Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Curmudge:Have you found over the years that some makes of guitars are more likely to be refinished than others? I ask this because, I have some guitars that I would refinish and modify in an instant and others that I would be loathed to touch.

While not universal, it seems to me that battle scars and more radical modifications have traditionally come with the territory for Fender instruments such as the Telecaster and Stratocaster, whereas other models such as Gretsch and Rickenbacker are more likely to be left alone. Is this true and if it is why?

Peter, I think that some guitars will just feel more precious to a player than others. A lot of us here share this feelings about our Rickenbackers, but perhaps not too oddly, I also have gravitated to Gretsch guitars, too, although if a Rickenbacker is a "10" then a Gretsch is perhaps an "8" to me in terms of vibe and desirability.

Everytime I look at SRV's old "#1" I get queasy. I do believe that a guitar is a reflection of the player's psyche (if you will). I have no qualms about modifying virtually any guitar, but that's because I am sure of the outcome, as smug and arrogant as that might sound to those who don't know me personally.

But, I do agree that it seems like Fenders are the most likely candidates for extreme mods, with certain Gibsons running second. I believe that there's some truth in the theory that younger people are more foolhardy, and if we accept that younger people have a certain taste in instruments, then those instruments are perhaps more likely to be butchered.

So you have the Strat, in all its various permutations and forms. Its bolt-neck design certainly plays a large part in this. It seems that perceptually, at least, if you can break something down into smaller parts, those parts are less intimidating that big parts with many functions (guitar body: pickup and wiring routs. Neck pocket. Jack hole. Bridge. Tailpiece. Electrics. Neck: frets. Fretboard. Tuning machines. Nut. But set-neck, all these functions in one BIG LONG piece. Scarey to newbies in their quest for hot sounds.)

Fenders are bulletproof. Built like tanks. Able to be massively neglected and still perform admirably. Easy to fix. A wide range of people love 'em. Disposable, depending upon which of Fender's thousands of lookalike price points you elect to buy into.

Gretsches and Rickenbackers are boutique instruments with universal appeal, but, like a date with Selma Hayek, everybody dreams but more likely ends up with Thelma Kayak.

It's much tougher to successfully modify a hollow body, set neck guitar. Bigger thing to work on, tougher to wire, tougher to finish, tougher to improve or personalize in any major way. The expense is a big deterrent, too, in the majority of cases.

Some random thoughts as to why this might be true; curious as to what others' perceptions might be.

As a sidebar to this discussion, I've heard rumors that Fender's "relic" program is beginning to flatline.

'Curmudge'.... I love it!! I was thinking of shortening it to 'Mudge'.

"C"

What does "C" stand for?

Uh-oh.

Hmmm. Curmudgeon - Curmudge

I vote we just keep on calling you Paul. More keyboard friendly and it's easier to spell.

I have seen this time and time again. It's usually the Strats that get covered in stickers and other such mods. I'm thinking the price point may have something to do with it. My first bass was a Peavy PBass knockoff. I have no problems treating it somewhat roughly, leaving it on a stand unattended to, etc. However, once I got my 4003 things changed. I carefully wipe it down after each playing and gingerly place it back in its case until the next playing. For me, it was all due to the price. The Rick to me is much more of an investment. Not just for resale values, but an investment in my playing career and the search for a better sound. Same way with my amps. My first amp was a Peavy TKO 115 which is covered in stickers and water rings from beer cans. However, once I purchased my Ampeg combo - nothing ever goes on it. I even dust it off after each gig.

I'd have to agree that Fender is the #1 make of guitar that gets refinned. Just seems to makes sense with how easy it is to pull apart and strip down and the fact Fenders just seem to get a lot of abuse by their owners.

I am curious about guitars such as my '65 Danelectro which are made of some type of laminated press board. Is it possible to refin a guitar that it made out of this type of material?

Jamie, the Dannys are covered with ordinary 1/8" Masonite, and because of this, they are a snap to refin, unless they have water damage. Then, it's pull off the old Masonite and laminate another piece.

Jason, Strats come in price points ranging from $99.00 up to $9900.00. I suppose you're referring to the cheapies, but I'm surprised that the greatest majority of Strats purchased are in the $600-1500.00 range.

I like Strats, but just can't get excited about most of them. I keep my 3 pickup Sherwood Green Duo-Sonic in my office. It has a Strat neck and painted fretboard like the 330 on the Rick site. The hardware is gold, and it's got a gold Floyd Speedloader.

Everybody who "knows" guitars walks in and immediately "recognizes" it. Then they get confused, and finally most will ask what the heck it is.

I had no qualms about hacking this one up, BTW.

I think it boils down to if you crater a neck or a body on a Strat or Tele, for a few dollars you can quite easily replace it. Most people can do those repairs themselves with a few tools and a bit of know how. That tends to make people less afraid to scratch or dent their guitars.

There is also a certain mystique about beat up old Fender guitars that appeals to a some. I have a few old beat up guitars that I just love and I really can't explain why.

Paul - I too am surprised about that price point for the Fenders. I assumed (and we all know what happens when you assume) that the vast majority were cheaper. Perhaps those in my circle only have the cheapies. lol

In the 60s I used to do a bit of refin work (painting) and cabinet making (turning combos into head/cabinet combinations with massive cabinets!).

My favourites for repaints (psychedelic themes, of course) were cheap second hand Canoras and Teiscos - if you stuffed it up there wasn't much money lost. If you didn't there was a handsome profit to be made from the desperados.

I never touched anything that was 'respectable'. I still wouldn't, unless it was purpose-bought. I have thought about doing something with my Squier Affinity Strat, however..........

Glitter, Aitch, glitter!

Paisley!

Broken mirrors!

Pea soup!!!

Here you go Howard/Paul. One of my creations in the fit up stage prior to assembly and yes that is an 80's Fender custom shop pick guard and yes it came that way flowers and all. The guard, pickups and hardware etc are all being mounted on a Fender licensed body. So yeh people are likely to do strange things with Strats. LOL

people are likely to do strange things with Strats

You're so right, Brian. The guy who formed one or two of the bands I played with in the 60s ('67 or '68) was given a 'brand newie' for his birthday. He promptly painted it with a 'Medusa's Head' theme and glued a big chunk of lambskin on the back to prevent buckle rash. Only problem was, he used contact adhesive, and when he decided to rip it off, he did..... plus all the original finish!! Silly b*****d!

God bless you Chris...... you were a great musician and an even better mate. R.I.P.!!

Pretty much all of those, Paul. Add psychedelic black and white check and purple and yellow swirls and you've pretty much covered it!!!