Hi folks,

I currently own a D-1H and recently have discovered a very unusal problem. The guitar was made in 10/00 and has been cared for like you would not imagine. But much to my surprise when I opened the case a couple of days ago, there were pitted marks splattered throughout the lower bout (all below the bridge). It was like somebody has sneezed on the guitar, but it doesn't whip off. The tiny cirles (about 100) have no finish. It is the strangest thing! I have spent the last two days (sleepless!) thinking back over the past 10 days (last time it did not have any marks) of what could have happened. And nothing. The guitar has been in it's case, it has never been in contact with anything and I keep the temp. and humidity levels constant (64-68 temp. and humidity at 42-50% range). No kids, only my wife and I so I can't even say that there might have been a third party intervention. This guitar has been my dream guitar, not a scratch anywhere, only about 1 hour a week of playtime. It is dead mint, that is, until now.
I did call Steve M. at Collings and he too is puzzled by this sudden finish change. So, I am open to any ideas, thought, suggestions and even own experiences. I really don't know what to do next. Collings has offered to take a look at it if I want to ship it to Austin Tx, but I am worried about the potential for serious shipping damage (I live in Eastern Canada - still very cold!). And of course the cost of shipping will be a factor as well. I look forward to hearing from anyone with any suggestions. Thanks for reading,

NewStrings

I'm puzzled too.

Could you post a picture so we could see what you're describing?

I have taken a few pictures, but because they were taken in the evening, the lighting and quality are quite poor. I am going to take new ones this weekend and I am confident they will be much more detailed.

I have attached one as an "add attachement" to this reply, but as I am new to this forum, I'm not sure if that will work. Thanks again for your reply.

NewStrings

As promised, here are a few more pictures of the "crop circles" mystery marks on my D-1H. There should be a little better. Thanks again,

NewStrings

And one more....

NewStrings

Are the spots raised like something from inside the wood might be coming out of it or is there any other change in the texture of the finish where they are? Can they be felt to the touch?

Hi,
The spots are relatively small, they are raised somewhat, but if you pass your hand quickly, you really can't feel them. The logically thing is that something was accidently sprayed on the surface (bug repellent, spray cleaner etc.) but I can say without any doubt what so ever, this never happened. So, if you rule that one out, is it possible something is coming out of the wood (like sap on new wood)? Well, if the guitar wasn't almost 5 years old, that would be my first thought. Considering the age, I would not think this is too likely. The last theory I had was that my dog sneezed on my guitar (ok, so really reaching here!) but that is about the only thing in past month I know might of happened. So I guess, is it possible for a dog sneeze to eat away at the nitro cell. finish? Because failing that, I truly am stumped. Thanks again, I look forward to any ideas anyone may have.

NewStrings

Teeny little aliens replicating crop circles? No, perhaps not. What will do this is urine or bird excrement. Cat/dog/bird etc in vicinity of guitar? Them kittys do spray you know. Did you play the guitar outdoors band had tree sap fall on it? Believe me, you will never feel some of this stuff falling. Somebody used fingernail-polish remover/acetone close by? Is your case exuding some sort of acetone-based glue/binder etc?

If all else fails send pictures to Steve at the factory and ask him if any other guitars in that run had similar problems. I can't imagine it but some form of impurity could have sneaked into the laquer that is now surfacing.

Thanks collingscowboy, some great ideas and "what if's". I can eliminate most of them by saying the guitar has never been played outside... only in my music room. No cat either, just a dog (female) and I don't think she could have sprayed it - if it's out of it's case, it's in my arms and not even sitting on a stand.

I did send the better pictures off to Steve at Collings for a better look but I haven't heard anything back yet. I will share his reply once received. Thanks again for taking the time to offer up some good ideas.

NewStrings

I have a mandolin...an MT-2H that I purchased just over two years ago. The finish on the back of the neck has started to flake off right down to the wood. Very much like peeling paint.
A repairman had some issues with the finish when he taped off the board for fret work too.
Very minor compared to what has happened tonight!

Is this some type of adhesion problem?

Sorry for the poor pix quality...it's late at night here and i took this very fast but you can get the idea.

My condolences NewStrings.
Regards, Rick

Newstrings, Sorry for know about the issue with your guitar's finish.

Did you finally sent the guitar to Collings to take a look? I am curious to know how it all turn out...