Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Hi Everyone,
I have a 1980 Rickenbacker 320 and I need to try and find out what type of paint was used in the origional finish, the finish on the guitar from manufacture is Jetglo (Black) but can anyone tell me if it would have been finished in Nitro, Poly or the dreaded 2 pack (iso) I will be greatfull for any advice that I can get
Many thanks
Dave

Hi Dave, that would have been Conversion varnish.

Hi John,
I have never heard of that what exactly is it?, the reason that I ask is that my 1980 Ric is showing it's age and I was thinking of touching it in or getting it completly refinished.
Many thanks
Dave

Dave, I guess the answer would be "none of the above". Conversion varnish is an acid catalyzed paint that few people have the equipment to spray properly. You'd probably have to take your guitar to a Rickenbacker specialist to get a cv refin.

But then there's nothing wrong with refinishing in nitro or whatever you like best.

Dave, in my opinion it should show it's age at this point..it's nearly 35 years old!

Touch-ups never look right, and a complete refin can be quite expensive...not to mention that it's "only original once."

My $0.02 anyway..

collin wrote:Dave, in my opinion it should show it's age at this point..it's nearly 35 years old!

Touch-ups never look right, and a complete refin can be quite expensive...not to mention that it's "only original once."

My $0.02 anyway..

+1 Leave its history on it

Many thanks to you guy's, I think I will leave well enough alone, as you say...."it's History and it still plays and sounds great. Mind you I might exchange it for a Ric 12 string if one came along.
Many thanks guy's
Cheers
Dave