Certainly a First for ME!

[dogrocketp]

I had the opportunity to buy a 2006 SAS for $500. Of course I did! Fantastic neck, McCarty pickups, azul blue, all the paperwork....................one little problem. It smells as musty as all get out. A friend of mine who restores the best of the best of violins told me that the hard case is probably a lost cause. It seems the must gets into the fabric and glue. The guitar is my issue. I cleaned it thoroughly , but the neck still smells musty. Does anyone have any ideas about getting rid of the smell? I had it outside today because the winds were gusting up to 40 mph. Didn`t help much. I`m going to go buy a satchet at whole foods, and put that in the gig bag I got. Any other ideas? Shawn, or anybody at PRS?

 

[AP515]

You have to get in and kill the mold spores. There are a number of natural things that will do it but could damage the finish. Chlorine is the first that comes to mind. Probably not the best choice. By the way, I'd take the $500 challenge as well!

Here are the ones I've heard about but as still not my favorite choice:
. Bleach: Mix 1 cup bleach with enough water to make 1 gallon. Put the solution in a spray bottle, or spread it with a sponge or cloth. There’s no need to rinse.

• Borax: Mix 1 cup borax with enough water to make 1 gallon. Borax is less harsh-smelling and corrosive than bleach. Apply the solution to the surface and scrub with a brush; don’t rinse. Wipe the surface dry.

• Vinegar: Use full-strength vinegar in a spray bottle. Spray the affected area and wipe off.

• Ammonia: This is suitable for killing mold on smooth, nonporous surfaces. Never use it with bleach. Treat the area with a solution of equal parts ammonia and water, leave on for 10 minutes, and rinse with water.

• Hydrogen peroxide: Spray full-strength hydrogen peroxide on the moldy surface and let it sit for 10 minutes to loosen the mold. Wipe the surface and don’t rinse.

• Baking soda: Mix ½ teaspoon baking soda in 1 gallon water and scrub the moldy surface, then rinse with water. This is particularly useful for killing mold on upholstery.

• Tea tree oil: Use 1 teaspoon tea tree oil per cup of water and spray on the surface. Leave it on for a few minutes and then wipe off.

Note: When cleaning up mold, the EPA advises wearing rubber gloves, goggles and possibly an N-95 respirator to avoid breathing in mold. The agency also cautions against using bleach or biocides (mold-killing chemicals) because they can cause severe reactions in some people.

The baking soda seems to me to be the mildest for a finish, but you could try a small drop of all of them one at a time on the back of the guitar until you find one that does not harm. I hae tried non of them so let me know what you decide.

 

[Rider1260]

I would start with putting in a room with a dehumidifier for awhile if it has a Rosewood neck or fingerboard they can be cleaned with de-natured alcohol then reconditioned with fretboard oil
Also look in all the cavities and see if anything is living in there.
I also use "Freshwave" http://www.freshwaveworks.com/store/pc/odor-removing-packs-c6.htm the packs or the gel

 

[dogrocketp]

Interestingly, there`s no mold of any kind on the case or the guitar. I got a container of citrus magic to put in the hard case. I was told to leave it for 7 days and then check. It`s organic and is intended for an entire room. The guitar is currently in its PRS gig bag with a new leather scented air freshener. I`ll leave it there for several days. We cannot have a PRS that doesn`t smell good (or in my case manly-sorry ladies). The guitar is in excellent condition otherwise, The neck and fingerboard are maple. No chips, dents bumps or bruises. There`s a short in the output jack, I have one waiting for the odor dissipation. For 5 c-notes, I`ll work with it.

 

[László]

"No, seriously Dude, it's the guitar that smells bad, not the playing..."

 

[dogrocketp]

Thanks for the benefit of the doubt, Les!!

 

[AP515]

You can't see the mold spores. You can smell them. Try the cover ups and then use the killers.

 

[clasbtenn]

If I read this thread correctly, think about getting a new gig bag or case when you go to de-smell the guitar. Leaving it in the original isn't going to accelerate your efforts. just my opinion of course. ymmv
Best of luck in any event.

 

[toothace]

I once owned a used LP Custom that the previous owner carried through who knows how many smokey clubs...I never did get that smell out of the case before I traded it...

 

[Deleted member 2284]

I'd say leave it on a stand for a month and see if things don't start to get better

 

[Solteroblues]

you can also just try leaving it out in a small room with an open bowl of vinegar. When I bought a used car a few years ago, the previous owner smoked in it and it smelled awful. I put a bowl of vinegar in there every night for a few nights and it absorbed the smell. Maybe it will work for you, too.

 

[Brad737]

Wipe it down with Febreeze or Odoban?

 

[dmatthews]

Play the stink out of it!