I'd be willing to blame most things on them). I purchased a pre-owned MM a few months ago which came with the neck "crud" you mention. Came with the OHSC(old style rectangular)which gave no hint of a smoker. David Harvey's magic potion cleaned it up after only a few applications. Assumption is previous owner had acidic levels causing problem.

[siren_20]

I work on electric guitars a lot, and this 'funk' is almost always evident on the neck. #It's like a sticky grayish paste that's sweat, oil, and sometimes smoke residue (not always tobacco...I worked on an instrument from a guy who smoked stuff other than tobacco, and that REALLY gums up the instrument! It's actually somewhat remarkable!)
I have had great success with Dr. Duck's Ax Wax. #I got it for string lube/cleaner and used it successfully on my varnished Siren F-5. #Great stuff! #Everyone who's tried it loves it...and I think the boys over at Rigel use this, too.
Duck's Deluxe Ax Wax (http://www.ducksdeluxe.com/ddaxwax.html)