1989 Ruby Red 330 with finish checking - value?

[need-a-ric]

Hi,

I'm new here and this is my first post. I am considering buying a 1989 model 330 which looks to be in great shape except there is significant finish checking on the lower 1/3 of the body. The current owner (who is the second owner) stated the checking occurred when the original owner lost his heating during the winter and once the furnace was repaired, the finish checked on a few of his guitars. I guess the heat must have come back up pretty quickly in the room where his guitars were stored. I attached a link to some pics to show the lines. The current owner stated these have changed very little over the 4 years he has owned it.

Can the veterans on this site give an estimated value of the guitar, and does the checking significantly degrade its future re-sale value? Also, is the Ruby color considered to be rare? I think I read that somewhere. Thanks for any info you can provide!

http://www.kodakgallery.com/ShareLandin ... leid=en_US

[collin]

Hi Ned,
welcome to the forum!

Just so you know, there is actually a designated page for "Appraisals" that is a subcategory of the "Rickenbacker Marketplace" forum, a little down the page. Specializes in just what you need.

As for the guitar- Ruby is rare, is it's all playable etc. I'd say around $1400? the checking does affect the price.

Cheers,
-Collin

[need-a-ric]

Thanks for the reply Collin, and the estimated value. I re-posted in the Appraisals section.

[jingle_jangle]

Over the last four years, I've not seen a Ruby without some finish checking, and I own two and have worked on a few more. It's probably due to the three-stage finish (not including gray primer underneath) and its thickness. The Ruby tint is clearcoat-based, and tends to become brittle with time. Add a bit of expansion of the wood, and there you have it.

I'd put the value of this 330 at $1200.00.

[Scastles]

Is it Ruby or is it a Red finish? Looks Ruby to me, but it's an '89 model. I thought Ruby's only ran through the early '80's.

[jingle_jangle]

I've got a late '88 Ruby 360/12WB. So an '89 is probable.

[steverok]

I love that finish, especially on a 330! Should be a standard color, IMO. Too bad about the checking, looks rather severe.

[need-a-ric]

So if it was going for $1200, would you guys buy it fir that price?

[Scastles]

So if it was going for $1200, would you guys buy it fir that price?

I'd say, yep.

[jingle_jangle]

Definitely.

I have a formula for a one-step Ruby that is 98% of the old three-step finish (I almost can't tell the difference). I agree that it would make a KILLER COY.

[steverok]

Mr. Jangle, time to put it into production, I'd say.

[need-a-ric]

Sorry, what does KILLER COY mean?

[jimk]

He'd really, really, really, like to see that particular shade of red as Color Of the Year.

JimK

[jingle_jangle]

Killer COY?

[Scastles]

Fish heads, fish heads roly poly fish heads. Fish heads, fish heads eat them up yum