Fireglo Finish/Wood Quality Question from Newbie

[byrdwatcher]

Howdy--

I'm currently shopping for a Fireglo 330, and I've noticed that the Fireglo finishes on mid-90's instruments are noticeably less dramatic than the Fireglo bursts on recent Ricks. I really prefer the subtler look of the older instruments. They also appear to have a more uniform quality of maple than many of the recent instruments I've seen.

My questions are these:

1) Do Fireglo finishes ALL "mellow" as they age, or are current finishes brighter/more dramatic?

2) Anyone have a 330 Fireglo (high-gains or toasters) for sale?

Thanks,
Spencer

[randyz]

Spencer: The color and shading of the Fireglo finishes have varied over the years. You will also find variations from one instrument to another. Don't be fooled by photos either. Many photos do not correctly capture the coloration. Older finishes are more likely to change with age than newer ones, thanks to improvements in finishing materials. Since I keep my Rickenbackers safely tucked away in their cases, they are not exposed to UV rays and other factors that might result in finish changes. My advice is to find a Rickenbacker that looks nice to you and buy it. It's hard to lose money on a high quality American-made guitar that has been well cared for.

[godber]

Hi Spencer.

It's a (crafted) lump a natural material, hand sprayed and subject to all kinds of environmental changes - there are bound to be as many differences as there are fingerprints in the world. And that's what I like about 'em.

We've all got personal preferences and many people love the merging and mellowing that comes with age - hence the Amber Fireglo COY.

Mr Anthony Carey knows a thing or two about the colour Fireglo, you should see the ones he sells on…

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/RICKENBACKER-360WB-with-three-pickups_W0QQitemZ290010328038QQihZ019QQcategoryZ41439QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[Scastles]

Welcome, Spencer. You've already gotten some good advice and thoughts on it. I suspect it's hard to tell if the newer finishes will turn, but they might to some degree. This is all speculative though. It will depend on what the guitar is exposed to over time.

[byrdwatcher]

Thanks for everyone's input! I appreciate the help--especially from one forum member in particular who contacted me via e-mail. It's nice to be welcomed to such a forum, even if I do "lurk" 99% of the time.

[rickfan60]

The spray of FG and all of the other burst colors from the beginning varies by spray operator and how he/she was feeling that day. Some do (did) it heavily other lightly.

[johnhall]

We've made some major changes in the materials and procedures for Fireglo very recently. I think all of you are going to be completely stunned when you have the chance to see the latest version in person and observe how smooth and uniform the shading now appears.

Regarding the Maple, the quality goes in cycles based on the current market. However, now that architectural designer wood trends, such as those you see in Starbucks, are turning away from Maple (to darker woods instead), the quality available to us is probably better than it's ever been.

[johnallg]

"However, now that architectural designer wood trends, such as those you see in Starbucks, are turning away from Maple (to darker woods instead), the quality available to us is probably better than it's ever been."

Hey, their taste change is our gain!! I'm always amazed at the grain and flame presented in RIC MGs and other see-through colors. You guys have a good eye on picking maple - and walnut (like my 4004C).