Finish On The Ric "Vintage" Models?

[Tommy]

Reading through these finish threads here I learn that "every 2011 instrument has a UV polyester finish. Switchover date from conversion varnish to UV-only was week 16 of 2010."

OK, but what about a reproduction vintage instrument like the 325c64? Those have archaic, old-style bridges, old-style trem units...do they have the older style finish on them?

[Ontario_RIC_fan]

Best to ask this question over at the RIC corporate forum if you want an official response.

But my two cents is that the UV cured finish is now on ALL RIC instruments - even C series guitars - manufactured since 2011. RIC also now uses Caribbean Rosewood - on all its fretboards too. Which does not look anything like the Hong Kong Rosewood or Bubinga they used in the 60s.

Nothing stays the same and these woods and the UV finishing keeps the company in line with California's strict EPA regulations - as well as being good for the planet and the environment.

[Tommy]

RIC also now uses Caribbean Rosewood - on all its fretboards too.

You're right. My 2013 325 is most likely Caribbean Rosewood (it doesn't look the the fretboard on my 1992 360/12), so if they changed the fretboard to non-vintage spec, they probably also changed the finish.

[Ontario_RIC_fan]

I heard from John Hall about your question Tommy.

"All instruments are manufactured using a combination of UV and catalyzed materials. The materials as used on the vintage instruments is no longer produced as it exceeds the allowable VOC specs for use in the US.

Vintage reissue instruments get Bubinga fingerboards."

So I was correct about the finishes but wrong on the fretboard material on 325...

[Tommy]

Hey, thanks for that info update. Good stuff.

[squirebass]

So, I have a question about my UV finished bass, and another RIC guitar I have, is it true that they will never amber up? One is mapleglo the other is fireglo, and I'd really prefer that both got a little more ambered with age....

[bvstudios]

So, I have a question about my UV finished bass, and another RIC guitar I have, is it true that they will never amber up? One is mapleglo the other is fireglo, and I'd really prefer that both got a little more ambered with age....

Take heart, my 2010 mapleglo 370/12 is just beginning to show signs of a gold hue in the wood. Seems it takes a little longer with the newer finish.

[Hotzenplotz]

So, I have a question about my UV finished bass, and another RIC guitar I have, is it true that they will never amber up? One is mapleglo the other is fireglo, and I'd really prefer that both got a little more ambered with age....

Take heart, my 2010 mapleglo 370/12 is just beginning to show signs of a gold hue in the wood. Seems it takes a little longer with the newer finish.

Yes, because the new UV cured finish does not amber like other varnishes. So what You see now is only the wood aging. And so it takes a few minutes more for a nice honey finish.
If You want to speed up the aging process: Do not store the guitar in its case. Done.