Anyone know a good refinisher in Japan?

[sparkledusted]

Hello--

I have seen referenced on this great site quality pro Ric refinishes done in Japan. I am searching for a spot refinish on the back of the neck, behind about the 8th fret.

I am in Japan and have a Desert Gold 360 that suffered some kind of gouge to the neck before I got it; it was filled in, painted gold and sanded over. What I want is to have that area of the neck--about the diameter of a golf ball--refinished to blend in, both for feel and looks, with the rest of the neck.

This guitar is sweet and plays well--the reason I got it is for the great action and super build quality. Due to the neck damage it was somewhat affordable.

I know there are some excellent pro refinishers on this forum, but can not afford the cost to ship the guitar to USA & back.

Any and all comments & help welcome. Thanks again for the great forum all.

Michael

[marc61]

Welcome Michael,

Maybe you can post some pics of the issue and Paul W can help walk you through.

Personally, I know nothing about refinishes or if it is something you can do yourself but, Paul has been patient with helping many of us with all types of guitar issues.

[sparkledusted]

OK, that sounds like a good start.

I would prefer to have a qualified pro (or even semi-pro!) do the work...but am open to any suggestions that may be doable.

Thanks for the reply. Here we go with a few close-up shots.

[jingle_jangle]

Yeeeeouch! Better to have left it alone.

Yes, this is a job for a pro, and if he can match the color well enough, at the very least, the back of the neck, headstock, and heel will all need to be done for an undetectable repair.

As far as who in Japan can help you out, I have no ideas in that area.

[sparkledusted]

OK...thanks (I think) for the diagnosis.

If I were to get this guitar to you, would you be willing to do the neck refinish? If so, can you give me a cost estimate?

Feel free to send that info to my email if that info is not for public consumption.

Appreciate the help.

Michael

[antipodean]

Michael,

I'd suggest contacting Mas Hino at Atelier Z at [email protected]. He is a great bloke and, if their worshop can't help you, he will know of someone who can. If your Japanese is up to scratch (Hino-san speaks English but I'm not sure about the other staff), you can call them on 03-3268-0151.

[sparkledusted]

Great. Thanks for that link. Will contact him.

Much appreciated.

Michael

[jingle_jangle]

Michael, let us know how this worked out! Since Hino comes highly-recommended by Evan, I's expect that we could eventually add him to our list of recommended Rick luthiers (which is very scant at the moment...).

[antipodean]

Michael, let us know how this worked out! Since Hino comes highly-recommended by Evan, I's expect that we could eventually add him to our list of recommended Rick luthiers (which is very scant at the moment...).

I hope I haven't been misunderstood - Hino-san is a great luthier (Atelier Z now has a dedicated Mas Hino line of guitars) and an extremely personable bloke, but he may not be a Rick expert (though he may well be - it's a question I have never asked). He does, however, speak excellent English and, as a key player in the high-end sector of the Japanese guitar industry, will definitely know (or know of) someone who excels at refinishing Rickenbackers.

[sparkledusted]

Hello.

Will keep everyone posted. Also given via PM the name of "WITH" in Tokyo. They have some refinished & customized Ricks on their home page.

Thanks again for the help.

Paul W: I came across an exquisite Rickenbacker acoustic on the Olivia's Vintage site...that apparently you handcrafted!
My guess is that you have a lot better things to be doing with your time and skills than fixing my paint job. Keep on keepin' on!

Michael