Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Incidentally, Music Zoo still has the JG one for sale. I can't believe it's not found a home.

As to the v64 versus c63, I've seen and played both and think that the Fireglo finish is probably one of the major differences. The red color on c63 is warmer (much less maroon) and the application does not appear to be the newer air brush method on new FG Rics. I expect that the maple (which now appears white) will age to a more yellow hue, and that the c63's will look even more like the vintage 1963/1964 360s that most of us only get to see in photos. That said, I do not know if the lacquer finish on the c63's is the same material used on the older Rics, but my own experience working with maple makes me think that it will yellow over time - giving that great Tequila Sunrise look. Anyone have experience with MG Rics to add to this? Can't wait for mine to show (yeah, the JG is tempting, but I think I only get one...) Cheers, RSG

I don't think the color will "age". I seem to recall the formula for the finishes were modified because of the EPA laws.
Few years ago at least.
As far as the differences between the v64 and the c63, I've owned 2 v64's and now a c63, the biggest thing is the neck. It's not as thin as before. Easier to play. The other things, besides the color is not that big a difference IMO.
A man running for his life would never notice the differences.

I wonder if exposure to UV would change the shade of the maple? How would you compare the maple on your v64 - did they yellow at all over time?

I think you can count on some aging, despite the formula changes over the years. Although the conversion varnish's formula is better resistant to UV discoloration as chemistry improves, you will still have some aging over time, not to mention the aging of the maple itself. My own take on this is that it will take longer to yellow, ad won't be so dramatic as in the past.

What he said.

So I assume there's no point in leaving the guitar on the roof for the month of July? What is the finish that Ric uses? I am more familiar with the old nitro-cellulose lacquer finishes. Thanks, RSG.

Conversion Varnish- It's a top secret formula. If Mr. Hall told you what it's made of, we'd have to break your neck.

Rich:

A lot has been said about the finish that RIC uses on the guitars, and you might want to go through the threads on the topic. You're right when you say "old" nitrocellulose. It has been illegal in CA for some time now.

Some smaller builders still use nitro (illegally in CA). Gretsch produces a couple of guitars with nitro finishes--in Japan--but for the most part, the industry moved to polyesters and polyurethanes awhile back.

If you leave the guitar on the roof for the month of July, it would constitute finish abuse and would get you locked up.

Hmmm. Neck broken and locked up. This site is more dangerous than I thought. In case I'm being monitored under the Patriot Act or the Rickenbacker Protection Alliance, let me recite the "Rickenbacker Code" : "I shall cause harm to any Rickenbacker, nor through inaction allow any Rickenbacker to come to harm. I shall not steal, nor through inaction allow to be stolen, the Coversion Formula." OK, I'm going to go wait for c63 now.

I think you mean "I shall NOT cause harm..."

Very good, Chris. You're in.

What do you think, Peter? He's in, right?

Fellas?

As long as he keeps his syntax straight...

Yes, I shall NOT cause harm (and further agree to embrace the appropriate level of pedanticism and eschew further obfuscation). Glad to be in. I hope there is no math. Cheers, RSG.

You got that out of a bumper sticker catalog, huh, Chris?