Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

I've noticed a few instances on the Rickenbacker web site where it's mentioned that they've shipped instruments with an MG AMBER finish. For example, Shinseido in Japan is being shipped a 1996 - color listed as FG - and both a 350 and 4003 listed as MG Amber. No, it's not another "Japan gets all the cool stuff" complaint - I've seen MG Amber before on the Rickenbacker web site and written it off as a typo. But... could such a typo keep recurring? What's the scoop? Anyone know?

One reason I ordered a 1996 was FG Amber color, and I would probably order something in MG Amber if I could!

Looks like Pick of the Ricks was shipped a 5002 Mandolin in MG Amber too... Hmm...

RIC experimented with MG Amber as a possible color of the year, but the powers that be decided the difference from normal MG wasn't all that striking.


There were only a few made and I don't think they're accepting any official orders

I could be wrong but...

If I remember correctly. Mr Hall hinted about making AMG a part of the color of the year line up, but (for the time being),was somewhat unhappy with the way they came out. I think that they were just selling off just the one's they made.

I've seen about 5 go out, according to the "Dealer shipment" section on the corporate site.

Mike you beat me to it....

A case of "Great minds think alike, but don't necessarily type at the same speed" ...

BTW, I saw the AMG mando at the NAMM show, I think ...

AMG 4003 with the walnut wings would very cool.

I agree, Scott. Somewhere, I think BH said that there were 2 4003's made in AMG, and I think they both went to the Land of the Rising Sun.

Ooh that'd make MG Amber a rare color on par with Greenglo, wouldn't it?

Yes, it would. It also points to the need to keep the documentation with the guitar in order to prove ten years from now that it was actually amber to begin with.

I saw a photo of the 330/12 AMG that PM Blues has (had?) - couldn't tell the difference between that and the OG MG. "[not] all that striking" is an understatement.

I'd love to see it. Any pics around?

They just posted some on the PM Blues site. It's subtle, sure, but I bet it ages nicely. Mapleglo is a favorite glo of mine, though. Since it's so subtle, I wouldn't mind if AMG just sort of became MG. Personally.

My guitar looks more 'amber' than the PM Blues picture.

Do MG guitars naturally darken as they age?

Both the conversion varnish and the maple itself show the effects of atmospheric conditions and the effects of UV light by ambering as time passes.