(Chemical?) Spots on Ebony Neck

[Godzooky75]

I just received my new neck (yea!) but I noticed a lot of spots running the length of the fretboard (booo!).  It looks like a chemical was splashed across the fretboard prior to installation.  (See attachments)  Has anyone seen this before on a Warmoth neck?  I have another Ebony neck from Warmoth and it is perfectly clear.  Any ideas?  I have emailed customer service and am awaiting a response.

 

[mayfly]

Hmmm.  almost looks like there was some kind of mineral oil splashed on it.

and no, I've never had this kind of issue with my necks.

 

[Logrinn]

There was a thread similar to this a while back: http://www.unofficialwarmoth.com/index.php?topic=29002.msg410709#msg410709

 

[AirCap]

These are NOT mineral spots. Someone splashed something liquid on that neck, and someone SHOULD have noticed at the factory.

 

[Cagey]

I understand Warmoth is quite the sweatshop. They work those poor little kids like galley slaves, with infrequent feedings or potty breaks, which is probably how you got that neck so fast. Those spots are probably the oily residue of sweat droplets and salty tears. A little naphtha will clear them right up. They usually do that before shipping, but the slave joyful worker assigned to that job is currently undergoing (ahem) re-education. AND THE BEATINGS WILL CONTINUE UNTIL MORALE IMPROVES!

Edit: Naphtha or mineral spirits are your friend here. DO NOT use acetone (lacquer thinner), or you'll destroy the binding.

 

[TonyFlyingSquirrel]

Guys, guys.
Ya got this all wrong...

Those are bonus "Tone Drops".  "Tone Drops", fellas!

I'm surprised that wasn't an upcharge. :glasses10:

 

[BigSteve22]

Guys, guys.
Ya got this all wrong...

Those are bonus "Tone Drops".  "Tone Drops", fellas!

I'm surprised that wasn't an upcharge. :glasses10:

:laughing11: :laughing3: :laughing7:

 

[Godzooky75]

Edit: Naphtha or mineral spirits are your friend here. DO NOT use acetone (lacquer thinner), or you'll destroy the binding.

Any recommended brands of Naptha mineral spirits? I certainly don't want to ruin the binding.  I'm in Southern California, if that influces the choice...

 

[Cagey]

I've never been particular, other than preferring naphtha. Being just down the street, Lowe's choice of inventory influences my decision more than anything. I'm not sure there's a great deal of difference between brands on those chemicals; they are what they are. It's like buying aspirin - you look for the container size more than the brand name.

 

[Steve_Karl]

Edit: Naphtha or mineral spirits are your friend here. DO NOT use acetone (lacquer thinner), or you'll destroy the binding.

Any recommended brands of Naptha mineral spirits? I certainly don't want to ruin the binding.  I'm in Southern California, if that influces the choice...

Any can of (cigarette) lighter fluid will do.

Thanks to Cagey I now buy in bulk and refill my old Zippo can that has the easy apply spray nozzle.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Klean-Strip-1-qt-Varnish-Maker-and-Painter-s-Naphtha-QVM46/100122813?keyword=naphtha&semanticToken=22050+++%3E++++st%3A%7Bnaphtha%7D%3Ast++cn%3A%7B3%3A1%7D++naphtha+%7Brest%7D+

 

[Steve_Karl]

Godzooky75

Please let us know if the spots are gone after wiping with Naphtha.

Thanks!

 

[musicispeace]

Godzooky75

Please let us know if the spots are gone after wiping with Naphtha.

Thanks!

I second that motion.

 

[Godzooky75]

:help: So, I've been making myself crazy and falling down internet-forum rabbit-holes.  I can't find Naptha in Southern California. I read it's been banned since 2012. True? Thanks internet says so.

I also read that lighter fluid and camping stove fuel "contain" Naptha, but are not pure and may contain additives that can discolor the wood. True? Opinions differ (as they tend to do online).

So, mineral spirits then???  Thats safe for the binding? Any recommendations from people in California? Does Amazon ship Naptha to CA?

Now, another conundrum: I have all the parts and I was ready to take it to the luthier for Naptha advice and to have him build it. The thing is.... I've got a hankering to build it myself. I've wired a couple of guitars myself. I have all your basic building tools. I'm handy. I've even worked at Home Depot (plumbing).

I've watched some build videos. Seems doable. But setting up a guitar is voodoo to me and I don't have a luthier tools. So, do I support my local luthier, or DIY? Any recommendations for GOOD, succinct videos explaining setting up the guitar?  (I've see a few terrible ones.)

TL;DR: NO Naptha in California. (?) Finally have all parts. Do I pay a luthier to build it, or do it myself?

 

[DaveT]

Do it yourself.
Take your time.

If you make a first class mess of it, well, I suppose you get to pay a luthier to sort it out. But you do sound like you know which parts of the tools are sharp and which end of the soldering iron gets hot!
It'll be fine.

 

[Cagey]

See if you can get denatured alcohol (not isopropyl). That should work without affecting the binding.

As for building the thing, I say go for it. The only thing you really need specialized tools/skills for is the neck. That I'd send off to be done. If you don't have a favorite local tech, PM me. I know a guy  :laughing7:

 

[swarfrat]

Yes, it is some sort of chemical. (As is everything)

 

[rgand]

:help: So, I've been making myself crazy and falling down internet-forum rabbit-holes.  I can't find Naptha in Southern California. I read it's been banned since 2012. True? Thanks internet says so.

I live in Central CA and just got Naptha from Amazon. They delivered directly to my door. Get it here

And yes. Build it yourself. You'll like it even more that way.

 

[bagman67]

Hey, Godzooky, FYI, I'm moving to Encinitas in August and bringing my guitar-finishing chemicals with me.  I have a gallon can of naphtha I'd be happy to share.  I bought it at a Sherwin Williams store but they had to get it in the back, it wasn't on display.  This was some time ago, so  you may not be able to get it anymore.

 

[Cagey]

Whaddaya, in the witness protection program or something? Seems like this is gonna be the 4th or 5th move in the last 10 years or so.

 

[swarfrat]

Occam's Razor:
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lMNw_-yUm_0[/youtube]