Smelly Case

[Old Geezer]

I have a Larrivee OM-03R with a Larrivee standard issue case that has an
odor problem.
The previous owner tried to polish the satin finish using the Orsino methjod,
so I initially thought that that was the source of the stink.
I've since polished the guitar myself using Stew Mac products and have had
it out of the case for about three weeks now.
The guitar has no smell at all...the stink is strictly in the case. I've
tried Fabreeze, baking soda, a sock filled with coffee, vinegar, all to no
avail.

Anyone have any tricks to get rid of case stink?  It's not mold or mildew
but rather a chemical smell that even I find offensive...and I've been
around some pretty nasty stinks in Asia...

I do remember some odor absorbing products on the market but can't think of
any of their names. If I recall, most were for removing pet or urine smells
from rugs and the like.
Anyone out there who can name some stink-away products for me?

Much appreciated,
OG

[ducktrapper]

Smelly cats? If it was a male cat, get a new case. You'll always smell it. 

[Old Geezer]

No,  nothing to do with cats or any animals for that matter. The case just stinks!

OG

[inspector13]

I have not run into this problem with a Larrivee case but had a funky smelling SKB case and was never able to get rid of the smell. The only reason for the odor I was able to come up with was offgassing of the glue. I got rid of the case.

[Tycho]

I've run into this problem with an after-market case for my Les Paul, but never with a Larrivee case.  As far as the LP case goes, right now I'm just living with it.  The smell hangs on the guitar for a a little while after I take it out of the case, but eventually goes away.  I might get rid of the case eventually and spring for the pricey Gibson case.

This topic is popping up all the time on guitar boards these days.  I think the case makers should start paying attention. 

[Old Geezer]

This one is a 2004 case/guitar and the guitar has been out of the case for over three weeks now. I've had baking soda, Fabreeze, carpet freshener, and coffee in there.
All of these methods have worked in other cases in the past but, man,...this case STINKS! It's been outside in the sun all day and my entire patio stinks like the case right now.
Even the cats won't go near it.

OG

[Tycho]

I know what you mean.  It's sort of a synthetic chemical version of an old socks/BO smell.  Not pleasant!

[Old Geezer]

I know what you mean.  It's sort of a synthetic chemical version of an old socks/BO smell.  Not pleasant!

Let's just say that old socks and BO would be an improvement!

[Ratishna]

Two more ideas, but with no guarantee of results, carpet and upholstery cleaners.  The heavy duty kind that auto detailers use.

[SteveO]

Geez, Have you tryed "Ozium" or
those Dryer sheets that have the fresh out~doorzy smell to them...

[hatofthecat]

If the stink hasn't been beaten by all those domestic odour neutralising products and "grandma's remedies" its got to be as you said something 'chemical' thats ongoing and continuing to generate the stink so either outgassing from the glue (if far too much was used or is an incorrectly mixed batch).... the other possible given you said its a kind of "BO funk" is the foam padding is actually decomposing.  If its the old style traditional foam when it breaks down it gives off a urine/sweaty sock type smell.  Best suggestion I have left is put the case somewhere as hot as you can find and try to bake the stink out of it.... a building boiler room maybe ?    good luck with it anyway.

Pete

PS ...and if that don't work there's always a product called "Ferret Kleen"....for real !!! ...if it can neutralise the odour from those little fellas it'll kill any stink 

[Old Geezer]

Ozium is one of the product names I couldn't remember. And Ferrett Clean is a new one on me. Thanks!

So far the interior has been washed with Resolve and vacuumed, wiped down with a sponge dampened with white vinegar a few days later, then had a sock full of coffee in it for two weeks, then finally a box of baking soda in it for ten days during my last road trip.
It stunk worse when I got back! The guitar has been sitting out of the case all this time and smells of sweet rosewood and spruce..no complaints about that!
Yesterday, it spent eight hours outside in the breezy sunshine, then I sprinkled it with Carpet Fresh and let that soak for three hours before vacuuming it out and shutting the case with another box of baking soda inside. I'm stubborn, but another week and I think I'll burn it in the fireplace and get myself another case. Anyone have a suggestion for a good fitting OM case?

I've had "smelly" cases in the past but NEVER anything as bad as this one...and it seems to be getting worse..

Thanks for all the suggestions,
OG

[stuco]

 

Here's what I'd do.  Put the case up for sale for cheap in the buy sell, section and be sure to mention that this case stinks.  I'm sure there's someone who doesn't care and likes a good deal. 

This is the best deal I could find on a case for my om. 

http://www.elderly.com/accessories/items/GCEV-000.htm

It is a genuine TKL case with an arch top and nice nice looking (low smell interrior ) Red interrior.

Best case to be found for the price imo.  They also have a flattop version for $75

[kwakatak]

What about cedar chips?

[kevbo]

One of the pet odor-neutralizing products that I've used is Nature's Miracle.  Given your description of the persistence of the odor, however, I doubt that Nature's Miracle stands much of a chance. 

...but another week and I think I'll burn it in the fireplace...

Wait - have you thought what smell it might give off when it burns?    Maybe you should ask a neighbor if you can borrow his fireplace.

[dleahy]

I had that problem with a couple Martin hardshell cases. Outgassing of the glues it appears. I got rid of them after trying many options, including setting a layer of baking soda in it for a couple days. It spoiled the nice woody smell of the guitar.

[D4ve]

My Tele case does that too. It stinks. When I want to play it I take it out and let it sit for a while so the smell will disipate. (eek I wonder whats in those fumes). At any rate I have thought about just ptiching the case and getting another case. Not something you would expext from an experienced manufacturer is it?

[poki]

i can just see everyone reading this post opening their guitar cases and taking a whiff  

i checked my larrivee parlor case and didn't detect any unusual odors but i did find a nice blue larrivee polishing cloth and pick in the case.  i haven't checked the inside of my case since getting the parlor nearly 3 years ago.

i think the best bet is to replace the case since the odor has beaten all comers and is getting worse to boot.  if you do somehow manage to cure the problem be sure to post what you did just in case it happens to others.
good luck

[Old Geezer]

I think a replacement is forthcoming....after two weeks of attempted de-stinking, I damn near tossed my cookies after taking a sniff tonight.
I think a ritual beach-burning on New Years Day may be appropriate. God it's an awful stink....and it's only getting worse.

OG

[stuco]

I'm telling you, that case i listed above is the best value/money around