Finish Scratches on 360 JG

[ChicagoRic360]

Hi,

A few days ago I received my new 360 JG. I noticed right away that it has finish scratches all along the neck that are a) quite unexpected from everything I've read about Ric's excellent finishes b) unattractive and c) disappointing given the cost of the instrument. Should I return the instrument, or is correcting this condition reasonably easy and inexpensive?

I've seen a couple of products mentioned in this forum and on the Rickenbacker site, but then someone discusses how these products contain silicone, which should not be used on the guitar.

Thanks.

[blueflamerick]

How deep are the scratches? Surface or is wood missing?

Read this:

http://www.rickresource.com/phpBB3/view ... 4&t=255794

[ChicagoRic360]

Thanks, but this is one the threads I'd read. One or both of these products, though, seem to contain silicone as I mentioned above.

To answer your question, the scratches are surface scratches; they do not catch on my fingernails, for example. They are several inches long, however, and run the length of the neck. There is not an area on the neck that is free of these scratches.

I have no experience with this type of finish work, so I can't speculate on the cause. I can only say that they shouldn't be there -- especially for a $2,500 guitar!

[fireglo67]

Had the guitar been on display and available to play in a shop before you bought it?

I bought a Jetglo 360/12 that had this same neck scratch problem (as well as quite a few other 'problems').

Turns out that some of the people that may have tried the guitar out in the shop could have been wearing rings that would scratch the laquer on the neck of the guitar. I kid you not.

Mine went staight back to the shop for a full refund.

I then bought one brand new from somewhere else, in the case and outer cardboard box. The first person to see or touch that guitar since it left the factory was me.

It is, of course, perfect. (and dang! does it smell good!)

[janglerocker]

It's a pretty good bet it didn't leave the factory with scratches like what you say you have. I'd probably go for a return or an exchange if one is available. As for your silicone concern, it has been determined that the amount of silicone in said product is too minute to worry about.

[ChicagoRic360]

Thanks for the comments. I bought the guitar online, and it arrived in a box sealed from the factory. It had that new Ric smell, but the strings were another matter. They seemed to be a bit rough; "corrosion" doesn't seem like the right word, but I'm drawing a blank on how to describe the condition.

Who's to say what happened. I've requested an RA from American Musical, so it goes back on Monday. The Ric had a great sound, so I'm sad to see it go.

[fireglo67]

Thanks for the comments. I bought the guitar online, and it arrived in a box sealed from the factory. It had that new Ric smell, but the strings were another matter. They seemed to be a bit rough; "corrosion" doesn't seem like the right word, but I'm drawing a blank on how to describe the condition.

Who's to say what happened. I've requested an RA from American Musical, so it goes back on Monday. The Ric had a great sound, so I'm sad to see it go.

Don't worry.

Jetglo 360/6's seem to be in plentiful supply at the moment. (you might even get a better deal as I did)

Don't be put off and be sure to buy another, you wont be sorry, I guarantee it.

[kiramdear]

If I really liked the sound of the guitar and it was already mine, and none of the finish was actually missing you'd have to pry it post-mortem out of my rigor-mortis stiffened fingers. I'd just have it buffed out and then keep it and play the heck out of it. But that's me

[jingle_jangle]

The thread "Last Word on Scratch-X and Zymol" in my topic section ("Reflections, etc.") , I thought pretty much put this topic to rest.

Yes, Scratch-X does contain a small amount (tiny, really) of silicone, to aid in smooth application. I've used thecstuff in my shop for over a decade, and have never seen a fisheye appear.

The cautions about silicones are meant to warn people off of silicone-loaded "lazy man's waxes", which are anathema to refinishers and can cause finish problems in the long term.

Zymol ( a natural-oil-formulated wax system with no silicone) is the best wax I've found in years and years of finishing manufacturers' show automobiles, and now, guitars. It is special because of its lack of solvents, which allow building of coats for max gloss and filling of surface "halos".

Honest. Both are fine for Ricks.

The scratches in your JG 360 (how 'bout some pics?) can be hand-buffed out, depending upon how deep they are, with 3M Perfect-It 3000 (for deeper scratches), followed by Scratch-X (for finer scratches) and Zymol (for the finishing touch. BE SURE to use a cotton diaper--synthetics scratch,as do paper products.

[ChicagoRic360]

See the above photo. They're surface scratches that don't catch on my fingernails, but they are numerous and several inches long. I don't know what caused these scratches. The guitar arrived in a factory-sealed box, so it left Rickenbacker this way.

[whojamfan]

Isn't this now he second guitar you've ordered that came with scratches on it, the first being from Sam Ash? This one from American Musical supply, does it have the same scratches on it, or are these different?

Again, Gary from North Coast Music will ensure that you get a pristine instrument that is set up and ready to go. Tell him you've already bought two that came scratched up, and to please make sure that it's perfect. I'm sure if you call Pick Of The Ricks, or Mike Parks, you will get similar service, as well as a great price.

That is the reason so many told you to use these guys on the RIC forum to get your Rick. Scratch X and Zymol are perfect for keeping that wet, mirror like shine on the finish.

We all want you to get your dream guitar, and are doing our best to help you. Good luck.

[jingle_jangle]

Those scratches will come out with some Perfect-It 3000 on a clean cloth diaper and a good bit of elbow grease. Then Scratch-X and Zymol.

If this is a new Rick under warranty, I'd call Kenny or Richard at Rick Customer Service and shoot some pictures over to them as well. This should be covered under warranty.

[ChicagoRic360]

Thanks, Paul, for the advice. I returned the guitar to American Musical Supply this morning. I thought about shipping it back to Ric -- the instrument is new as of last July 8 when I received it -- but I hadn't even filed the warranty card. This guitar is the second in a row I've received in factory-sealed boxes with this kind of scratching.

[jingle_jangle]

If memory serves me, that's the third mention of this in this thread. I'm sure RIC has taken notice.

[ChicagoRic360]

Those scratches will come out with some Perfect-It 3000 on a clean cloth diaper and a good bit of elbow grease. Then Scratch-X and Zymol.

If this is a new Rick under warranty, I'd call Kenny or Richard at Rick Customer Service and shoot some pictures over to them as well. This should be covered under warranty.

Is this the stuff?

3M Perfect-It 3000 Swirl Mark Remover

There seem to be a few "flavors" when I do a Google search, so I want to be sure I'm looking at the right product.