Finish flaw or "charactered" finish?

[profjeff]

Hi Friends:

I love this 360-6 that I've owned for about 5 years. The uneven finish in the upper bout gives it some personality. I've always wondered whether it would be considered a finish flaw...what do you folks think? Note the tiny dark spot near the upper edge.



Here's a link to a higher resolution photo (130K).

http://www.coe.unco.edu/jeffbauer/360-6-a.jpg

[admin]

It also becomes a thumb print of the instrument should it go astray. It is possible to remove the serial number, however, the original finish is likely to remain intact. Rickenbacker forensics have helped us identify a number of guitars over the years.

[mortivan]

It gives it character Jeff. Like a girlfriend's mole.

[adam_swapp]

Wait a minute. How do you know about my girlfriend's mole?

[mortivan]

... ...

[jps]

We ALL know about her mole!

[ken_james]

BOTH of them! Personally I like the grain in your 360, it's very striking and gives it character.

[admin]

I agree. A good looker Jeff. I prefer finishes that allow the woodgrain to be seen. It creates a uniqueness that stems of nature that cannot be duplicated in the manufacturing process. I say this even though the "Painted House" technique is in vogue. I think that Lennon got it right when he picked up his natural Rickenbacker the first time around.

[jeff_ulmer]

On the instrument in question, I'd call this a bonus, but had it been somewhere else, I wouldn't have been as keen on it. I'm pretty fussy about my figure (the guitar, not my own!), so each case is different. On a guitar face I prefer symetry, but in this case it doesn't apply. I dislike chevron style flame, and prefer even quilting, or birdseye. It's a good thing, or I'd own way too many guitars! Oh wait...

[rick12dr]

That Fireglo ain't exactly ugly,either! If that's what the color will look like on the 360-12C63 when it finally arrives, WOW!!