Alembic Guitars Club
Connecting => Miscellaneous => Topic started by: lbpesq on May 14, 2017, 06:49:50 PM
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I have three Hercules Auto Grip guitar stands that I've had for several years. When I folded them up to bring to the Alembic gathering last weekend, I noticed that the rubber grip area, where you depress the back to raise and lower the neck rest, is sticky. It is the same on all three. The surface is very tacky and it doesn't wash off with soapy water or goo gone. It seems as if the rubber is melting! Anyone ever encountered this before? Until now, they've been great stands.
Bill, tgo
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I was reluctant to buy mine because I read a lot of negative reviews about the material they make the rubber grip out of, lots of stories of melted grips. Bummed to hear you are having the same problem.
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The rubber starts out as a sticky substance and additives and processing increases the polymer chains making a harder substance. Over time, oxidation, temperature, UV, light, and other environmental factors break down the polymer chains, reverting the substance back to its original sticky state. This happens to a lot of rubber coated things (e.g., umbrella handles, power tools, car door handles, etc.) and the rate of decay depends on the polymer composition and influencing environmental factors. That's it in a nutshell.
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A friend brought a wireless mic and receiver that he hadn't used in a good while for a project. When I brought them home, they were both sticky; so I'm guessing it was the polymer chain thing. I can't remember if it was me or another friend or both of us, but we eventually did remove the stickiness from both the mic and the receiver. I can't recall what soap I used, nor do I know what she used.
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Thanks for the quick explanation Rob. Is vinyl OK? I found out the hard way about the staining of guitar headstocks from foam cushions on wall hangers. I solved the problem by slipping 5/8" ID clear vinyl hose from a hardware store, over the cushion. Time will tell if this is OK.
Here is an explanation Diamond Life posted about the problem:
Are the cushions safe for guitars with nitro-cellulose finishes?
Unfortunately, no guitar hangers have completely nitro cellulose safe cushions, ours included. As we understand it, damage can occur in two ways: the material used for the cushion 'out-gasses' causing the lacquer to stain, or the cushion prohibits air and moisture movement from the wood of the guitar through the finish causing it to stain.
There are accessory items that address either of these problems, but not both. Leather covers can be purchased (Ingles #SA-10HC) that allow the wood/finish to breathe, but they don't completely stop the cushion gasses from passing through to the finish. There are 'gas-free' cushion materials, but these are relatively expensive and, like the leather covers, address just half the potential problem..
Somewhere in between is likely a solution, but so far none of us manufacturers have found the confidence to state "this is the solution".
For our guitar hangers we use a material that we consider to be comparatively low in its emissions. We can suggest that cloth or leather 'pads' be placed on the hanger arms.
[edited for formatting]
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I've had the same thing happen. Especially likely to occur if the stand was in an area that got a lot of sunlight. A good reason why I now religiously abide by the rule...if it's not in my hands it's in its case. Interestingly, since living by that rule and storing my stands in a dark, relatively cool closet when not in use, I've had no problems with stands as that I've had for 8-10 years.
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I had some stands that the rubber cushion was deteriorating on, and a friend's Mom came up with an easy solution... she sewed some sleeves for the 'arms' of the stand using some velour material similar to the inside of a guitar case. The slipped on just like the surgical tubing idea above. 8)
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My stands are not of the Hercules level; MF house brand, On Stage, etc. I had a few where the rubber padding dried up & crumbled. I put food-grade tubing on to replace it; no problems about 5 years in. None of my instruments have nitro finishes, though.
Peter
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... she sewed some sleeves for the 'arms' of the stand using some velour material similar to the inside of a guitar case. 8)
Solution appears to require sewing skills.
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I have a towel that's nearing the end of its useful intended life. I'm wondering if I could sew strips of it into sleeves for the guitar stand arms.
I'm mainly concerned about the small arms that the neck rests in. I currently leave a polishing rag draped over the arms so that the neck only touches the rag.
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Fingers from an old glove maybe? ???
I have some cotton sock material on mine.
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Ok who here didn't read the topic and immediately think of mind altering substances? I have seen things melt that shouldn't have . . . .
The ideal solution would be to remove the rubber and carve/ bore out some soft wood sleeves. Would require a decent wall thickness to prevent cracking, but then that may make the throat too narrow . . . ???
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This is a problem with older Hercules stands. They've changed the formula for their rubber and the new Hercules stands don't have this problem. I've heard that if you have your receipts they will replace the sticky stands. You should contact Hercules. I have three of the new stands and they are great!
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I have seen things melt that shouldn't have . . . .
Fortunately, your mind figured out what it was doing and unmelted everything before you woke up the next morning.
. . . bore out some soft wood . . .
Actually, a solid wood guitar stand would look pretty nice.
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I have seen things melt that shouldn't have . . . .
Fortunately, your mind figured out what it was doing and unmelted everything before you woke up the next morning.
Yes, and do not overlook the value of good friends! :D
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:)
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Follow-up Report:
I contacted Hercules about the melting stands. Though they are out of warranty, and I have no sales receipts (I've probably had these 8-10 years, or more), they are sending me three new stands! It is refreshing to find another company that, like Alembic, stands behind its products and goes the extra mile to treat customers right, even if they aren't making any money on the particular transaction. Companies like these are few and far between. Kudos and thanks to Hercules!
Bill, tgo
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Great news Bill.
Combo of them taking care of you plus finding out that the material they make the grips out of has been changed makes me feel better about my recent purchase.
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Right on! :-D
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My new Hercules guitar stands arrived today. Once again I have to give a shout out to Hercules for going above and beyond. Considering that I've had the stands probably for 8-10 years and have no receipts, it is the rare company that would just send three new ones. If there is a company Hall of Fame, Hercules should be in there along with Alembic.
Bill, tgo