WEEKLY MORSEL: THE GOOD, BAD, and the GOOEY...

This WEEKLY TIP deals with a problem that results from yet another problem: Using any of a variety of tapes to make microphone repairs ranging from fraying cables (hardwired SHURE 520 "GREEN BULLETS" especially) to missing grill screws (HOHNER BLUES BLASTERS most recently). You've got to remember that putting duct tape on a disintegrating cable or loose grill isn't like putting a cast on a fractured arm: There won't be any self-healing going on underneath. The gooey residue that results from the breakdown of the tape's adhesive is unfortunately common among harpmics.
Let's say you've obtained a mic that's been basted with years of this glue-slime. How do you rid the mic of this stuff without harming its exterior finish?
Three recommendations for three levels of GOO: 1) A citrus or orange oil cleaner such as CITRUSOLVE for the light-duty goo patrol on cords and such; 2) A spot-remover / degreaser such as GOO GONE will deal with most adhesive residues; 3) A graffiti ink & paint remover like GOOF OFF for the really nasty suborn stuff -but be cautious with category #3 as they often contain Xylene and other powerful solvents that aren't good for you OR many of the mic finishes in use.
The best cure is prevention: DON'T put your gear into situations that might require trussing with tape. Take care and prepare, and like I've said before, "You'll never have to gummy-up LORD MICROPHONE with tape..."