What's that stench?

[RudyH]

My new ES335 has a sweet smell, like a tropical poisonous flower. What is that smell?

[KennyF]

Probably fresh nitro.

[Col F]

Typically either fresh lacquer or the glue used in case manufacturing (often hide glue) are the source of that "unique" odor.

[Murph]

Reminds me of a joke.

 

The punch line is.

 

"A shithouse door off a shrimp boat."

 

Bwahahahahahahahah.

 

Murph.

[bobv]

Guitar smells sweet, but the case smells like modeling clay - I'm afraid to put it in there. Good thing I don't have to very often.

[Troels]

Probably fresh nitro.

 

It actually smells of vanilla... it's not the guitar but the case. Not exactly a nice smell for a guitar case. Both my new LP (case) and ES-335 (case) smell like it

[Mark]

I ordered a 335 and when I went t pick it up the smell was overpowering, I have had a few new gibson's and

none ever smelled as strong, It probably was not completty dry,

It 's much better now

[ericg]

Howdy All,

 

Just got my '63 Historic 335 a couple of weeks ago.

The smell was overwhelming at first.

Seems to be dissipating steadily, but still noticable.

 

Also noticed the finish seemed very 'tacky' at first.

Getting better with time.

 

Anyone know how long it will take for the solvents to fully evaporate?

Will the finish keep getting 'harder' as it continues to dry?

[KennyF]

 

Anyone know how long it will take for the solvents to fully evaporate?

 

I'd say' date=' a few months.

 

 

 

Will the finish keep getting 'harder' as it continues to dry?

 

Yes!

[Rigormortis]

They say the nitro keeps curing (and shrinking) for a long time. I think the lacquer finishes I've done are completely cured in a year, though they are essentially hardened by the first month.

 

I love the smell of my 335, and it's still perfumed after 27 years!