Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

I recently bought a 1974 4001 that has seen quite some use...JetGlo finish is well worn and I'm considering having it refinished by a luthier...( posted in a different tread ``74 4001 w/changed electronics``)

Question is JetGlo or natural maple finish ?? I'm not sure it has not been repainted black as some areas show heavy sanding, especially on the back. I already have a 4003 MG with black trim and it would make a great companion to have this one in MG but with the white pickguard & chromed parts...

One area I need info on is the small black area below the binding on the body. I figure that this ``small black line`` is the matching color of the bass when assembled...The picture shows it... How is that area filled on a MG white binding RIC ?? Is it white or natural ??I want to get as much information as possible before deciding to refinish...

Thanks for the ideas & opinions on this one

Marc

If I'm interpreting that pic correctly, there is a void in the Maple - the through-body neck slab, that has been routed out. Normally there is just wood for the neck slab and the binding is only on the wings. Am I seeing that right?

Hello John,

Yes you see this correctly, it's the rear part of the body where the neck slab joins the wings. I'm curious as to the black line below the binding strip ?? Is that filled with varnish ( or other ) on a mapleglo finished RIC ?? Seems it's a blank area...

Another pic of the same...On the E string side of the bridge...

Marc

My guess is that is the original Jetglo color that has not chipped off the binding and adhesive. Weathering and wear will more easily chip the paint from the wood, but the paint sticks better to adhesive and perhaps the binding which might be a bit deeper than it appears. I think the painting process in the factory has the painter spray right over the binding, then after the color is dry, the paint is scraped off the binding with a razor blade tool. Then the clear coats are applied. I'll bet if you carefully scrape this black line, you'll reveal a tiny bit more binding strip.

I have an 82 4001 mapleglo- my binding is tight up against the wood- there is no gap that has been filled. I think Paul's explanation above explains what you are seeing.

Arctic white. All the way.

Many thanks to all the good advices & info I received on that one. I have stripped it to discover beautiful walnut under...Most of it is done and the luthier will take care of the rest...I will probably go for a natural finish which should look good with the stripe, white pickguard and chrome parts...I have a MG w/black trim & parts so it gonna make a nice pair...

Marc

Well, Marc, it ain't walnut. It's maple and the "stripe" is shedua. Should look tasty done up as you describe!

Marc,
That looks really nice. If you are daring have your luthier put walnut wings on the headstock.

That would look really nice!

Sorry for the mistake in the wood...I am supposed to know it's maple but I guess I've been collecting firearms too long and made a mistake typing on the computer....Paul, thanks for getting me ``back into line`` on the wood issue...

Headstock pic:


Rikk,

Walnut wings ?? How is the luthier gonna do that ?? Remove the wings ?? Custom make the new ones ?? I dont have any idea on this....and I guess not too many luthiers have experience into this here in Quebec, Canada...

Marc

I'm sure that either Paul or Dale could do this for you without a problem.

Here is a link to a slide show where that very modification is part of customizing a 350.

http://s11.photobucket.com/albums/a172/RSnyder459/Custom%20Ric%20350%20/

Wow thats the most impressive restoration (or alteration) that I have ever seen. Whoever did that is awesome!