Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Gerry sent me these pics. A lovely '91 deep FG (drool), a rather 'bright' '05 FG & a very nice '06 FG. As a FG devotee, I am really pleased that Ric seems to have sorted this new FG, as I think many would admit, that Rickenbackers most famous & glorious finish was in danger of becoming a little 'garish'.





Thanks Gerry for sharing these pics. Any FG comparison of any age can only add to our knowledge of this beautiful finish.

Thanks for the posting Tony. The pics are pretty accurate, but those guitars are incredibly deep rich FG, beautiful in person. The 05 is gone, traded to POTR while still like new. The 91 is the Guitar Center guitar that you all gave me advice on buying and I am glad you did. TJ at GC Altanta was great to deal with. It was pointed out to me by a forum member, Peter, I think that the fretboard graining is exceptional on these. The 04 360/12 I just sold was right in between the 05 and 06 for Fireglow.

If that's the one I remember, some of our workers thought the 330 was too dark and wanted to refinish it so it would be lighter!

I figured the darker the better, burnt red looks more vintage.

We made some changes so the FG's produced since just before the end of 2005 should be darker.

"I figured the darker the better"

Well said Ben. I know that different folks like different strokes, but that '90's FG still sends shivers down my spine. There are many that may find it a little too dark, but I'm so pleased that the FG issue has been addressed at Ric & the new FG's are getting back to their true status as the best finish ever offered by ANY gtr manufacturer...EVER!

There's just something about an FG 360 that says "Rickenbacker"! If I only ever own one RIC guitar it's going to be a 360/12 in FG.
Basses I like in many finishes, but those guitars & FG just seem to be meant to be together.

My '76 4000 has the same deeper red of the 330 in the pic, but the red goes further into the body.

Hi Ben. Wow, your response blows me away. I feel vindicated. I brought up what I call a "lighter, pinky FG" in the Company Ric forum and felt like I kinda got beat up a little by the big guy. Basically, that there was no such thing as light and dark FG. Mine was more than a color variation, it was extreme. The darker Fireglo is what reached out and grabbed me about Ric. Thanks for your input. Bottom line for me is, the pinky FG Ric is gone and I did buy a new one which is darker and I love it. Thank you! Gerry

I don't see much difference between the '05 and '06, while the other one is clearly different. I like my pinky FG just fine, it's smooth and mellow. I am not a fan of the stark contrast of the darker one.