Question from R
Do you have any recommendations for how to find toxin-free musical instruments (particularly guitars)? I’ve done some research, but it’s difficult to find guitars without toxic finishes, etc.
Making music has been such an important part of my life, and I would love to have a guitar to play again.
Lisa’s Answer
I would look on Etsy and see if you can find someone making guitars who is willing to use a non-toxic finish. I’m not sure if the wood used is solid or a veneer, but if it is a veneer, it is possible to find low-VOC veneers. Another possibility is to seal a regular wood guitar with AFM Safecoat Safe Seal which is designed to seal in off-gassing chemicals. I’m not sure if this would impact the sound but it is the lowest-cost option.
Readers, other suggestions?
I have MCS (multiple chemical sensitivities) and I’ve been playing guitar all my life. I’ve never had a problem with a guitar being toxic. Maybe the electronics would offgas when brand new (if buying electric) or the finish (glaze or varnish) would offgas from an acoustic but I would say your best bet is to buy a used guitar (used guitars are great and some are very valuable). The only thing to be careful about is mold (acoustic guitars that have been stored in attics or smokey environments, etc). Give it the smell test or buy on Ebay and ask the owner questions before buying. “Is this a smoke-free environment?” “Does it have a musty smell?” Tell them you have severe allergies and if it triggers you, you will return it. They won’t want to go thru the hassle of returns. Best to buy from the original owner. Also you might try Craigslist and buy from a musician directly. It might be difficult to smell a guitar in a store because of so many smells at once. New electrics probably have less odor than new acoustics. Hope this helps a little.