Mapleglo.

[fireglo67]

Rob, I'm going to step in here as moderator for this section of the RickResource Forum.

The opinion you expressed at the start of this thread was your observation, which I'm sure is respected. Other Forum members have a different view.

Respected or not, others seem to have the same view.

And all those views have been backed up with accurate photo evidence and reasoned arguments.

If we're not allowed to discuss our thoughts and opinions on all aspects of Rickenbacker guitars, then why are we here?

Does every thread have to be a sycophantic "Everything that comes out of Santa Ana is dusted with gold"?

If so, I'll get my coat and leave. (Cue loud cheering from the masses)

[admin]

Rob: It seems fair game to discuss the parameters used by RIC in their characterization of a specific wood grain when defining it as charactered, flamed, quilted and the like. This qualitative assessment of wood is bound to be different for different observers.

RIC has been doing this for more than 75 years and as such they have a wealth of experience in this regard. At the end of the day, it is each manufacturer's prerogative to describe their product as they wish. You and I may have similar opinions of what constitutes figured in one guitar and different views in describing another.

If you find yourself going against the grain here, perhaps a gentler and more flexible approach may be better received. Otherwise the manner in which you express yourself takes on a life of its own and may detract from the point you were trying to articulate in the first place.

[indianation65]

Mr. Bob, (Rob)
Your views are valued, and I definitely respect them, especially if they differ from mine. As soon as I get photos ready, I'll post my Goldenglo and new/used Fireglo. I believe the yellowing of age on maples looks stunning. Removing the truss covers exposes the vastness. Stick around brother...we all have one thing in common, which is the love for the axe.
Addendum: The Reverend forum is often times analagous to the Rick forum, reluctant to critique. However, I second your fervor in espousing all views, good or bad; intent, content and "tone" always praised, at least from me! Remember, I say the JC 120 sounds better then a Vox...now that's bold!

[chronictown]

I agree - all mapleglo, regardless of figuring, looks great once a patina has developed over a period of time. I can understand the disappointment in receiving a brand new MG with little character, as the new maple by itself can be somewhat anemic in appearance, but given time (and maybe some gigging in smoky bars, if they exist any more) it'll look fantastic. As Paul W. says, it's the luck of the draw for new MG instruments, so I'd probably look around online until I found one with character that agreed with me, rather than order sight unseen. For me, I dig birdseye and a nice grain...flame and quilting, while nice in their own way, look more appropriate on other, more...extroverted(?) makes of guitar. My $0.02.

[tennis_nick]

Someone said I shouldn't compare Rickenbacker to Gibsons, why?
In the UK the Rickenbacker (2008) 620 MDFglo that Scotty posted is going for £1099.
In the UK this new (2008) Gibson Les Paul is going for £999
http://www.dv247.com/assets/products/36845_l.jpg

Because that top is no more than a half-inch thick.

Um, no, it's about 5/8th of an inch, or 7... it's definitely more than 1/2 though.

[deaconblues]

Um, no, it's about 5/8th of an inch, or 7... it's definitely more than 1/2 though.

1/2"...5/8"...Still a heck of a lot thinner than a 620.

And then they had the nerve to charge $2000+ more for a '59 reissue than for a '58 plaintop...

Rob, I'll criticize when I have to, but I really think most people aren't that picky about grain.

[leftyguitars]

The visual appearance of a guitar is a major deciding factor on whether or not I buy a particular guitar for me to keep, and I must say that if I have two guitars for sale (same make/model/condition/price) the pretty one always sells before the plain one.

[captsandwich]

I tend to go for playability.
Looks aren't so important for me.
Then again, I own a three legged cat, so maybe I just feel sorry for the ones that other people overlook.

[shamustwin]

http://www.themusiczoo.com/Rickenbacker ... 03145.html

OMG!

[firstbassman]

It's not the grain that bothers me so much on my 360/12 MG as much as the actual color or shade.
My MG (made in '06 I think) is a light pale blonde, pine-like color.
By the time it ages to a nice rich wood color (or in fact as PW says it's the CV that actually chages color) I'll be 90- years old.

[leftyguitars]

It's not the grain that bothers me so much on my 360/12 MG as much as the actual color or shade.
My MG (made in '06 I think) is a light pale blonde, pine-like color.
By the time it ages to a nice rich wood color (or in fact as PW says it's the CV that actually chages color) I'll be 90- years old.

Hahaha, mine has changed already! Hang on though, I am nearly 90 years old now!

[seanyfitz]

I prefer the bright pine shade!!! That's what i love. I have a faded refinished maple ric. Like the bright pine much much better

[seanyfitz]

I just think comparing Gibson to Rickenbacker is unfair because Rickenbacker has to get enough maple to build a whole guitar, while Gibson slices hundreds of really thin pieces of maple out of a single nice block, then slaps it on a block of mahogany.

So, yeah, basically it's a wood supply issue. But I think if you wait long enough, you'll find the right one for you...whether from this particular batch or another. Were you planning to order sight-unseen?

I think comparing a Ric to a gibsonis unfair because Gibsons are lifeless pieces of ****. Come on....You can play a Ric, Gibsons are tanks made of wood. like playing a baseball bat

[leftyguitars]

I think comparing a Ric to a gibsonis unfair because Gibsons are lifeless pieces of ****. Come on....You can play a Ric, Gibsons are tanks made of wood. like playing a baseball bat

That's a bit of a sweeping statement isn't it?

[deaconblues]

Maybe overpriced, but my Les Paul is not a "lifeless piece of ****" by any means.