Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

In view of the rarity of this model, I would definitely explore a professional repair. I don't know the circumstances associated with the crack, but I would consult customer service at RIC.

the guitar is virtually unplayed and kept in its case all of the time. i was very upset when i discovered the crack...
contacted ric one other time and didn't get much interest.
would a repair damage the authenticity of the instrument?

An instrument repair will lower its value to some extent, but your guitar is no less authentic.

I don't know how many of these instruments were crafted, but I suspect you could count them on one hand? I am wondering if it is under warranty and would ask RIC if you haven't already.

To my way of thinking, this crack should be stabilized before the environment gets too much of a head start. This crack will affect the sound of the instrument and I would consult a competent luthier about the merits of its repair.

Me wantey!

I'd be amazed if that's the only crack. A straight line crack like that says the underlying spruce has cracked from the instrument radically drying out. It may have been in the case but the interior surely wasn't kept at a minimum of 35% all the time.

It needs to be properly re-hydrated and then repaired, something a competent luthier should be able to handle. A good repair by definition will be virtually undetectable.

However, I don't agree at all that it will affect the sound (for goodness sakes, look at Willie Nelson's guitar!), so repair is mainly to insure that it does not open further.

Peter, this guitar is six years old, and was sold to another customer in another country, three reasons, unfortunately that this guitar would not be under warranty.

Most crack repairs will NOT change your instrument's tone. I had a nasty crack repaired on my Tacoma Chief and it still remains my number one acoustic.

Humidity changes are the killer.

Let us know how you fare with your gorgeous Blue Boy.

=noel=

Good one John. Yes I remember seeing Willie's guitar.

What I was thinking was that a top with a crack that opens up over time would sound differently than a top that was continuous. I am guessing that Willie's guitar might sound a bit better acoustically (without the benefit of the pickup) if it had a surface with only one sound-hole.

John: Are you able to estimate how many of these models in this finish were produced?

is there a way to have rickenbacker do the repair? i understand it is not under warranty...

Unfortunately, no, as we only do warranty repair. However, if this was my guitar, I'd be talking with our own Dale Fortune here. But seeing that you're from Gnashville, you should have plenty of choices for top drawer acoustic guitar work.

Robert,

Don't feel bad about that crack; I've got one or two on mine.

Here it is:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v464/loverickbass/IM002690.jpg

I've got a crack on one of mine as well due to a guitar cord plug dropped on the top of it. Thanks Kenny!

How can I get one of those pickguards?

That one was hand-made for the Tokyo Music Fair. You'll have to break out your scroll saw and be prepared to do some sanding and spraying, I'm afraid!

Robert,
I would think that George Gruhn would have someone on staff that could make that repair, if not at least a referral.
Gruhn website

Funny, Just checked out the Gruhn site. First thing I saw was a "repairman wanted" ad.

Too bad you're not in NY Robert. There's a guy at Sam Ash in Westbury that did unbelievable work on an old Guild that I had. Totally saved the guitar.

I'd most probably take John Hall's advise and seek out Dale Fortune. Pay for the repair now, then take care of it properly for the future. It's a beautiful guitar.