Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Pain, what pain? Was there pain? I don't remember.... This is LOVE! Plain and simple, giddy, over-my-head, head-over-heels Rickenlove.

That guitar was my very first one, you know. THe one that started it all.....

You never really forget your first time!

"Once I've held and played the best, Baby, I won't settle for less!"

Now I just want to PLAY the thing, like I played it when I first got it; it was an anniversary present from my husband.

WOW!!! I understand the shipping route will be taking that gorgeous guitar to every forumite on it's way to Melissa!

Simply wonderful Paul! Another splendid job by the master, well done my friend. I'm anxious to see what's next. Melissa has a very unique guitar coming here way, Congrats!

Pictures ... must have ... more pictures ...

Well it was incredibly painful for me, Melibee!! Like waiting for a bus in the pouring rain....

Paul,

That guitar is exquisite a thing of beauty. The purple burst is unbelievable. I happen to really like the combination of purple and gold.

Your attention to detail once again has been captured in your art and craftsmanship. Very well done.

Yet another beautiful guitar has been brought back to stunning glory and has been unveiled for all to see. Judging by the pictures posted only, I would venture to say that you have maintained the very high standard set by Rickenbacker in this original masterpiece.

It was worth waiting for.

Well said, Brian.... I agree with every word....and then some. There aren't enough words to describe my happiness at the moment.

I'm waiting for more pictures, too!

Melissa you must be "over the moon" I am so happy for you. I can't wait to read you reaction when you receive it. Remember though, to let it get suitably acclimatized before you open it in your home environment. That will be another short wait but again, it is worth it.

Brian, yes, I am overjoyed and am overflowing with admiration of the Curmudge's skill and workmanship....

Don't worry, he's already reminded me to let the guitar get acclimated before I open the case, and I intend to follow his instructions diligently--it would break my heart if that gorgeous finish were to get damaged....

Paul, as a newbie to this forum, I am astounded. Purple would not be my choice of color but it is a beautiful work of art and restoration. It was also very educational to see the “before” pix.
No one has mentioned it but I love those knobs. A great touch.
Is this guitar going to make a public performance appearance? Going on the road?

Mark, I have a feeling that all the love I had for this guitar when it was my only Ric will be rekindled when I get it back.... It will probably be one of my main players. I don't have many opportunities to perform publicly outside of church, but I take the opportunities when they are there, and this will probably be my guitar of choice when I'm not playing acoustic, because it is now so stunning to look at, and it has always been a wonderful player.

It's fabulous...congrats, Melissa...and kudos, of course, to the Sultan of Shine...

Melissa, congratulations. I don't normally have problems with the old green-eyed monster but I really had to fight back the jealousy urge. Unfortunately, I don't have a Rick that needs refinishing. If I did, I'd be begging Paul for an estimate.

Paul, great work, really great work.

I want to thank Melissa for providing the canvas and to her and all of youse guys and gals out there for the support that you gave both of us during this restoration.

I am also thankful to those of you who have sent instruments whle this one was being, er, birthed, and waited patiently for your own guitars and basses to be worked on.

Chris and Brian, you are next. Then we'll get back into guitars again with Melissa's 481, which is ready for refretting and then color as soon as we come up with one that she likes, and John's bass refinish. Then there are several other guitars and basses including a '69 360 OS which was recently sent to me by a Forumite, which had been badly trashed by a previous owner.

This is all great, wonderful, fulfilling fun. As long as my friends retain their patience, each one will receive a guitar which is done to the best of my capabilities.

More pictures tomorrow, I promise. I want to get this color in daylight for my website.

Paul, this project is the fulfillment of a dream.... I had wanted to get it refinished for a long time and didn't have a clue where to have it done.... When I saw the pictures of your 320 and the David Coyle 330 project, I knew that I had found the one!

....And judging from the pics so far, it is as lovely as I imagined, and I am sure even more so in hand! This experience has been a joy from start to finish (no pun intended...).... Thank you, Paul!

And thank you Forumites for making the wait fun.... After a little more waiting I'll post a full review when I finally get to open the case!