Mildew

[Bill Snyder]

I did not think this was the Newell therefore it seems that it points to mildew problems with other instruments in his possession as well.
I am making an assumption that all those black spots are mildew and not a dalmatian finish theme.

[Rvl]

That is an Aria mandolin I bring to schools
I teach at 15 schools and I let the kids play with it
The last owner stripped the finish and started drawing on it

RVL in the photo you posted this mandolin appears to already be covered in mildew. Is it the Newell?

[Rvl]

I have a wood stove in the kitchen,that helps to keep humidity down in the winter

Thanks

Robert VanLane

[Rvl]

Well the past 2 days have been 60% humidity
Still cant understand how a brace would come unglued
The only thing I can think of is ....the box the mandolin was shipped in was stored on a shelf in the garage

Thanks

Robert VanLane

[Keith Newell]

Well, I was gonna keep quite, the box is long gone in the trash. The case and the mandolin both have the same issue which is overpowering mildew reek. I Live in Oregon, this is a wet enviroment to say the least. None of the wood on my storage rack have ever had a hint of this odor. I even have sleeping bags stored out here in the shop for years and used every year with no issues. I have no drying aparatise like a wood stove and keep the shop above 56 Deg during spring , fall and winter (barely).
I have a cheap plastic shed on the property that leaks and I need to replace the floor soon because it is rotting, I have a bunch of stuff out there that is suseptable to mildew (don't tell my wife because it's some old books and kids clothes from 25 yrs ago) and none of them have this issue and it is an unheated shed.
I'm not saying one way or another but it's time to let the thread die, let me look into it and contact the customer and if we can or can't work things out then either of us can repost here.
Thanks all for the advise,
Keith

[Bertram Henze]

If climate conditions offer no explanation, maybe the mildew itself can. Is it possible that Japan has different species of fungus that survive and thrive under different conditions, but find American wood a cosy home?

Reminds me of the potato blight that struck Ireland in 1845, coming from America.
If the analogy is right, America will soon be covered in Japanese mildew

[Tavy]

If climate conditions offer no explanation, maybe the mildew itself can. Is it possible that Japan has different species of fungus that survive and thrive under different conditions, but find American wood a cosy home?

Reminds me of the potato blight that struck Ireland in 1845, coming from America.
If the analogy is right, America will soon be covered in Japanese mildew

Oh my, Keith will be pleased!

[Rvl]

Well, I was gonna keep quite, the box is long gone in the trash. The case and the mandolin both have the same issue which is overpowering mildew reek.

1)Keep quiet?
You posted here and you never contacted except for the first email saying the mandolin had arrived and that was a month ago and you didnt mention anything about bad smells.
2)Mildew?
It leaves my house in good condition with no mildew, and none of my other instruments have mildew.Neither do my sleeping bags in the garage where the box was stored.
3)Abuse?
I listed all the ways in which I keep my instruments in good health. I see no abuse
4)You threw out the box?
That could have given a strong clue as to if the box was damaged in transit.....ie did it get wet?

Thanks

Robert VanLane

[forestf5]

1)Keep quiet?
You posted here and you never contacted except for the first email saying the mandolin had arrived and that was a month ago and you didnt mention anything about bad smells.
2)Mildew?
It leaves my house in good condition with no mildew, and none of my other instruments have mildew.Neither do my sleeping bags in the garage where the box was stored.
3)Abuse?
I listed all the ways in which I keep my instruments in good health. I see no abuse
4)You threw out the box?
That could have given a strong clue as to if the box was damaged in transit.....ie did it get wet?

Thanks

Robert VanLane

I've been reading this thread, and can not help but think that this instrument was either: 1) sunami victim 2) abused 3) left out in the weather by someone, either owner or delivery person 4) neglected (see #1 & 3)

Remember, "deNile" is not just a river in Egypt...
I'm sure all four of the above would NOT be covered under MOST, if not ANY warrantees.
My verdict is for the builder to return the carcass of said mandolin for proper burial, R.I.P.

[MikeEdgerton]

We have reached a point where this has become something that should be private between the parties involved. Please take it offline, there really is no need to take this any further.