Stinky Bass

blueflamerick · Post by **blueflamerick** » Fri Sep 08, 2006 9:11 am

I just got a nice 2050. However, it's previous owner must have been a heavy cigar smoker. When I opened the case, it was like walking into a Gentlemen's club. I've doused the case with Carpet Fresh in hopes of clearing up the horrible smell in there, but is there anything I can do to the bass to get rid of the smell on it? I've already hit it with some guitar polish. Still stinks.

paulv63 · Post by **paulv63** » Fri Sep 08, 2006 10:56 am

Go get 'em Paul W.

johnallg · Post by **johnallg** » Fri Sep 08, 2006 5:26 pm

What about the Scratch-X/Zymol treatment? I'd think that would clean off any dirt/nicotine/tar/smoke residue and also leave it shiny. And the smell - like the tropics!

beatlefreak · Post by **beatlefreak** » Fri Sep 08, 2006 8:27 pm

Perhaps put some baking soda in a coffee filter, seal it closed and leave it in the case with the guitar.

rickenbrother · Post by **rickenbrother** » Sun Sep 10, 2006 8:05 am

Erik, just leave it with me, then you won't have to smell it!

rob · Post by **rob** » Mon Sep 11, 2006 8:54 am

Start smoking heavily. Pretty soon, you won't notice the smell!

westtexasrickenbacker · Tue Sep 12, 2006 6:50 am

How about Febreze (sp??)?

Anyway, that stuff works well. Take the instrument out, store it safely and spray that case. Let it sit for awhile.

beatlefreak · Post by **beatlefreak** » Tue Sep 12, 2006 7:20 am

I believe he's trying to get the smell out of the guitar itself.

rickenbrother · Post by **rickenbrother** » Tue Sep 12, 2006 10:06 am

It must be like like that Seinfeld episode where Jerry couldn't get the B-O out of his car.

blueflamerick · Post by **blueflamerick** » Tue Sep 12, 2006 10:09 am

That's exactly what it's like.

The case smells much better after the CarpetFresh treatment The bass reeks like an old man.

rickenbrother · Post by **rickenbrother** » Tue Sep 12, 2006 10:25 am

Erik, maybe you should completely disassemble it, to clean it as good as possible. Changing the strings might help a little bit also.
Let me know if you need a hand.

beatlefreak · Post by **beatlefreak** » Tue Sep 12, 2006 4:52 pm

If the smell is on the guitar's finish, you can clean the finish using naptha. This will remove built up wax, grunge, and (hopefully) the stink.

jingle_jangle · Post by **jingle_jangle** » Tue Sep 12, 2006 5:34 pm

I'd advise to try the Scratch-X and Zymol treatment, to get into the pores of the clearcoat and remove/neutralize the odor-causing elements. In additon, Zymol has a wonderful coconut oil smell...just apply and breathe deeply. Then wipe off, apply again, etc.

You can smell the coconut for several days when you open the case of a freshly-Zymolled instrument...

blueflamerick · Post by **blueflamerick** » Wed Sep 13, 2006 8:15 pm

I gave it the Scratch-X & Zymol treatment tonight. The smell is still there, but only when you stick your nose on the bass and breathe in. I'll give it another coat of Zymol tomorrow.

Thanks for the suggestions.

zoomduck · Post by **zoomduck** » Mon Sep 18, 2006 10:35 am

Stewart Macdonald guitar cleaner/polish is the safest thing to use on any instrument finish .