Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

eric_b wrote:Oh, there might be a few more in the fall.

MID on the 381 is amazing! A major cheer to you Maestro Behring!

The new, lighter, more resonanat body is also quite nice. Who do I congratulate for that? Is it the handiwork of CNC programming by Grover Jackson?

MapleGlo, hands down.

RIC_FACTORY wrote:2007 was somewhat of a seminal year as far as our colors go. We re-examined our colors and suppliers to see how we could make the standard finishes better. Eventually, what came out of that in early 2008 was a much deeper black than before and the new version of Midnight Blue that has captivated so many people.

Somewhat, maybe, understandable in terms of more elaborate finishes, particularly I'd think wrt translucent finishes ...

But still, one would think "black" wouldn't be that complicated. Disappointing considering the wait time for the guitars, to say the least. I guess those of us who purchased in '07 can either rejoice in our "unique finishes" or simply pay for a refinish.

Were you as unhappy with the finish in '07 as you are now, Bill? If so, did you contact RIC customer service when it was new and express your dissatisfaction?

Hey there Howard, to be honest, nope. And I acknowledge it's my responsibility entirely for not noting the color problem early on.

Long story short, I got my guitar in '07 while I was commuting between homes. When we were finally able to get together in one household again, playing the guitar in a sunlit room revealed the problem (My wife's in the Navy, and had to move down to New Orleans before I could leave Washington).

I contacted Ric CS, acknowledging the time delay (3-4 months past the warranty), and the advice I got was "try and use (xbrand) polish".

Here's the thing. I'm not a paint expert, but I find it really hard to believe that black is that hard to f*** up. Given the long lead time on getting this particular guitar, and understanding that one assumes some risk in ordering what is after all a high demand instrument, I think most reasonable folks would assume a black finish would arrive (and remain, a year and change later) as well, black.

Hey, I'm a Ric fan, not a critic. Check my avatar--now that's a jetglo Ric, and a year older than my 64, so fading's not a question. I've owned nine Rics (still have three)--six of those were new purchases.

Maybe it's just me.

I like my guitar's finish to be understated, not bold. The mystery of jetglo or black. The quiet beauty of mapleglo or natural. The modesty of white and very light browns. The simple warmth of traditional bursts.

And the reason is this: I am simply jealous of the spotlight. My part on stage is in front, and the most important thing I do is sing. I keep up well on guitar and even take a decent solo but I want the audience to look at my hands and face, not my guitar.

And that is the shameful reason that I won't prefer guitars with knockout gorgeous finishes, binding, and fancy inlays for myself, although I enjoy seeing them on other folks.

wj350 wrote:

RIC_FACTORY wrote:2007 was somewhat of a seminal year as far as our colors go. We re-examined our colors and suppliers to see how we could make the standard finishes better. Eventually, what came out of that in early 2008 was a much deeper black than before and the new version of Midnight Blue that has captivated so many people.

Somewhat, maybe, understandable in terms of more elaborate finishes, particularly I'd think wrt translucent finishes ...

But still, one would think "black" wouldn't be that complicated. Disappointing considering the wait time for the guitars, to say the least. I guess those of us who purchased in '07 can either rejoice in our "unique finishes" or simply pay for a refinish.

A bit of perspective is useful here, I think.

Black is the--bar none--toughest color to prep for, to spray, to buff, to detail, etc. And if you're a perfectionist, it's the toughest to keep looking pristine. Simply put, black is not black. It's many things, and its mirror-like surface if properly done is a metaphor for the emotions it pulls out of viewers. I'd be suspicious of having preconceptions of black as a finish. JG Ricks have always looked quite deep once detailed. Compare a properly-detailed Rick JG finish with a nearly-flawless polyester finish on a black $129 Squier Mini, and you'll see this for yourself. The finish on the Rick (pre-or-post 2008!) knocks the socks off the Fender polyester.

In the 2008 "rethinking", Rick's black got deeper, something I would have never thought possible. Simply, they started implementing a trade secret that many high-end automotive restorers have been doing for generations, and the blackness went from a 9.5 to a 10.5. Even at 9.5, it was the blackest finish in the industry, so I can't see any reason to complain when "awesomely black" became "holy s**t Batman" black.

There is none more black

+1!!!!

The old Jetglo was beautiful, but the new Jetglo is simply fantabulously gorgeous!!!!!

wj350 wrote:Here's the thing. I'm not a paint expert, but I find it really hard to believe that black is that hard to f*** up. Given the long lead time on getting this particular guitar, and understanding that one assumes some risk in ordering what is after all a high demand instrument, I think most reasonable folks would assume a black finish would arrive (and remain, a year and change later) as well, black.

I don't get it, did you get a GrayGlo, or what?

Surely if you don't like it someone else out there will. My friend Derek's GrayGlo is gorgeous to look at. I envy you just for owning that guitar! I'm really sorry you aren't happy with it, though. I guess I don't understand the problem you experienced--if it's just the GG instead of JG thing I'd count your blessings though because I'd think the GGs are rarer and more valuable. Just a guess on my part.

I don't think we should assume it was a GrayGlo. I think he's commenting that the newer JGs are deeper than the older, pre-sometime-'08s. This is what Ben is commenting on, too. And what my longer post above, addresses.

Midnight Blue - A lovely color anyway, but it looks phenomenal on my 350. It looks like Navy Blue at some angles, and looks almost Royal Blue in others. You just don't see this color on 350's, from what I've seen.

There are several shades of MID, but the most recent ( late-'08-on, I believe...) is the real knockout, IMO.

jingle_jangle wrote:There are several shades of MID, but the most recent ( late-'08-on, I believe...) is the real knockout, IMO.

+1!

The new MID was so stunning at NAMM `09 I think I tripped on the carpet when I saw it...



Also, I was able to see the previous and current formulations of JG side by side when they first came out. It was quite eye-popping! As Dan said, "there is none more black!"