Members bradberry00 Posted January 31, 2005 Members Posted January 31, 2005 Hey all, I just have a quick question that's come up concerning the finish of acoustic guitars. I was reading in the booklet that came with my Martin D-16R that some straps may contain substances that may damage or discolor the finish on the guitar. I was basically wondering if this is a common problem, or if it is just something that they have to put in so that this doesn't have to be covered by warranty, etc? Do most of you take the strap off and on between playing?
Members JasmineTea Posted January 31, 2005 Members Posted January 31, 2005 I think any strap is going to rub the finish off. I almost never play acoustic standing up..no strap.
Members knockwood Posted February 1, 2005 Members Posted February 1, 2005 Originally posted by bradberry00 Hey all, I just have a quick question that's come up concerning the finish of acoustic guitars. I was reading in the booklet that came with my Martin D-16R that some straps may contain substances that may damage or discolor the finish on the guitar. I was basically wondering if this is a common problem, or if it is just something that they have to put in so that this doesn't have to be covered by warranty, etc? Do most of you take the strap off and on between playing? A lot of straps are made with vinyl and/or rubber, both of which will react in a nasty way when they come in contact with nitrocellulose lacquer, which is used on your D-16R and most higher end acoustics. I'm not sure precisely what happens chemically, but the result is often that the lacquer begins to blister when left in contact and can dissolve into a funky, sticky goo that it's nearly impossible to get rid of. Just make sure your strap isn't made with vinyl/rubber & that you never leave your guitar lying around on these substances. Sometimes all it takes is a few minutes...
Members bradberry00 Posted February 1, 2005 Author Members Posted February 1, 2005 Originally posted by knockwood A lot of straps are made with vinyl and/or rubber, both of which will react in a nasty way when they come in contact with nitrocellulose lacquer, which is used on your D-16R and most higher end acoustics. I'm not sure precisely what happens chemically, but the result is often that the lacquer begins to blister when left in contact and can dissolve into a funky, sticky goo that it's nearly impossible to get rid of. Just make sure your strap isn't made with vinyl/rubber & that you never leave your guitar lying around on these substances. Sometimes all it takes is a few minutes... Right now I've been using a standard black Dunlop Strap, and taking it off after I get done playing. A lot of the time I don't even use it, as Jasmine Tea suggested, but if I'm playing for an extended period of time, or were to leave it on when I put the guitar in the case, I was worried about the effects.
Members JasmineTea Posted February 1, 2005 Members Posted February 1, 2005 I play a lot of electric as well, almost never practice sitting. I have all leather straps for my electrics. No finish problems.
Members slider Posted February 1, 2005 Members Posted February 1, 2005 I have a Martin and read the same thing. certain vinyls and plastics out gas (that's the true word) as they age. some finishes are reactive to that.leather or braided seat belt cloth are neutrals. so the finish would be fine.long term storage should be without strap just to be careful. a friend had one of those guitar stands with the surgical hose looking material. you know, to pad where the bottom of the guitar rests. after a few months all the paint finish was wrecked. all gooey like an above Poster wrote. normal strap use (of any kind perhaps?) would probably be ok. just remove it when done playing. it's ok to be careful with an expensive instrument.
Members bradberry00 Posted February 1, 2005 Author Members Posted February 1, 2005 Originally posted by slider I it's ok to be careful with an expensive instrument. That's what I'm thinking now!
Members digitalsnipe Posted February 2, 2005 Members Posted February 2, 2005 Yea, what Slider said. I work with some solid plastics that are not uncommon in consumer goods. One is a particular nylon with the trade-name Delrin. At normal room temperatures its hard to know that plastics are giving off vapors but once the temperature is elevated the base constituents of each plastic composition will start to seriously fume, or, out-gas. It is then that they will give off a noxious, aromatic odor and become quite noticeable. Delrin gives off formaldehyde, which is commonly known as embalming fluid. No pleasant stuff. Anyway, this out-gassing is always present, albeit at very low levels at room temps, and certain plastics contain solvents very harmful to nitrocellulose lacquer. One additional note on leather products. These contain tanic acids to a greater or lesser degree. People make the often-heard comment about the great smell of leather. That's tanic acid they're smelling. It's a curing agent and as with any acid, it is corrosive to metals - especially those containing iron. Aluminum is also affected. If at all possible use a cotton-base or other natural fiber strap and/or other product that will come into contact with the guitar. If not available, get a cotton sock, cut out the toe and slide it over the strap where it contacts the finish.
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.