Sometimes we are just sensitive to certain off gassing and a new product, like a guitar, uses many products that have the potential to be irritants; finish, glues, plastics, etc.

In time it should get better, but you are right that a vintage would be one route to take. Also, another brand may offer more/less issues or none at all.

If I'm jammed into a small and confining practice room before a show, where the movement of air is at a minimum, I can tell you that when I open any of the cases, I can "smell" the guitar.

But I can also tell you that I have never consciously made an effort TO "smell" a guitar. It never occurred to me to do so.

I've left the guitar out for a couple of days now and the foul smell is just about gone, more wood smell.

But I opened the case and it's is still strong in there, so definately the case is the problem. That's a relief.

The dealer has the correct size case coming next week. I'll give it a good whiff before I take it home :).

Thanks to all who pointed out the case smell, I can enjoy the guitar more now!

Steve

yep, like I said, just leave it out in direct sunlight for a few hours on a couple of days opened up and it will definitely subside....

Most new cases have a smell I don't like. You can really tame the smell by putting a couple dryer sheets in the case and leaving it closed for a few days. I've been told charcoal works too but I've never tried it. Leaving it open in the sun works too.

Charcoal will absord the smell and any moisture as well. Its an old home remedy for storing the camper trailer during winter months to place a couple of open bags of charcoal in the camper.
In the spring no moisture no smell..Voila