Are they putting something new in the water at RIC?

[deaconblues]

At any rate, the neck on the 4003 does feel slicker than my '07 330.. That neck has always felt a bit sticky. Even more so than the '05 360 I used to own..

My '07 325c64 has a 'sticky' finish too...

[cjj]

Ben, thanks for clarifying the info on the UV finish. I think we're all pretty excited about the new finish, I know I am. I'm actually happy my new 4003MG hasn't arrived yet as every day longer, it's more likely it'll have the new finish.

[jimk]

Ben, thanks for clarifying the info on the UV finish. I think we're all pretty excited about the new finish, I know I am. I'm actually happy my new 4003MG hasn't arrived yet as every day longer, it's more likely it'll have the new finish.

Insert "360/12 string fireglo" in place of "4003MG" and I certainly agree.

JimK

[steverok]

I, for one, am saddened by the fact that the "new RIC smell" will change.

[RIC_FACTORY]

RIC smell shouldn't change, that's the case you're smelling anyways.

We've changed cv's a couple times in a few years and no change in the old RIC smell.

[scotty]

My 06 330 case smells great but my 07 and 08 dont!

[beefandbones]

I just wanted to add my voice to the thread: The new RICs are very exciting! I love the FWI and the colors are fantastic, especially the new FG. Really wonderful work, guys!

[squid]

Just wondering idly and aloud: will UV be applied to the C and V series guitars? It wouldn't bother me any, but I can see some purists taking issue. The flipside is that continuing with CV would add a really unwelcome layer of logistical complexity to the production of those guitars.

I couldn't agree more with the comments that have been posted here so far about the gradual changes that Rickenbacker has implemented. Even long-standing enthusiasts who have any number of items in their collection surely have to admit that a 2008/2009 addition is a totally different and intriguing beast. Barring some kind of NAMM/COY bombshell, I see a nice new 360/12 MID in my immediate future -- adjustable high-gains, slot-through headstock, UV finish, and full-width inlays leading to increased neck strength ... how on earth could I not buy one?

[steverok]

Barring some kind of NAMM/COY bombshell, I see a nice new 360/12 MID in my immediate future -- adjustable high-gains, slot-through headstock, UV finish, and full-width inlays leading to increased neck strength ... how on earth could I not buy one?

It's almost harder to justify not buying one than buying one. How often does that happen? I'm sure many of us have been grappling with these same issues. While many love the vintage and re-issue models, I love your basic 330/360 design, and the recent upgrades now make the standard line as desirable as anything RIC has ever put out.

[scotty]

the recent upgrades now make the standard line as desirable as anything RIC has ever put out.

+1
http://www.rickresource.com/register/vi ... .1%26sn%3D

[RIC_FACTORY]

Just wondering idly and aloud: will UV be applied to the C and V series guitars? It wouldn't bother me any, but I can see some purists taking issue.

Well if that's the case those purists should first concern themselves with the fact that their guitars were built by machines.

Anything that improves overall quality of the instruments is absolutely paramount.

[Mossman]

So, Ben... If my MID 4003 is finished with CV over UV, does that mean it'll eventually turn green when the CV yellows?

[RIC_FACTORY]

It would have to yellow considerably (which you have some control over) to make a MID look green. I have never seen a green MID guitar, plus you have to take into consideration the new version of MID we unveiled this year and how much the cv over it will affect it in that regard.

[jps]

I have to say, Ben, that I have never been a fan of blue-green finishes on any stringed instruments...........until I saw the new MID on some Ricks at Pick Of The Ricks during MARF! Those look amazing!

[Mossman]

It would have to yellow considerably (which you have some control over) to make a MID look green. I have never seen a green MID guitar, plus you have to take into consideration the new version of MID we unveiled this year and how much the cv over it will affect it in that regard.

That's good to know... I don't want anything to happen to this finish!

I have to say, Ben, that I have never been a fan of blue-green finishes on any stringed instruments...........until I saw the new MID on some Ricks at Pick Of The Ricks during MARF! Those look amazing!

I was in the same camp, myself... I always thought I would get a JG 4003... I decided to get a MID because it was less common, and I liked the pics I had seen of them, (the old MID, that is..) The first time I opened the case, it literally took my breath away!