Last year I was happy to find an Eastman John Pisano signature model AR-880 archtop on the used rack at a local music store. It retails for $2,500 but was on consignment for $1,500. I couldn't believe someone would buy that guitar (2008 model) and sell it so quickly. I checked it out, loved it and bought it.
After getting it home, adjusting the bridge position and height, replacing the light strings with medium Gibson jazz strings, I was thrilled with it and it quickly became my second favorite after my Marthin HD-28. So, the problem.... I noticed a funky smell whenever I picked it up that I didn't notice at the store. It's like that smell when you leave a wet rag in a bucket for a couple weeks then go back to wash your car and have to throw it away because it became moldy and musty.
For a while I thought it was coming from inside the guitar and figured it would air out. Unfortunately, over time I realize the smell is in the finish. I don't finish guitars, so my question is: Can old laquer or finish become musty with age, and if used on an instrument, is it permanent? The guitar is left out on a stand all the time for the last year but still smells. My obvious choices are sell it, refinish it or live with it. I don't like any of these choices.
