Official Luthiers Forum!

I got this new Silver series Ameritage case in May, and it really smelled bad. So I left it open and unused for 2 months, and it still stinks. Does anyone have a trick to getting rid of this smell?

_________________
Tracy
http://www.luthiersuppliers.com

Sitting it in the Sun, open if you can will help. It also helps to close it with some charcoal, and/or a couple dryer sheets in it.

_________________
I didn't mean to say it, but I meant what I said.
http://www.brackettinstruments.com/

What Woody said, and Fabreze

Bob

I had the same problem with a new case, I left it open for a few weeks, then lightly sprayed febreese into the open case every other day or so. Seems to have reduced the smell to barely noticeable. The smell mine had was of adhesives or chemicals used in the building of the case. Good luck.

_________________
_________________

That crumbly carpet cleaner works wonders. It looks sort of like brown sugar.

Some folks I know have used that chlorophyll treated cat litter with success. Of course, it probably depends on what kind of odor your case is emitting. My friends used the above-mentioned litter for the odor of mildew. I would agree with the others if it's a chemical/adhesive odor--sunlight & fresh air.

_________________
michael propsom
www.propsomguitars.com

Just grab the cat quickly if you see it stepping into your case!

I used Carpet Fresh (the baking soda based freshener you sprinkle on carpet brfore you vacuum). I used an air hose to blow the dust and used the vacuum a couple of times. Did the trick....

Laurie

_________________
____________________________________
Time you enjoy wasting is not wasted time.

Thanks everyone! I put it out in the sun today for a few hours, then sprayed some frebreeze and wiped it down. It smells a little better, but not clear yet. I'll keep trying this over the next week and see if the smell completely goes away. Thanks!

_________________
Tracy
http://www.luthiersuppliers.com

An editorial rant....
Its amazing how many new instrument cases stink....can you imagine what the case factory must smell like??
You'd never accept a suitcase or other luggage that stank like that. I'm not sure why the case manufacturers can't step into the new millenium and learn about quality control. You should contact the factory and ask for a replacement, or at least let them know how crappy their quality is.

Sunlight and fabreeze worked for my stinky case. I still let it bake in the sun if I have it closed up for a while
I like the dryer sheet idea too

Does anyone make cases out of natural, odor-free, non-toxic materials?

A lot of man-made materials can off-gas organic vapors for months and even years. Since these materials can remain chemically active for a long time, could they have long term effects on certain guitar finishes, glues, etc.? ...not to mention the possible health concerns for the guitarist and his/her family.

I avoid dryer sheets, scented detergents, and household deodorizers as they contain concentrated synthetic scent compounds that mask more offensive odors by simply overpowering them. I suspect that for the most part these products are not healthy for humans.

If I were stuck with a smelly case I’d be inclined to try a natural deodorizer such as baking soda and/or activated charcoal. However, I’d always wonder if the smell was due to some volatile organic compound that was slowly killing me or my loved ones.

Joe