How long to defrost a Rickenbacker?

simer4001 · Post by **simer4001** » Thu Dec 14, 2006 1:23 pm

48 hours is a good waiting period. I was with as friend when he got a new 360. I advised him to wait before opening it. He decided it was fine. The finish decided to cloud up and crack right before our very eyes. I still feel sick about it. 48 Hours!

octagon · Post by **octagon** » Thu Dec 14, 2006 1:28 pm

Oh,I guess me and the perch better wait.I got the rest of my life to enjoy this baby.I'll just have to entertain the perch with my mexi-caster.

teb · Post by **teb** » Thu Dec 14, 2006 3:37 pm

While I can certainly understand the issue here and now generally let the box warm up for a day or so before popping it open, it really makes me wonder about the time I spent on the road with the band. We would get to a gig, unload the stuff, set up the equipment and within about an hour, the cases were popped open and the sound check started. For studio work, it often wasn't even an hour before we were playing. I had one Ric back then for part of the time, but most of our guitars were Martins. Sometimes the truck was heated, sometimes it wasn't and on occasion, they sat all night in a cold truck and had to be opened and played the next morning. Luckily, I don't remember ever having anything crack, fog, etc. but these days I can pamper my guitars all I want. Back then, they had to work for a living.

octagon · Post by **octagon** » Thu Dec 14, 2006 4:17 pm

Oh no!I just took a peak inside and found one problem.The bottom lock is broken.The MF packing is very minimal,plastic bag around Rick tolex case and on piece of brown paper inside single box.Don't know if this was damaged before or after packaging.Do you think I will I have to send the whole thing back to get a new case?

jingle_jangle · Post by **jingle_jangle** » Fri Dec 15, 2006 5:04 am

Yikes! If you want to avoid doing this, get a lock and install it yourself...I don't know if RIC would send you one (call Kenny) but Ohio Travel Bag sells 'em online.

Todd, the whole issue of finish cracking is a hit-and-miss thing. But having worked on a number of Ricks with heavy duty thermal cracking, I know it's at least an occasional reality. Bear in mind that the CV on a Rick is a somewhat heavier film thickness than the air-dry finishes Martin was using years ago. And you know from your boat experience how flexible alkyd varnishes are formulated to be.

I think that there would be little argument that RIC has some of the most beautiful finishes out there, so we take the good with the cautionary...

octagon · Post by **octagon** » Fri Dec 15, 2006 7:59 am

Thanks for the info Paul.Actually the lock isn't broken per se,the little "eye" part on the bottom of the spring latch got bent and pulled loose maybe I can bend it back into shape and re attach it.

bugman · Post by **bugman** » Fri Dec 15, 2006 8:12 am

Waiting is tough--24 to 48 hours
Not waiting and wishing you did could last a lot longer .

drathbun · Post by **drathbun** » Sat Dec 16, 2006 6:49 am

I received my 4003 last February here in Calgary from Texas. It was VERY cold when it was delivered. I waited 8 hours before cracking the case and peeking. It was still cold to the touch so I closed it up again and let it sit overnight. It was fine the next day.

stubby · Post by **stubby** » Sat Dec 16, 2006 7:34 pm

Well, how is it Mitch? The cat must be out of the bag, no?

octagon · Post by **octagon** » Sat Dec 16, 2006 10:13 pm

Hi Bill,well it didn't take that long to defrost her after all owing to the unseasonably warm weather we have been enjoying(gotta love that Global Warming)After a full inspection it turns out that even though I bought this baby as a MF blem the guitar itself is mint and the only blemish was the broken lock hasp which I fixed with a pair of plyers.I thought the guitar might need a setup but factory setup was perfect.I didn't even have to tune it,Wow!This guitar sounds really great and plays like a dream.I'm so glad I got it!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v228/fuzztone65/Rickenbacker/case2.jpg

gretschenbacker · Post by **gretschenbacker** » Sun Dec 24, 2006 9:54 am

Clueless newb here...

Wow, I must have lucked out. I recieved my first Rickenbacker at about this time last year (330 Turquoise) shipped from England. The temperature was hovering at about minus 30 C.

Opened 'er up right away. Not a problem.

Now I'll know for next time!