RIC 370/12 RM Finish

Setup, repair and restoration of Rickenbacker Instruments

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s_gunderson
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RIC 370/12 RM Finish

Post by s_gunderson »

I recently purchased a Roger McGuinn 370/12 in perfect condition except for cracks in the finish (which I understand is typical for these guitars).You hear about all kinds of ways to deal with these -Turtle Wax, tung oil, etc. Is there anything that really works outside of a refinishing job?
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rick12dr
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Post by rick12dr »

Turtle wax and tung oil are Not going to remedy
Any crack in the finish you may have. My advice; Leave well enough alone!If anything, just use a soft flannel cloth ,slightly moistened and wipe the guitar down, and buff off any other smudges with another dry cloth.
markthemd
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Post by markthemd »

Cracks are gaps from expansion and contraction in a finish ... this is 100% true for any make of instrument or finish .

Once cracked , you have the problem or rubbing polishes into the wood , which if 'wet' too much will cause lifting of the finsihing material , and then flaking begins .

A damp rag will remove mosty of the human sludge from the surface . If you have any kind of sticky crud (tape residue, sticker glue , the remains of food from a distressed fan who missed you with that tomato but got your guitar , then I use NAPTHA aka VM&P thinner .
Use a 100% cotton cloth of any type to polish the guitar .

Modern finishes require a higher speed to 'buff' them out .Old nitro lacquer is a soft finish and is easily scuffed from holding and easily reshined/polished because of this softness.

Once a modern finish is polished , it takes a lot to dull the surface .....What you are seeing is the ooze from your body on the surface of the guitar and that is dried and now encrusting the surface .... a good bath with remove the unwanted particles of yourself .
So you too want yours "ALAPWOB"?!?!
rick12dr
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Post by rick12dr »

Once a modern finish is polished , it takes a lot to dull the surface .....What you are seeing is the ooze from your body on the surface of the guitar and that is dried and now encrusting the surface .... a good bath with remove the unwanted particles of yourself .

You mean a "good bath " for the guitar, or for you, the crusty player?[ LOL!!]
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