Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Is it possible to get ricky to refin a bass ?

Doubt it.

if your name happens to be Hall...

Do other companies do factory refinishes?

I'd rather Ric concentrate on the work they have ahead of them. Next year should be exciting with some improvements on the products.

Mark,

I know Alembic does refinishes, but I think they only do their own products, I could be wrong on that point though.

They are expensive, I've seen starting quotes in the $1200.00+ range for a refin, but they tear the bass down and go over everything before they start, they fill the dents and gouges, even a discount for a refret while they are at it.

You can buy a used Alembic in great shape often for less than the cost of refin!

To each his own, I know of a few guys who had them done and they look brand new when they come back!

Gibson also does factory repair and refinish.

The process RIC uses is time consuming and labor intensive. If they started doing refins, that is all they would ever do.

We have done refinish work at various times as time was available but it's been quite awhile now since we did.

When we do, the instrument is essentially as new. The last one I recall doing was Peter's Model 480 guitar- perhaps he'll tell you more about it.

I know a lot of us here would like the opportunity for the factory to do refinish work, should the time arise again.

With production running at full capacity we know it's highly unlikely, but having the chance of the factory refinish an instrument, would certainly make that instrument more special.

John is right; if you ever had Rick refin a guitar for you, it Is practically new again. I've had them do 3 for me in the past, and they were Great when I got 'em back.And, the price they charged[in the early 90s and late 80s] was like $250,which Drastically undercut the price any indy person would charge for the same thing.But it's time taken from normal production, so, unless that changes...

I wonder what it would cost today. That is, if they were to offer the service again.

If they ever did offer refins, I have them refin my 4001S.

I suspect that we all have our lists.

If you've seen Peter's 480, you'd jump on any opportunity to have a factory refin job. It's beautiful!

When my father's 1970 Gibson SG was damaged (he tried wear the guitar behind you on the strap when you are not using it trick) and it was gouged a little on the front, he was quoted $200 to repair/refinish it. IN 1972! That was at least half the price of the guitar then. Of course, when I had it professionally repaired last summer it also cost me $200. I guess if you go to the factory, you will be charged more.