I have various musks (ambrette, muscaro, ...) in solid form and would like to render some of it in to liquid form. Is there a big difference between Diethyl Phthalate or 100 proof Vodka? Or perhaps they have very different functions? Thanks.

"big difference" in terms of the effect.

My muscaro is in liquid form...sorry about that.

This might help? It is from Grawes lure catalog. D.P.- This is the best solvent for the tincturing of all the White Musk, Keytone Musk, Ambrette Musk and most synthetic Musk. It also works better and faster on ingredients and glands you would normally use propylene glycol for. Personally I am not a fan of vodka as a tincture, just my 2 cent's. I mainly trap Coyotes so I keep it natural as possible for those spooky animals.

Thank you, Mark. This is helpful!

DP is a chemical, as are most all solvents and materials used to tincture. DP is to my sense of smell odor less.

Alcohols ( Vodka, Ever clear etc. ) used as a tincturing agent are typically blended / used with a cutting oil. The alcohol acts as the astringent drawing out the odor properties of the tincture material. Once the alcohol evaporates, since it is volatile, the extracted odor is captured in the cutting oil/material.

I don't know if I have ever seen a rejection when using products that have been cut or final products derived from using a solvent material.

In most cases that the average trapper encounters I doubt there would a problem in using any such material particularly if blended with other ingredients in a bait or lure.

That isn't implying that there aren't some animals that may find some caution in something that is totally unnatural to them. On the other hand it may serve to drive their curiosity as well.

That is just how some pressed at times unpredictable animals can react.

Thank You Bob. I was hoping you would share a little of your knowledge with us.

Yes, thank you Bob! I very much appreciate you sharing your knowledge with us.

I am by no means an expert. I am a seasoned veteran in the field. There is much to learn still and great joy in that process.

Well, compared to me, you sir are a full-bird colonel. Yes, learning is the best part of it. I'm in a position now where I can afford to dabble in the "mysterious art" of lure making and embrace the mistakes as a sign of progress.

Hi Bob! What is considered a cutting oil?

RG, you are asking a good simple question. But the answer might be a trade secret for Bob J. and others?
I have read where Olive Oil can be used when tincturing Civet Musk. Just one example. Tincturing is a interesting study!!
Always reread Bobs posts because the answer is often hidden or implied in his comments. I have learned a lot from Bob and others!! Happy New Year!!!

I like good clean skunk oil to tincture real civet musk paste. double boiler. dissolves right in

PS the smell of ethanol is a natural smell. Any thing with a high sugar content like wild grapes or even mulberries, apples etc will ferment lying on the ground.

Thank you for the info! I buy most of my ingredients from Bob. Happy new year.