That Smell

[Jerry Byers]

I just noticed this on another website:

The Distresssed Model now includes a special perfume inside the "F" holes, developed to duplicate exactly the smell inside the original Loar Gibson mandolins. Each Distressed model is unique.

What exactly is that smell? Varnish and dust? Sweat? Beer? Isn't this a little over the top? I'm not sure how I would react if somebody came up and asked to smell my "F" holes.

[kvk]

The couple I had my hands on at auction preview were, well, musty. Kinda like a sleeping bag that's been left in your garage too long.

[kudzugypsy]

this has been well covered in threads over the last few years - but i think the smell is unique to many old instruments that sat in cases for decades, void of any air (why many pickguards desintegrate btw).

my old prewar martin and my '39 gibson l-5 still retain that smell, though not as strong as in years past - it is a beautiful smell in a way - i can still remember opening that martin case for the first time and the wiff of musky vintage wood just put me in euphoria. it had been sitting in that case for 25 years.

there are many loar sniffers who claim the loar has a unique smell - it could be glue, varnish, the glue in the case, or the case velvet.

[Jerry Byers]

My point of the thread was not to dispute the smell, but to comment on the origin of the smell. I assumed that "that smell" was a combination of things, as you pointed out. Now, in addition to those contributing factors, a "perfume" is now being added to the mandolin. I'm assuming the perfume is in the form of an oil that is applied to the wood.

Is it really necessary to include such a perfume? It reminds me of the "new car" sprays that you can buy for your car. I find it amusing.

[Hans]

Let's hear it for alchemy and mistique.

[Jerry Byers]

Next you know, you'll be able to get your DMM's in various scents - Kentucky Bluegrass, Nashville Saloon, and Unscented.

[Nolan]

One of the luthiers here on the cafe figured out some type of burned wood smells exactly like a loar. Was it pear wood? Dang, I can't remember!

If you could only put that scent in a bottle you could sell it right next to the finish polish for $8.99 a bottle. Some people might even prefer it in their car to "New car" scent?

[JEStanek]

I've seen these for sale at the local Wawa, 7-11, Circle K, Guitar Center for $2.99. I think $3.99 is the MSRP. Forget Ancient Tone go for Ancient Smell. Keep one in the case at all times.

Actually the smell was in the ink that Lloyd used to sign the labels.

[Big Joe]

I could tell you, but then I'd have to kill you . It is a scent we had manufactured for us and is proprietary. It is not as simple as one may think. The company that made it took quite a while and it was not exactly cheap.

[Professor PT]

One of the luthiers here on the cafe figured out some type of burned wood smells exactly like a loar. Was it pear wood? Dang, I can't remember!

I think it was basswood...I could be wrong, but I remember several here on the Cafe saying that the kerfing on Loars was made of basswood. I'll bet someone will correct me in about twenty seconds if I'm wrong...Joe?

[Tim Saxton]

I thought that is smelled like liver and onions.

[allenhopkins]

Loars smell like money. Lots and lots of money.

[Big Joe]

I've smelled a lot of Loars but I never found the money .

[Nolan]

I think I "Smell" a new mission impossible movie! #

... the stealing of the secret Gibson Loar smell recipe! (maybe they get the secrets to distressing too?)

[danb]

One of the luthiers here on the cafe figured out some type of burned wood smells exactly like a loar. Was it pear wood? Dang, I can't remember!

I think it was basswood...I could be wrong, but I remember several here on the Cafe saying that the kerfing on Loars was made of basswood. I'll bet someone will correct me in about twenty seconds if I'm wrong...Joe?

Yes, that's it. Jamie Wiens told me that if you sear basswood on the belt sander you get instant huge Loar smell.. I'm pretty sure that is the kerfing material, but then again.. would it still smell like that after 80 years?

[kyblue]

Is anyone really going to buy a mandolin because of the way it smells?

Can any of those people (it takes all kinds) justify paying more for a mandolin for the scent?



Paula

[Hans]

[QUOTE] Is anyone going to buy a mandolin because of the way it smells?

Don't tell me you #want tone?

[Big Joe]

Paula...I don't know of anyone who made a decision to purchase a DMM becuase of the smell, however, quite a few have been very insistent that the smell be there and easily recognizable. It may not be what makes the decision, but it certainly is one of the bells and whistles.

When I purchased my Suburban it has several things in it I would not have ordered, but I want them to work since they are there and they are cool. They were not a part of what made me buy it, but I do enjoy them. I'm not sure anyone needs gas and brake pedals that can rise or lower with the touch of a button or a GPS navigation system in the dashboard. However, they were there and a part of the vehicle so I certainly want them to function and I do enjoy them. It's all about different strokes for different folks. If you are happy with what you have, it does not make a difference to you. The real reason anyone buys one is the tone. The rest is just bells and whistles. The DMM thing may not be for you, but it certainly is for many pickers of note.

[mandroid]

Maybe the little bag of cedar shavings will help?
or at least keep the moths from laying inside.

[Mandobar]

now i think i've heard it all................

[JD Cowles]

since our last bar gig, my f-holes smell like stale beer and cigs...you just cain't buy that kinda nostalgia

[Jerry Byers]

Hopefully, nobody used your f-holes as an ashtray.

[JD Cowles]

come on Jerry, my pickin isn't that bad...tho you did give me an idea for a good honky tonk number:

"when my f-holes turn to ashtrays you'll be in my arms to staaaaay"

[Salty Dog]

Having once owned a 1921 A Gibson (original with original everything) I can speak with some authority that the smell is that of old wood (or old wood and old glue) as I have smelled the same odor in antique furniture.