Removing a Schaller Oyster - PLEASE HELP!

[Aden]

Folks, an uncle just gave me his old Vester acoustic guitar, but it has a silver Schaller oyster stuck on the front with double sided tape I think. Now over the years it has become SUPER stuck on - no matter how hard I seem to push and pull I can't get it off - and it has become a disturbing obsession... I dislike visual electrics at the best of times Do you folks have any suggestions at all? I thought of pouring boiling water over it but won't that effect the top/colour. It is a black guitar by the way...

Thank you!

[Corky Long]

Might be useful to have a picture of what you're dealing with. Boiling water is a definite "NO", and teh right answer is dependent on both the glue that was used, and the type of finish on the top.

One option, which is more or less risky, is to cut out a cawl, which perfectly fits the outline of the "oyster", in carboard, or leather, or something that can protect the top from heat. Then, I'd use heat on the oyster, from a hair dryer, heat lamp, whatever. If the top is totally protected everywhere except on the device you're trying to remove, eventually the adhesive will heat up and probably relese. I'd also keep my inside the guitar and make sure the top isn't getting too hot under the cawl. If you go slow, you can do it this way without any damage to the top.

[Aden]

Here it is - really does cling like an oyster!

[hermithollow]

You could try using vinegar to loosen the glue if it is stuck on with double sided tape. Vinegar will soften many glues and generally doesn't hurt most finishes.

[Rick Jones]

Naptha? Maybe try some kind of penetrating product like WD40, just test it on some inconspicuous spot first for finish reaction.

You could even try lemon oil/fingerboard treatment, it may seep down and loosen the old adhesive, and shouldn't be harsh on the finish.