Question re: protecting natural finish on Hofner Club Bass

[Eric1616]

Hi All, here’s a non-Alembic question for you.  I recently acquired a gorgeous gold label German-made Hofner club bass.  I love it.  I particular love the contrast between it and my Alembic.  Totally different look, feel, and tone.

Anyway, the guitar has a natural finish.  Feels like raw wood.  The problem is, my right arm basically rests on the upper bout when I’m playing it.  I can just imagine how my sweat and the friction will ultimately affect the finish.  Any suggestions on a way to maintain the finish?  I thought of installing a Pearse arm rest, but I’m not anxious to do anything permanent.

Any advice/suggestions?  Thanks.

Eric

[edwardofhuncote]

Cool bass. How about an armrest?

https://www.elderly.com/john-pearse-slimline-armrest.htm

[rv_bass]

I don’t like having my forearm sticking to the bass, so I always play with either a long sleeve shirt or a large sweat band, my arm never touches the bass. It works well for me.

[gtrguy]

Their website says it's finished in matt natural lacquer, which should provide some protection, depending on how thick it is. I assume 'natural' means clear. If it ever starts to show the raw wood from wear through, then the wood will start to stain and wear.

[mica]

I guess it will just get a little extra shiny where your arm rubs - until the finish rubs off entirely. My son got a Martin DJr guitar and it feels just as you describe the finish - but they claim it's got a coating. It's mighty thin!

[Eric1616]

If there is a coating, then it is indeed mighty thin!  Feels like raw wood to me.  I guess I have to resolve myself to the fact that it will show wear over time.  I think when my new Alembic custom is ready, I may end up playing this one a whole lot less.....

Thanks, all.

Eric.

[keith_h]

How about something like Liberon paste wax in natural or maybe white color? You will have to periodically reapply it but it would give the bass and finish some protection.

[bassman10096]

Wow.  Pretty bass!  However, if the matte lacquer is similar to other lacquer finishes Hofner uses I’m not sure waxing might not interact negatively with the varnish. It may feel like raw wood but if it has a lacquer finish your best bet is to keep it wiped down and avoid getting anything on it that deteriorates lacquer. Sweat and solvents both hurt lacquer. I’d be afraid of waxes that contain any solvent ingredients.

[keith_h]

Liberon Black Bison is what I use to touch up my Brown Bass. It claims to be safe for lacquer finishes however I always test any polish on a small hidden area first. This includes polishes sold by instrument manufacturers.

[gtrguy]

They used to paint cars with lacquer and it took wax just fine (if it's the same thing as this bass). Physical wear will abrade it down though.