Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

It seems there has been a lot of discussion as to the variations in the finish on these guitars. It's been a long wait but my order is now in and I'm considering passing and moving up the list to wait for the next one.

To the extent the limitations of monitors can be set aside, I'm curious to know what the assessment may be on the finish of this particular guitar.

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l48/samasia1964/C63-1-2.jpg
http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l48/samasia1964/C63-2.jpg
http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l48/samasia1964/C63-3.jpg

To each his own, but personally I think that looks great.

Eric,

I had a similar reaction when I opened the case of my new 1996--she was beautiful, but she wasn't (even considering the amber aspect) similar to the Fireglos I'd seen previously--so not being what I expected to see, I had to wonder if I wanted to keep her.

What I've found to be beautiful about these recent FGs is the transparency in the finish--I look at your photos above and I see a gorgeous guitar whose wood I can see plainly through the tint...

Ultimately, you'll need to decide if you are happy or not--but I think you've got a guitar that takes my breath away!

Bill

That is one of the best factory FG paint jobs I've seen.

That is one of the best factory FG paint jobs I've seen.

A big +1!!

That looks awesome!

I agree that the finishes on these models have varied. Here is a photo I posted before:

The two C63s above are both from 2005 with the one on top having a September date code while the bottom one was from January.
Eric, it's up to you but I prefer the darker shaded ones.

Thanks for the comments so far. I was simply curious to know what guitarists, who had real knowledge and interest concerning the C63, thought about the particular guitar I have on hold. Oddly enough, I don't play guitar at all. This one was ordered as a kind of representative icon for a particular period in musical history and along with a number of other guitars is part of the backdrop for use in a concert series for soft-seat theatres.

Kevin - I saw your photo when it was posted earlier and it was actually that very photo and the recent comments concerning variations in color that prompted me to post here today. Frankly, I really do prefer both of the guitars in your photo over the one I have waiting for me but that certainly isn't to say it's not a beautiful guitar.

Obviously, the decision to purchase or to wait is mine but the response so far indicates to me what players have to say and it is appreciated.

I think it looks great, too.

Eric, I'm one of those guys waiting for mine to come in (hoping for this year), and so my first reaction was to be a whiney smart-aleck and say I'd be happy to take it off your hands. But, seriously folks...

I do see what you mean. The paint job IS gorgeous, but it seems very....red. Almost orangey-red. But comparing it to the darker versions posted by Kevin above, I can honestly say I like yours better.

I have a 1980 360/12 that has "aged" into the dark outside red of guitars in Kevin's pic, but the center has turned a beautiful amber after 26 years. I love wood, and I love to see the grain in my guitars -- and yours has a very nice pattern and is nicely visible.

I think you've got a winner there.

And by the way, just in case you want me to take it off your hands....

Fireglo's seem like quite the crapshoot... I know if I ordered this bass, I'd be damn disappointed...there's no blending, just outlines!

Jo,

That bass looks like the version of "Fireglo" that RIC was producing back around 1997.

Well if you can handle a few grass stains...

Seriously, that is as good as a fireglo as you are going to get. I love it.
I went through the same thing as you did. In fact, I did send one back in august because I didnt like the grain. I know you want it "just like george's" but it is not going to happen.

once again, that fireglo is awesome and you will not find a better one.

I don't know if I have anything unique to add, but I certainly can echo much of what's been posted. Its a little like comparing two flawless 1 carat diamonds, one solitare, one marquis and trying to answer someone asking which one is "better?" Its just a matter of preference.

Like Kevin, I personally prefer the darker red c63s (for several reasons, not the least of which is that all 3 of my FG guitars are exactly that color). But I'd also have to agree with Paul and John's comments...that is simply a stunning guitar. BTW, if Paul says its the best factory FG paint job he's seen, that's saying something.

From my perspective, the guitars finished with the newer FG formula generally appear to be very "red." I've yet to see one that gets toward the "wine" or burgundy" end of that color spectrum like the darker one in Kevin's photo. There certainly may be some out there, but I haven't seen them. They also seem to be a bit more transparent. No question, its a beautiful color.

Considering the wait time for one of these works of art, you'd have to be pretty convinced about your color preference. As much as I like my dark red c63, I don't know if I'd be able to pass on the one shown.

Echoing all of the above, I think that's a beautiful FG finish. Good luck with whatever you decide!