Maple Glo Finish

Setup, repair and restoration of Rickenbacker Instruments

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kojakcurtis
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Maple Glo Finish

Post by kojakcurtis »

My '73 4001 had bad checking on the back of the neck when I bought it. So, I sanded it smooth, but am not sure what the Maple Glo finish consisted of. To me it looks like just a clear coat to bring out the natural wood. Any help would be appreciated.
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jingle_jangle
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Post by jingle_jangle »

It's a transparent high-solids conversion varnish.

Your '73 has, by now, yellowed from UV light exposure.

Both the wood's top cell layer and the varnish have yellowed, so sanding and recoating with CV will yield a neck surface that will look "bleached".

If you wish to re-varnish, a dash of amber tint needs to be added to the CV in order to match the already-yellowed color. Or you can tint the sanding sealer and use the CV straight, no tint.
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Post by tito »

Paul,

I'm prospecting to build a display case for an antique banjo my grandparents have. I have done a few test stains/finshes on some maple boards. I'm a first timer, but after applying each coat of poly I would sand it down with high grit paper. I did that about 4 times and before the 5th coat I would use steel wool, I don't know the number on it right now. BUT my main concern is after it's all said and done, I can see streaks in the finish. I used a old fluffy sock on my first trial, then a paint brush the second time. Any suggestions for a smoooooooooth and amazingly shiny finish?
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kojakcurtis
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Post by kojakcurtis »

It has yellowed. I'm not really worried about it looking bleached, since it is the back of the neck, but I know I need to put on a finish to protect the wood. Maybe I'll just refinish the whole bass so it's all the same. Thanks for your advice.
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Post by admin »

Chris: Just my two cents, but it is an early 1970s 4001 which is being sought after more and more as time goes by.

If you are going to refinish the back of the neck I would do it right and not interfere with the remainder of the finish on this instrument.

As it is just the back of the neck, why not get a quote?
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jwr2

Post by jwr2 »

you could do a tung oil finish on the back of the neck only to protect the wood ...
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Post by jingle_jangle »

I agree with Peter as my own first choice. Not a job for amateurs or the light-hearted or heavy-handed...

Tung oil on the back of the neck would preclude a future refin in conversion varnish. There are probably adhesion problems with this over time.
“I say in speeches that a plausible mission of artists is to make people appreciate being alive at least a little bit. I am then asked if I know of any artists who pulled that off. I reply, 'The Beatles did.”
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kojakcurtis
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Post by kojakcurtis »

Maybe I should just get it refinished, as there are small check marks on the front of the body also. There is also alot of buckle rash on the back of the body. Trust me, I don't want to mess it up, but I do not intend to ever get rid of it. She's my pride & joy. I'll have to ask around for a good luthier in my area, Northwest Indiana-Chicagoland.
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