Neck Reset On An Old 370/12

randyz · Post by **randyz** » Tue Oct 12, 2004 2:14 pm

I bought a '66 370/12 Fireglo about fifteen years ago. It seemed like a good deal at the time although I knew that a major repair most certainly would be required to reset the neck angle. The strings are playable for open chords but as you move up the neck they get very high. Also the bridge is down low (about 0.25" above the bridge plate)with the strings just clearing the rear pick-up. What should I do? The guitar has stayed in the case all this time, and with more than thirty guitars in my collection (including ten Ricks), it's not a matter of having something to play. I don't know anyone I'd trust to make the repair. I'd also feel guilty if I hired someone to do the job and then it were irrepairably damaged during the process. That's why it's been sitting so so long. Any ideas? Anyone looking for a project?

dustoff · Post by **dustoff** » Wed Oct 13, 2004 1:35 am

You might want to contact Mark Arnquist. I have a 360/12 and had him put on a 12 saddle bridge. He has a whole list of things he does to Rick 12 strings. When I got the guitar back I could not believe it was the same one I bought. The intonation is right on and it plays better than any one of the other 9 guitars I have. I would HIGHLY recommend you contact him.

spencer · Post by **spencer** » Wed Oct 13, 2004 4:28 am

I thought that guy dropped off the planet. lol.

doctorwho · Post by **doctorwho** » Wed Oct 13, 2004 7:52 am

No, just off the Forum.

dustoff · Post by **dustoff** » Thu Oct 14, 2004 1:19 am

Mark is around and doing great work.....

randyz · Post by **randyz** » Thu Oct 14, 2004 5:50 am

Does anybody know how to contact Mark Arnquist?

dustoff · Post by **dustoff** » Fri Oct 15, 2004 1:26 am

Mark Arnquist
8129 30th St. SE
Everett, Wa. 98205
E-Mail:
[email protected]
Phone:
(425) 397-7415

Mark is a great guy. I know you will not be disappointed working with him...I know I was'nt.

randyz · Post by **randyz** » Mon Oct 18, 2004 8:02 am

Thanks for the information. I got an expert opinion from Mark Arnquist through a third party, and the required surgery sounds pretty involved and invasive. He sounds like the only guy I'd trust to do the work, but I think I'll leave it to someone else to make that decision. Thanks again everybody!

dustoff · Post by **dustoff** » Tue Oct 19, 2004 1:23 am

Glad you were able to contact Mark. Good luck and let us know how everything turns out.....

BobKat · Post by **BobKat** » Fri Dec 17, 2004 6:39 pm

Contact me about that guitar if interested in selling.

randyz · Post by **randyz** » Sun Dec 19, 2004 6:25 pm

Bob,

I think it's going to be going to Mr. Arnquist for a total rebuild/refinish in 2005. I spoke with him and he has emailed me pictures of his work. I can't imagine letting anyone else disassemble this guitar to put it right. It's currently a '66 370/12 FG. When it's done it'll probably be a '66 360/12 JG, and it should finally be a playable guitar. What's your interest in it?

BobKat · Post by **BobKat** » Tue Dec 21, 2004 4:39 pm

Well, I was pretty interested in doing the same thing...but JG? I just can;t see it...hey, different strokes.

Good luck with it.

randyz · Post by **randyz** » Tue Dec 28, 2004 5:33 am

Bob,

I've always wanted a 'round top' Rick in JG. The FG finish on the guitar is really good looking, but after it gets disassembled and put back together again, it will need a total refinish. Since I like traditional Rick colors, I was pretty much limited to FG, MG, and JG. I figured the FG would be hard to replicate. The MG would also be difficult because the original FG would be difficult to remove from certain areas where the grain soaks up the finish. The JG seemed like the best choice because it's attractive to me and it will cover the old finish easily. That's my reasoning. I've currently got a variety of Rick guitars in the following finishes - (7) FG's, (1) MG, (1) JG, and (1) BG. I figured I could always use another JG. I think it'll be a great addition to the collection.

larry_mondello · Post by **larry_mondello** » Tue Dec 28, 2004 9:52 am

In the right hands and someone knowledgable an old Fireglo can in fact be replicated .

I have seen some of Arnquist's paint work and knowing that he once worked at the factory and sees plenty of Ricks (new and old) I'm sure that if he has spraying facilites , he can replicate that original look .
David Axt has a bass in 1960's autumn glo that he did . That looks great !

adam_swapp · Post by **adam_swapp** » Tue Dec 28, 2004 1:25 pm

Randy,

In my (limited) experience, the original finish will come off completely and easily. You can take it down to bare wood with no trace of the original finish remaining (unless you decline to strip the pickup, control, and truss rod cavities). This means two things:
- You don't have to worry about "covering" the old finish.
- You can refinish any color you want.

Moreover, I wouldn't be swayed by the perceived difficulty of duplicating a fireglo finish. It can be (and has been) done. I would bet that you're going to get a nice playing guitar from Mark. I certainly wouldn't hesitate to get it finished in the exact color you want.

Or you could avoid the whole dilemma and sell it to me.