Bad bass buying experience here on TB: SMOKE

jibreel · #1 03-01-2011, 02:58 PM

Wish people would disclose smoke smell.

C.Linton · #2 03-01-2011, 03:35 PM

To be fair, sometimes smokers (I used to be one so I know) are so used to the stink they really don't notice it when it has settled into their posessions. However, I do agree it should always be disclosed if the instrument was in a smoky environment.

TN WOODMAN · #3 03-01-2011, 03:37 PM

The sad reality is that most vintage basses, if played out at all were probably exposed to a lot of second hand smoke.

BassMan4Him · #4 03-01-2011, 03:39 PM

I would not be able to keep a bass if it smelled like smoke.. Yeah, i agree!! It should be disclosed..

Kael · #5 03-01-2011, 03:43 PM

Give it some time, it will air out. I don't smoke but smoking is still permitted in bars/casinos around here. After certain gigs, it takes a couple days to cleanse my instrument, but it will get there.

stflbn · #6 03-01-2011, 03:46 PM

Many many people have no option to gig if you don't play smoking establishments.

If those people gig... stuff smells like smoke. I've found that a product called 'whatodor' helps cases and such a lot, but it's always stronger to non-smokers.

Kael · #7 03-01-2011, 03:48 PM

Excellent point. The case will trap more smell than the bass most of the time.

BassChuck · #8 03-01-2011, 03:49 PM

I got a gig bag that smelled of smoke so bad it brought tears to my eyes. I bombed with Frebreeze and left it outside for a couple of days, bombing it again and again. After about 4 days the smell went away.

elgecko · #9 03-01-2011, 03:49 PM

How about if you're sensitive to residual smoke smell, you ask the seller about it first.

tripp2k · #10 03-01-2011, 03:51 PM

I don't think the smell of smoke ever goes away. I bought an awesome set of Classic Maple Ludwigs from a professional gigger/cig-dope smoker. I cleaned the things, left them outside for fresh air for about a month and it never went away. I think the dude curled up in the bass drum for weeks on end doing nothing but smoke dis and smoke dat.

hdracer · #11 03-01-2011, 03:55 PM

Every piece of gear I see for sale that is being sold by a nonsmoker always states "kept in my smoke free home".
You should have asked if it bothers you.

odie · #12 03-01-2011, 03:55 PM

A bass wont hold the smell for longbut the case will for a long time. I would try using baking soda, maybe vinegar.

elgecko · #13 03-01-2011, 03:56 PM

On the bright side, if you're into relicing, the process has been accelerated!

MNAirHead · #14 03-01-2011, 04:00 PM

My question would be --- how many things can a reasonable person disclose.

There are parts of the world that are filled with stinky people... they don't know it.

MNAirHead · #15 03-01-2011, 04:02 PM

I wouldn't call it bad -- just not perfect.

If he's a reasonable TBer, he'll let you return it and deduct the shipping fees.

There are some of us that aren't good mail order buyers... we're the ones that should nit pick them in person.

I won't ship any basses without a 10 minute phone discussion. I want to ensure that the buyer knows to the best of my abilties what the true condition is.

-----

The question marks or less than TB quality are on Ebay and Craigslist.

Emm9T · #16 03-01-2011, 04:07 PM

My acoustic guitar smelled like cigarettes/weed/sweat for 2 weeks when I left it in it's case after being in a 'bad' atmosphere. Nothing worse. Especially since none of it was from me! This place smelled NASTY and if I sniff hard enough, I can catch a whiff of it now and again.
I actually put deodorant on a paper towel and splayed it across the guitar inside the case, I figure encasing it alone with another smell will cancel each other out. heh.

BigOldHarry · #17 03-01-2011, 04:16 PM

I've bought gear on line that stunk - but fixing that is easy - at least on a bass: Get thee a bottle of Windex, a nice soft cloth and a new set of strings. Remove the old strings, spend about an hour going over every nook, cranny and fret of the thing to remove the shumutz. This is a good idea even if it doesn't smell - it's nice to get your new axe all clean. Put the strings on and let it set out for a few days.

If it came in a stinking gig bag, you may be hosed. Those things retain filth - - you may just need to chuck it.

Acoustic instruments can be a problem - I had a buddy who's guitar smelled of butts forever - it just came out of the sound hole. Ick.

Indiana Mike · #18 03-01-2011, 04:24 PM

You could start smoking ... Then you won't notice it ...

Had too ...

A friend of mine left his amp at my house. At the time I smoked heavily in the room with all the gear. He wasn't happy but I didn't charge him storage for the year he left his tube amp at my house.

I think it finally cleared up after awhile.

Hawaii Islander · #19 03-01-2011, 04:27 PM

Guitar/bass (and other instrument) cases tend to stink over time for many reasons, smoke, sweat, mold, etc and can impart that funky smell to the instrument. Brass instruments with their spittle are notorious for stinking up their cases. The 60's Mosrite Celebrity bass that I bought from my bass instructor (early 70's) had a weird smokey sweet smell to it. My instructor didn't smoke. Treating the interior of the case with an odor eating substance and airing it out will help.

MatticusMania · #20 03-01-2011, 04:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tripp2k

I don't think the smell of smoke ever goes away. I bought an awesome set of Classic Maple Ludwigs from a professional gigger/cig-dope smoker. I cleaned the things, left them outside for fresh air for about a month and it never went away. I think the dude curled up in the bass drum for weeks on end doing nothing but smoke dis and smoke dat.

Actually, dope smoke doesnt stick quite like cigarette smoke will. I can fill a room with pot smoke, open a window, and have the smell completely gone the next day. But, smoke one cigarette in prximity to my front door, and it smells like an ashtry in my living room.