Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Greetings,

I really wanted to let Paul, Jingle-Jangle know that I followed his instructions to the letter and I just completed my new 620/6 BlueBurst. Since it is a new guitar I didn't think I would see much difference, if any. I couldn't have been more wrong! First, the light factory swirls are gone. Now the wood grain looks like it's 3-D there are more wood highlights than I seen before. As far as the finish, of course being new it already had a great paint job, but the Zymol added beauty and depth and brought out highlights I didn't see before. So as far as the "Scratch-X Zymol" treatment goes, on a scale from 1 to 10 I give it a perfect 10...

...Jingle-Jangle, as I posted in another forum you know your craft. "You the Man" You should be a RIC Guru!

Frank
"Sky1RN"

Don't be bashful about showing off your pride and joy Frank, how about posting a couple of pics so we can see the the results!

I think it's a considered opinion that Paul already has this status Frank. I can't recall him not having the good oil on anything guitar and he's very free with his help and advice, as I'm sure you've found in your research here.

Many many others here are also more than keen to sort out technical and historical questions as well - it's well worth being a member here IMHO

Greetings Ron,

I'll post pic's soon. It's just the one's I've taken don't do any justice to it at all. As soon as I get that perfect shot you'll get to see it. Hopefully sooner then later!

I'm sure everyone else see Paul in the same "Light" that I already see him. And yes I seen there are quite a few very knowledgeable members on this forum.

Frank
"Sky1RN"

This probably should be the one product I should know everything about (but don't), since Paul has let us know its miraculous work for some time now, but...(cringe)...is it workable on acoustic finishes? I know it will do boats, planes, cars, but I don't play any of those, pilot, yes, but only the latter item.

Stan, I would use it on any glossy nitro, polyester ot polyurethane finish. I would not use it on a matte finished acoustic, nor would I do any guitar older than 1950 or so with this treatment.

So leave the '45 D-28 as it is.

Actually, as uncanny as it seems, you were somewhat close, it's a '73 D-35. Leave as is then? So, what can I use?

What exactly is a matte finished acoustic Paul?

Walter, Virtuoso is one of hundreds of guitar polishes that come in 4 ounce bottles, sold at music shops. They come and they go, and without a chemical analysis, it's tough to say what the heck is in them, but I would be willing to guess that the formulas for most are similar. If you're happy with how they work on the Gibbies, then more power to you and the folks that make Virtuoso! I'd publish your testimonial if I were them.

On to Zymol: the finishing technology for Ricks is closer to automotive painting technology than violin or traditional stringed instrument paint tech. It was this observation that led me to draw on my experience building and painting show cars, to make Ricks look their best. My first test was on my own fresh-out-of-the-case, brand spanking new 660-12 and 381V69, and the results were excellent.

Bill, if your guitar is not shiny like my scalp, it's matte. Matte means low-gloss. Matte finished acoustics don't shine.

Stan, I'd use Martin's own polish. I don't know if that vintage of D-35 is shiny or not. If it's not, I'd use a soft cloth and some soapy water to get fingerprints off, then I'd treat it with Brillianize (available at stores that sell plastics, and sometimes at larger home centers) to keep the fingerprints off.

Thanks, PW, for the input.

Hey, I just shaved my head as a cancer fundraiser at my school. Now my head is shiny too-not matte. Thanks Paul.

Well done, Bill! A most admirable effort for a great cause. Bet you're glad it isn't winter!!

I had a close look at the finish on my BBR-it does have those small swirls on it too. How often is the Scratch X/Zymol treatment done Paul? No need for it now as the guitar is still looking pristine and beautiful (though from everything I've read, it could look even better with your treatment) but how often do you do yours?

By the way, I scratch-X'ed my head last night and it got rid of the two little moles I have there. I didn't like the Zymol though, birds keep crashing into my noggin' now....

It is done as often as it's needed. My guitars have all had it once.

Those birds are mistaking your head for a coconut.

It's the smell.

Good job, Bill. Any pics?
(kiddin'!)

The birds must be African swallows, Bill. European swallows just wouldn't make that mistake, they're not large enough you see. Better stay out of Mersia for a while...

Cool to copy Paul's Curmudge treatment to a "T" on a guitar, but you had to go all the way huh? Copied his hairdo to. Hmmm.

...Dean