Anyone have a tried and good chemical solution recommendation for removing glue residue left on microphone barrel from tape etc? Don't want to discolor or damage the finish.
thx

Try lighter fluid. Apply it to a cloth and rub the glue. If the finish is anodized, it won't come off very easily. Try to avoid any areas of lettering, symbols, etc. as those are probably silkscreened onto the surface.

-gb-

I've had very good results with WD-40, of all things. Also good for tape residue on cables. I also would be very careful around painted finishes or logos.

Sometimes applying a fresh piece of duct or gaffer tape will pull off some the old when removed. I've also had mixed results with spray silicone, WD40 & automotive bug & tar remover. In any case, care should be taken around lettering ect.
What kind of mic is at issue? The finish on SM57s & 58s is pretty much indestructible.
The commercially sold Goo-be-gone stuff is useless and the god awful smell is enough to make a chicken puke.

Good 'ol turps is my usual weapon of choice, tho' care is needed on certain plastics, particularly polystyrene.

On anodised alloy should work a treat.


CS

The best glue remover is aliphatic naptha, and that happens to be the primary ingredient in lighter fluid.
I second the motion for lighter fluid

Once you've got it off, to help prevent a recurrence in the future, remember that real Gaffer's Tape is NOT the same thing as duct tape or masking tape. The real McCoy is formulated with a special low-residue adhesive that won't leave its calling-card behind on mics, cables, walls, etc like regular tapes do. For examples, see Gaffer's Tape, Gaffter Tape, Permacel Gaffer's Tape (http://www.filmtools.com/gafferstape.html)

thx all for the suggestions.
I'll make sure the matches are in a safe place before proceeding. Mic is an AKG 451. Gun metal dark finish

I've had good luck with Goo-B-Gone.

I'd second the use of Goo-Gone. It works great on tape/glue residue and it won't damage surfaces.

I've had troubles with Goo-Gone removing paint, so I personally don't use it. Lighter fluid works, but IMO, leaves a bad smell throughout the house. Over the holidays, someone demonstrated to me that hand sanitizer removes sticky residue. I tried it myself and was very pleased with the results...Plus, it's cheap!

Good luck!