Early 80's FG is the...

[rickaddict]

...shizzle!

http://cgi.ebay.com/1981-Vintage-Ricken ... dZViewItem

I really like it. Not sure if RIC used to use some sort of yellow dye to get that "sunburst effect," or maybe its all in the clear coat yellowing, but I've noticed a definite difference between (super-cool) late 70's FG and the early 80's FG.

[henry5]

That's the sort of Fireglo I like too. Wonderfully warm and clear.

[phlemmy]

ugh @ those vintage knobs

[brycycle]

stunning.

[wints]

That is a very nice example FG, especially in that condition.

[johnallg]

Has to be yellowing, look at the binding. Beautiful. Great maple on it also.

[rickfan60]

That is a beautifuly ambered FG.

[phlemmy]

this is a nice 78 FG

[simer4001]

WOW! That's a beauty!

[rickaddict]

I dunno guys. I've noticed a difference in FG around 1981 to 1984 from how it was before. I mean...this one has definitely ambered a bit. Yes, the binding is cream colored.

My '76 4001 FG also has cream colored binding but it doesn't have this deep golden center. This one goes from golden to red, mine goes from maple to red.

I think there was a change in how FG was applied or in the dyes right around 1981 and lasting for a few years.

[teeder]

Nice coloring!

[johnallg]

I dunno guys. I've noticed a difference in FG around 1981 to 1984 from how it was before. I mean...this one has definitely ambered a bit. Yes, the binding is cream colored.

My '76 4001 FG also has cream colored binding but it doesn't have this deep golden center. This one goes from golden to red, mine goes from maple to red.

I think there was a change in how FG was applied or in the dyes right around 1981 and lasting for a few years.

Could it also have been a change in the CV that caused the more ambered look years later - a certain formula that yellowed differently?

[tennis_nick]

ugh @ those vintage knobs

Never thought plain black knobs could bother someone so much.... gaudy pearloid or abalone inlaid knobs maybe.... but plain black ones?

[rickaddict]

Could it also have been a change in the CV that caused the more ambered look years later - a certain formula that yellowed differently?

You could be right, John. It might have been a change in the CV. But I've seen so many FG's from this period that are more of a sunburst than a FG. I don't know much about finishing, but it makes me think there must have been some sort of yellow dye sprayed in the middle. This one does look like the varnish has yellowed also though.

[heinpete]

It might be that one reason is the different maple that was used sometimes, as I remember my first 4001FG, a 1978 model was pretty much the same stain inside the body as the nowadays 4003FG, without any yellowish tint. Seems like from a certain timepoint on the clear coat finish had a UV-blocker, that does inhibit any yellowing of the natural wood colour.