Sapele pitch leaching out of back and side wood

[Michael Tulloch]

I've a back and side set of Sapele. It has been leaching out a pitch over the last 5 years or so. Seems to have done it's thing (don't know for sure), pitch on the surface has hardened.

Any experience with this..? Can I just remove the pitch on the surface (with what?) and seal (shellac?), and motor on? Or am I in danger of having this set erupt later after final finish is in place? What might be the procedure here....any thoughts?

Thanks :  michael

[Michael Tulloch]

Geez...I hope I'm not persona non gratta.

[Ned Knepp]

Hi Michael,
The is a fairly low volume forum, meaning that there isn't always a lot of posting here. I read you question when you posted as I'm sure others did. I made no comment because it lay outside my experience. It is entirely possible that the same is true of others. It's NOT likely that one of the regulars would read your question and withhold an answer from you.

This is a nice place with some pretty nice people that like to help others but the simple fact that you posted a question doesn't automatically mean someone here posts the answer. Personally I'm sorry that you feel "persona non gratta" but I don't think there is any reason to do so. If someone has an answer, they will probably post it when they get a chance. If no one has an answer,... well, your question was pretty specific so it seems that this thread was pretty much a give an answer or say nothing sort of thread.

Hopefully, someone will come along with experience that you can use. I feel safe in saying that they will happily post a response that might be of help.

Ned

[Michael Tulloch]

Thank you Ned. Appreciate the helpfull words....I jumped the gun with that, I think.

[Ned Knepp]

I just had a thought.
Seeing as you have the pitch problem in the first place, how about a bit of experimentation on your part. Perhaps you can supply the information to us. I don't have any experience with this but I'm certainly interested.

Ned

[Michael Tulloch]

Yes...I am experimenting with solvents and sealers....and I will share the results.

Didn't mean to kick up any dust here. Only high regards.
Haven't contributed information much so far , as I'm on my second guitar , and can't speak with much authority as a builder.

Thanks again; Michael

[William F.Eden]

Michael if were my instrument I would try some turpintine on it then I would seal it with supper glue.hey that is just my thought on the subject anyway for what it's worth.good luck Bill."""""""""""""""'

[Robert Filippi]

Michael,
In his book on classical guitar building, Arthur Overholtzer discusses using benzene to remove excess resins from rosewood.
I did this once but found the process a bit noxious. Considering the porosity of the Sapele and the thinness of your plates, I would guess that this might work for you.Good luck; let us know how it works out for you.
Robert

[Michael Tulloch]

Interesting idea Bill super glue. I'll keep that in mind for round 3 :-)

Robert...a friend of mine has that book, I'll check it out.

I hope to have some results this week-end, and that's when the bending will occur.

Thank you very much for the help....I'll follow up in a bit.


Michael