How to remove the stains on this Martin?

[Denovan Lockie]

I bought this on the weekend - sounds great!

The stains are only visible in certain light...

They look greasy.

[lennycorn]

Just my opinion but I don't think you can.
If it's a water stain it might , over time, get lighter but I would let it be and see what happen.

[Ed-in-Ohio]

If it's a nitro finish, I'd try naphtha.

[Mr LV19E]

It looks like someone tried to repair the finish at some point without completely removing the original finish. I would remove the finish completely then use your finish of choice, mine would be several layers of wipe on poly. You don't mention what model it is or if the finish is satin or gloss.

[Denovan Lockie]

It's an OM-1 (not OM-1GT). I imagine it's some kind of very thin poly finish. I might take it to a luthier...to assess. Thanks for your help.

[Mr LV19E]

Where are you located? Did the guitar come with the strings stuffed in the sound hole?

[acme97]

That looks like a top refinish situation there if you want it to go away. But you could try some naphtha and see what happens.

[McCawber]

That light of a stain doesn't bother me - I'd just play it and consider the stain mojo.

[acme97]

You know, if the guitar sounds really good and you like the action, or like it good enough...don't monkey with it. A decade ago I would have said different. This is learned advice, trust me.

[Denovan Lockie]

I think what happened is the previous (or perhaps the previous previous) owner tried to remove the finish with something acidic - perhaps Naphtha. I think the solution maybe to get some kind of polish or wax or even thin lacquer like wudtone or something...