Finish cracks on Ric 360s Questions???

gt5litre · Post by **gt5litre** » Wed Oct 13, 2004 4:40 pm

Looking at a used 360 Ric that has 7-10 finish cracks between the pickups. How do they happen, is it a serious problem and can they be fixed?

The guitar looks like it was used and in is now a player. Should I look for other kinds of damage that are a sign of more trouble? Any other thoughts on this situation would be appreciated. Oh yeah, how much value is lost on a 1992 or 93 360 with this damage?

Brent

squid · Post by **squid** » Thu Oct 14, 2004 5:03 am

Sounds like it was subjected to drastic changes in temperature and humidity. I know of no structural defect that would result in this kind of cracking. How big are the cracks? Do they form a pattern of any kind?

In terms of lost value, that's hard to quantify. As someone who likes his guitars to look their best, I would probably walk away and try to find another one.

bull30 · Post by **bull30** » Thu Oct 14, 2004 5:52 am

I agree with John... I like my guitars to be a flawless as possible... I have two 360/12s, a 1966 and a 1991... The finishes on both are perfect...

doctorwho · Post by **doctorwho** » Thu Oct 14, 2004 11:15 am

My 1991 (A4) 350SH has some finish checking on the front and back. My experience is that some guitars get it for whatever reasons, and others don't, for different reasons.

scoobster28 · Post by **scoobster28** » Thu Oct 14, 2004 11:20 am

Well, if you can get it cheaper then you basically have a guitar that you can really play out on and not worry about damaging. I would think that this would be a good thing, unless it is your first Rickenbacker. Then, of course, you want it to be perfect. Who knows, maybe you can convince the sales guy to give you a discount!

Or, you can reject that non-perfect Rickenbacker and buy a brander new Fen*** guitar! Hum...on second thought forget that last idea!

adam_swapp · Post by **adam_swapp** » Thu Oct 14, 2004 2:37 pm

You might use the location of the cracks to question if the cracks could be an initial indicator to a deforming top. A precursor to a neck reset, if you will. I would certainly make that suggestion during price negotiations. After all, it *may* be true.