Bassic Colors No. 8 – Is it Autumnglo or Walnut?
Posted: Thu Sep 10, 2009 12:06 am
Yes it is. It's really the same color. At least sometimes. I think.
Autumnglo is probably the most varied color of all. Supposedly Autumnglo was available from 1956 to 1970 (according to the Rittor chart on the Rickenbacker Page - http://www.the-music-connection.com) and I've heard tell that early examples were a dark variation of Fireglo. I've never seen one that could be positively differentiated from just a dark application of Fireglo.
Legend has it that Autumnglo (ATG) in the late '70s and early '80s had a "satin" finish, while a similarly colored one with a high-gloss finish is considered "Walnut" (WAL). According to the Rittor/Rick Page chart, Walnut was produced from 1973 to 1985, but not concurrent with "Autumnglo." Also, the Rick Page mentions the satin Autumnglo had been made for the "Canadian market," but I'm not sure about that. Usually, Autumnglo (satin) and Walnut (gloss) was a slightly greenish brown burst, and I haven't found a 4003 in these colors; most were 4001 basses, often with black body binding, white neck binding, and black plastic with chrome hardware. This shot shows Tony Cabibe's '78 Autumnglo 4001 with white body binding, and his '81 Walnut 4001 with black body binding. Both have black plastic/chrome trim. Note the color is the same hue, but the Autumnglo (left) is more heavily applied. You can just barely see the "satin" finish on the Autumnglo.
But some in this vintage were a lighter and redder burst as shown in this fine example, supposedly a 1980 4001. (I don't know the photographer, so I ask forgiveness for posting w/o permission. If you are out there, sing out.)
And, if that is not confusing enough, there is the other variation of Walnut which was an overall brown tint - no burst. Bob Terhune's '76 4001 carries Toaster and V63 pickups.
So let's get into the fall season with our -"Autumnglo's" that are not glossy and our "Walnuts" that are. Sometimes.
Autumnglo is probably the most varied color of all. Supposedly Autumnglo was available from 1956 to 1970 (according to the Rittor chart on the Rickenbacker Page - http://www.the-music-connection.com) and I've heard tell that early examples were a dark variation of Fireglo. I've never seen one that could be positively differentiated from just a dark application of Fireglo.
Legend has it that Autumnglo (ATG) in the late '70s and early '80s had a "satin" finish, while a similarly colored one with a high-gloss finish is considered "Walnut" (WAL). According to the Rittor/Rick Page chart, Walnut was produced from 1973 to 1985, but not concurrent with "Autumnglo." Also, the Rick Page mentions the satin Autumnglo had been made for the "Canadian market," but I'm not sure about that. Usually, Autumnglo (satin) and Walnut (gloss) was a slightly greenish brown burst, and I haven't found a 4003 in these colors; most were 4001 basses, often with black body binding, white neck binding, and black plastic with chrome hardware. This shot shows Tony Cabibe's '78 Autumnglo 4001 with white body binding, and his '81 Walnut 4001 with black body binding. Both have black plastic/chrome trim. Note the color is the same hue, but the Autumnglo (left) is more heavily applied. You can just barely see the "satin" finish on the Autumnglo.
