Neck finish question on a new 360-12.

sinclairs · Post by **sinclairs** » Sun Jun 26, 2005 6:29 am

This is my first post. What a great forum. There is a wealth of information here!

My wife bought me a new 360-12 FG for my B-day. Great gift! It's been many years since I've owned a Rickenbacker and I'v always regretted selling the ones I've had. She bought it this week from a major retailer and had it shipped it to my home.

I immediately noticed that the dark strip on the back of the neck feels uneven and seems to have "swelled" or raised slightly. I hate to be picky but this can be felt when holding the guitar and is noticeable down the entire length of the neck, but not on the headstock or the neck heel.

I really don't want to return the guitar for an exchange because it was a gift AND because I like the look and playability of this one.

Could this be a simple finish prob across the glue joints of the laminate that could be rubbed out? Should I go ahead and send in the warranty card now and later send the guitar in for warranty repair if it gets worse? I have a busy summer gig schedule and really want to use the guitar (starting tonight!), but I know the uneven surface on the back of the neck will start bugging me. Thanks for the advice.

Rod

jingle_jangle · Post by **jingle_jangle** » Sun Jun 26, 2005 6:36 am

Welcome, Rod!

Best advice is to call Rick customer service tomorrow and explain your situation. They are very helpful.

Sounds like a case of improper storage between factory, dealer, and you.

ken_j · Post by **ken_j** » Sun Jun 26, 2005 6:52 am

Welcome, Rod! You will like it here.

You may find that you only need to let the guitar stabilize in right humidity/environment for it to return to normal.

Where in MI are you at?

sinclairs · Post by **sinclairs** » Sun Jun 26, 2005 9:44 am

Thanks for the replies guys.

I live in Auburn, MI (near Bay City) and it is hot and humid here now. We have central air, and I was home waiting for FedEx to deliver the guitar on Thurs so I know it didn't sit out in the elements upon delivery.

I hope I am not being anal about this matter but the guitar is just so beautiful I guess I want it to be "right". My Am Std strat had a similar problem when I first got it ie the "skunk stripe" seemed to swell and you could feel it on the back of the neck when playing. My tech was able to smooth it out with some finishing technique and it has remained perfectly smooth ever since. I hope this Rick prob doesn't require major work or refinishing. I'll call Rickenbacker Monday and report back with details.

Rod

dale_fortune · Post by **dale_fortune** » Sun Jun 26, 2005 9:50 am

Rod, one major problem is in transport: Shipping by ground in a sealed 40ft. trailer it can reach 140 degrees in those things and coming accross country any thing can happen. Usually heat and humidity cause this problem. Give it a while an see if it persists, call Rick Customer Service to be on top of the problem ASAP.