Fret bubbling

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thevince
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Joined: Sat May 03, 2014 10:27 am

Fret bubbling

Post by thevince »

My 2004 330 has bubbling near the frets. Is this any long term concern? It does not seem to impact playability.

There is a 4003S for sale locally I am considering that has a similar issue. If it's no major concern, I may get it!

Thank you.
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scott_s
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Joined: Mon Nov 26, 2001 12:59 pm

Re: Fret bubbling

Post by scott_s »

For what it's worth, I also have a 2004 330, and it has some finish lifting at the frets, too. My understanding is that this is normal -- metal, wood, and finish all expand and contract at different rates, so they tend to pull apart over time. You can see a bit of it here and there in the Bacon and Day book, as well as the little poster that comes with Rickenbacker instruments!

Durability-wise, I figure we're no worse off than guitars with rosewood boards that are unfinished in the first place. But aesthetically, it *would* be nicer if they didn't do that at all. ;)
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jdogric12
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Re: Fret bubbling

Post by jdogric12 »

Yep, looks normal.
farace
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Re: Fret bubbling

Post by farace »

My 2015 4003FG had the finish lifting from the frets, much worse than that, and with the intercession of the local dealer where I bought it, it went back to Ric for refinishing, so I guess they agreed that it wasn’t right. It still has some, if you look, but nowhere near what it had been.

(N.B.: Along with the refinish came new stickers (which were removed promptly upon its return) and new strings.)
--Bob

2015 4003 FG
1992 4003FL FG
1983 4003 WAL

Gone (stolen) but not forgotten, 1978 4001 WHT
thevince
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Re: Fret bubbling

Post by thevince »

Thank you for confirming! I'm not worried anymore about this.
And I did end up getting a 4003S this week, which fortunately did not have this issue at all. :D
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lumgimfong
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Re: Fret bubbling

Post by lumgimfong »

My 2016 4003 has it if you look close.
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