Anyone seen a new 620 Fireglo (confused on color)

[Stevis]

I am looking at buying a new Ric 620/6. However, I am torn on the color. When I look at images from different Internet vendors, I am confused about the actual colors in the Fireglo. The 620 Fireglo image available on the Musiciansfriend.com site looks as if it is a red tone that fades inward to a pinkish hue:

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/guitars/ ... ric-guitar

The other images I see seem to have a more pronounced orange hue:

http://www.chicagomusicexchange.com/ele ... reglo-new/

I know that the tones can vary slightly because of the way they are finished. However, to me, the images on the above sites look like distinctly different colors. If anyone could tell me which of the above is more realistic/true, I would appreciate it.

Steve

[jps]

The photo on the MF site is from an older version of that guitar; the CME photo is more representative of current FG, however it is a bit too orange looking in that photo.

Here is a better idea of the current FG finish:

http://www.wildwoodguitars.com/products ... D=119&n=28

[Stevis]

Thanks for your input, Jeff. Most of the sites I looked at tended to have the orange coloring of the model at the URL you provided. I wonder if it is possible that MF actually has the older red tint in stock? That is why I appreciate Sweetwater.com's approach of posting the individual images of the actual guitars that you will receive.

[jps]

...I appreciate Sweetwater.com's approach of posting the individual images of the actual guitars that you will receive.

Wildwood does the same, it is so much nicer than a canned "official" photo, but not many retailers can take the steps necessary to show photos of the actual instruments in their inventory, which is quite time consuming and most of the big box stores don't even open the shipped item (understandably so, in most cases).

Regardless, virtually no photo that is posted on the internet does justice to FG, it is not easy to represent in this format, as is the same with many other colors. In addition to this, the finish does indeed vary a little bit from sample to sample although there are general trends through time, such as the MF instrument with the pinkish center; the current iteration is more like the vintage Ricks from the '60s and '70s, something most long time Rick aficionados prefer, IMHO.

Another thing to note between the one on the MF site vs. the CME and Wildwood sites is the smaller fingerboard inlays compared to the full width inlays (FWI) that harken back to vintage (and desirable ) times.

Here is March 1967 330 for an idea of what FG looked like at that time, with the add influence of age on it's side.

[Stevis]

One reason I am drawn to the Fireglo is that it does have a vintage vibe. Although, I am more taken by the reddish hue, as I think it is vintage "with an edge."

Your point is well made about the time/cost of the individual photos. However, I would hope that even a big box store, like MF.com, would have the current color/image posted, if that is what they are actually selling. We all know what a bummer it is to rip open that long awaited order - only to be disappointed (and compounding that disappointment with the hassle of shipping it back).

I think I might just go ahead and opt for Midnight Blue.

BTW, I wasn't sure if I understood you correctly about the inlays. Are you saying that all of the new version have smaller fretboard inlays or that the guitar depicted on MF.com is not current in terms of the inlays?

[jps]

...the guitar depicted on MF.com is not current in terms of the inlays?

Correct!

Lots of big box or catalog dealers do not show the latest version of instruments. Some photos of instruments go back many years and are not representative of current instruments, check the AMS catalog for example. The FWI are the current ones, the small inlays were around from late Spring 1973 and discontinued in late winter of 2008, IIRC. The exception to this were the various vintage reissue instruments like the C63, V64, etc. series of instruments.

If you can, try and see some different examples of FG, nothing like seeing them to know what they really look like. MID is a great color, especially the current version of it (MID is another color that has changed a bit over the years).

[Stevis]

Does this image depict the larger inlays you mentioned above?

http://www.williesguitars.com/index.cfm ... 12/image/1

I would love to find a place that had a good selection of Rics, to check out the color variations in person. There just don't seem to be many/any places in the DC area that carry them (or have much of a selection).

[jps]

Yes, those are the FWI, like those on this bass:

4003JPSVP_1200_7124.jpg

4003JPSVP_Neck-Detail_1280_7114.jpg

I think there are a couple of shops in the DC area that stock Ricks, also if you want to go to the best, Pick Of The Ricks is in New Jersey, not far form the Philly area.

Here is a 1973 era Rick bass for what the inlays looks like up until late Spring:

4001_800_3926.jpg

4001_800_3929.jpg

[Stevis]

As per your suggestion, I went to the Ric site, to look for local dealers. To further compound the Fireglo color confusion issue, take a look at the 620 color options link that I found at the bottom of the page at the following URL:

http://www.rickenbacker.com/options_colors.asp?

Note that they list two variations there: 1) Fireglo; and 2) Fireglo Amber. The latter color option has the more orange tone and the former looks exactly like the reddish image I posted earlier, from the MF.com site. However, I have yet to see an online retailer use the "Fireglo Amber" name, to refer to the orange tone. The pics on the Ric 620 are small so it is also hard to tell if they depict the FWI that you noted were standard on new models. I would certainly hope that Ric would post their current color variations even if their site is not as slick as Fender's or Gibson's.

[jps]

AFG was a Color Of the Year (COY) a few years ago, so that is not an option on new Ricks, anymore, just for that one particular year.

[jps]

While we're at it, get to know these acronyms, they pop up all the time!

viewtopic.php?f=25&t=389887

[Stevis]

OMG, u r my new BFF for schooling me on the AFG COY - LOL!

Seriously, it looks like I have a lot to learn with that long list of acronyms. I also think someone needs to suggest that Rick recruits a couple of interns to keep their product offerings updated on their website. I love that their guitars are American made and that the company is more "mom and pop" than Fender or Gibson. These are well made, unique looking and sounding guitars. They are a good value. However, they are not cheap, as you know. So, I would hope that they would at least see fit to update their pages to reflect their current lines (designs and options).

Amazing as it may seem, I found only one dealer in the DC and Baltimore metro areas. I actually called their store the other day and they had no 620s in stock. I need to see if they have other models that might give me a better idea of the current color schemes.

[octagon]

It looks kinda like the Fireglo on the 1982 Rickenbacker 620 I used to have.

[Rubsoul]

Hey Steve,
PM sent.
John

[Stevis]

Thanks for all of the insights, gang. I went ahead and pulled the trigger on the midnight blue model. It's on its way and I will soon be a member of the "Rick owners fraternity."

Steve