Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Just wondering about this. I got my 360 back in early 1990 and I noticed the first set of "age lines" on the body right around the 10 year mark. Now I'm noticing them on the head stock.

Is this something normal, or do I need to return my guitar to it's case if I'm not playing it for any extended period of time?

I just bought a new 4003 Bass, so while I play that, the 360 gets played maybe once a month. Otherwise, it sits on a stand.

Hi, Craig. I think the general consensus around here is that the guitar should be in its case whenever it's not being played (especially for long periods). The case provides a more stable environment (temperature and humidity) and protects it from possible damage by rapid changes in both.

Humidity would have been my first guess as well and cold climates can do some real damage. I got a used 360V some time back and it was apparent it lacked proper humidity. The binding on the neck was beginning to show some cracks.

Light can also have an effect.

If someone were to leave it in direct sunlight, yeah boy, it would have an affect eventually. Not the smartest thing to do.

There you go, Craig. Treat it like a mushroom when it's not in use - I do that to my two!!

But it's so darn beautiful!!

Back in the case it goes.

Take a nice high-resolution digital picture of it against a white or neutral-colored background. Color-correct it yourself if you have the software (most digital cameras come bundled with some sort of photo correction software).

Get the picture printed by an output service or Kinko's, on good media, lifesized or even larger. Have them dry-mount it on foam-core board and hang it on your wall. Very nice. You can't play it, but it is good product design and a lovely image. Meanwhile the guitar is safe and you can get it out of the case and enjoy that nice smell and play it whenever you like.

And, believe me, that picture gets noticed! I've got one in my office...

humm, early 90s..didn't they have some type of finish problems then. Something about the EPA. My 91 381 looks like its 30 years old already. Cracks in the clearcoat all over the fingerboard,back and top. I had a 91 4003, same problem. Maybe it's just me.

Cole

My Jetglo '94 4003 looks very good still... No cracks anywhere, just a little mellowing of the white binding. I used it non-stop from '94 when it was new until about '99-'00, all kinds of gigs and practices, then it has been mostly in the case. Still looks great, though.

Craig, I am curious what type of temperature/humidity controls you have (air conditioning, dehumidifier, humidifier)? What it actually takes to cause checking is often debated here, so if you could elaborate on your “test” case it would be much appreciated.

I am in Chicago and we get big swings in both temperature and humidity, which I would think is similar to Nebraska.

Winter: I have radiator heat. I have these things that hang on my radiators that hold water, which I keep full during the winter to humidify the air.

Summer: I have forced central air and use a dehumidifier in my music rooms. I pull a buck of water out a day in the summer.

I believe the consensus has been (correct me if I am wrong): keep your guitars in an area that is about 70 degrees, 50% humidity.

My current apartment uses a water cooled air conditioning system. In the winter, it's a water heated heating system. Not steam heat, just heated water pipes throughout the building.

I keep my Rick on a stand in my bedroom. During the summer, it stays fairly cool, but in the winter time the side of the room where the guitar(s) is(are) can get pretty cold. I have noticed that when there is a swing in temperatures, the tuning goes out of whack on all my guitars.

I have a feeling it has to do with humidity and inconsistent temperature. I keep the thermostat set at 70 degrees. But, due to the way the heating/cooling system works in my apartment building, it can be inconsistent at times.

It is a good idea to keep two hygrometers (measuring humidity) mounted in the room where you keep your guitars. You'd be surprised at how much RH can fluctuate from one part of a room to another. Two will give you an accurate reading of the room's RH and will also serve to confirm that they are working properly and giving accurate readings. These can be had fairly cheaply at any hardware store (I purchased one recently for about $8.00 Canadian - I think that's about $0.04 US) and will make sure that you are maintaining an optimum, stable humidity. Many also come with thermometers in the same unit.

If I'm reading all this correctly, should I assume I'll be able to slow the aging process by keeping myself in a guitar case when I'm not in use?

Maybe I can stem the advent of crow's feet and facial sag if I spent some time in my silver Tolex case...



Noel

Yes, though it'd be better if you were never in use at all - i.e. nobody EVER played you or even looked at you. You'd live as long as the Highlander.