Major dissapointment on a 4003

kidvett · Post by **kidvett** » Fri Mar 30, 2007 8:58 am

Hello all,

I bought this 4003 in late June 2006. New in OHSC with all goodies...From a reputable seller on the bay. Everything as expected, no complains at all. This JetGlo 4003 in my main rig and she sees at least 20 hours of weekly use...

I like to keep it nice & clean her after each playing session. Like some people recommended ( and a lot of people do ) I used car wax to protect the finish. Meguiars Gold is what I use and is a good product ( been into vintages Corvettes for a long time ). So here's the story...

2 days ago I waxed her. Then upon removal on the dried wax with a cotton cloth, paint came off close to the bridge !! Please see the pictures...( sorry for the quality, I had to resized them more than once to fit the posting )

I simply cant understand how this could happen !!I'm much dissapointed !! And have second toughts on ``product quality``...Yes I am ****** !! I dont expect this to happen on a quality instrument like a Rickenbacker. More even so on a ``less than a year old`` RIC !! I cant figure it out...and sincerely dont know what to do with this issue....

I would very much appreciate your comments, suggestions, ideas...

Early this year I bought my second RIC, a used 4003MG, with an ``un-mentionned`` lifted bridge + a crooked neck ( discovered since )...which I'm presently asking myself what to do with it....( watch for a future listing in the WTS section...)

So not very lucky with the 2 RICs I own !! Problem is that``if I had only one bass it would be a RIC``...

Here's that chipped paint area:

A close up view:

Thanks to all,

Marc

jingle_jangle · Post by **jingle_jangle** » Fri Mar 30, 2007 10:05 am

Kidvett,

With regard to the newish Rick, this sort of thing is best taken up with RIC Customer Service (Kenny is quite knowledgeable and a great guy to deal with!), not by posting in a public forum such as this...

With regard to the used Rick, it's irrelevant--a used guitar or bass has been places and done things you don't know about.

winston · Post by **winston** » Fri Mar 30, 2007 11:22 am

Aren't they both used Ricks?

"I bought this 4003 in late June 2006. New in OHSC with all goodies...From a reputable seller on the bay."

"The bay" I presume is ebay? If that is the case the term "caveat emptor" applies. Let the buyer beware.

geddeeee · Post by **geddeeee** » Fri Mar 30, 2007 11:35 am

Looks like white paint underneath the Jetglo finish. Is it primer or is it a refinish.
Bloody e-bay!!! An online junkyard if you ask me. Always buy a Rick brand new, or at least from a shop.....

doctorwho · Post by **doctorwho** » Fri Mar 30, 2007 11:43 am

Marc, what is the date code on the bass? That is definitely not normal; it looks like the damage extends under the tailpiece ... is there an impact area visible?

kidvett · Post by **kidvett** » Fri Mar 30, 2007 11:49 am

Mark,

Pictures dont show properly. Under the JetGlo finish is the bare wood ( light blond colored )

Brian,

Yes the JetGlo was bought new on Ebay. Advertized as ``unplayed`` which was right on. I have been using it for almost a year & been very satisfied with it until this paint issue came up. I have nothing to say on the seller...

Paul,

As I didnt bought it from a RIC dealer...I dont feel this problem should be directed to the manufacturer on this issue...

I respect your opinion on ``my comments``...If my posting is not ``politically correct`` on the forum, I'll let the moderators delete it...

kidvett · Post by **kidvett** » Fri Mar 30, 2007 11:53 am

Gary,

Sn 06 17250. I havent looked under the bridge so far....

thx1955 · Post by **thx1955** » Fri Mar 30, 2007 12:07 pm

Week 17 of 2006, the damage looks a little like the crazing sometimes seen on the v63, although I've never seen the finish lift like that.

I wonder is someone had the tailpiece off and then has overtightened it when it was put back on.

ken_j · Post by **ken_j** » Fri Mar 30, 2007 12:26 pm

I had a very small amount of this on my former V63 but it was MG so I didn't let it bother me. I believe that it is cause by the bridge fracturing the finish when it is tightened down. This is only a hunch as I have no data to back it up. I would remove the bridge and have a close look. Maybe the other side of the bridge can shed some light. Also a washer or shim job on the bridge would help prevent further damage or damage once it is repaired if you choose that route. I wouldn't let this keep me from enjoying the bass but I understand your frustration.

I would avoid getting any wax on the wood. This would make any repair more difficult.

geddeeee · Post by **geddeeee** » Fri Mar 30, 2007 12:33 pm

I'm sure that the 'crooked neck' on the MG could probably be sorted out. With the 2 truss rods and a reputable Rick specialist I'm sure that issue could be fixed. Ricks are usually tough basses and well built. Also I'm certain that Dale or Paul W could give you pointers on what can be done. These 2 guys are the most knowledgeable people on here, and their work speaks for itself!
I would take up the finish on the Jetglo with RIC customer service as suggested by Jingle. Kenny IS a good guy and I'm sure he can help you.
The problem with a Rick is, if something goes wrong, it seems like the end of the world. Such is the depth of feeling these superb instruments stir up......

jingle_jangle · Post by **jingle_jangle** » Fri Mar 30, 2007 12:40 pm

Marc,

You're right...I should have read your post more carefully. If you bought it new from someone on Ebay, and that someone is not an authorized Rick dealer (authorized RIC dealers don't seem to advertise Ricks on Ebay...), then you have a used guitar, and it is not covered by warranty.

I agree about the tightening down of the bridge causing the finish to blister and then the act of putting pressure on the area in the process of waxing cracked and pulled the chip free.

Fortunately, JG is relatively easy to touch up.

gray · Post by **gray** » Fri Mar 30, 2007 12:45 pm

I have a very small amount of this on my 04 4003 JG as well, in the same spot, only a very tiny bit. It's so little that I haven't felt it was enough to worry about and hasn't got any worse.

As for the crooked neck on the other one, it sounds like someone adjusted it wrong before you owned it. I'm sure it can be straightened out.

johnhall · Post by **johnhall** » Fri Mar 30, 2007 1:15 pm

I show this bass having been sold to a consumer in Reno, Nevada. Interesting how it turned up in Quebec again as "new".

zoomduck · Post by **zoomduck** » Fri Mar 30, 2007 1:45 pm

For what it's worth....I never use anything but Stewart/Macdonald guitar cleaner on my bass finishes....have not had a problem yet .

thx1955 · Post by **thx1955** » Fri Mar 30, 2007 2:13 pm

Green Turtle Wax here, cut 50% with water, just like the factory uses.