Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

I've been in the market for a 381v69 in MapleGlo, and after looking at a few online Ric dealers, I've noticed that the finish, and maybe the maple wood itself, seems a bit too light these days. In the past, the maple was a more amber, darker golden maple as opposed to some of the pale maple Rics I've seen lately. Also, the figuring of the maple in the new batch of 381's pales, pardon the pun, in comparison to 381's made in the 1990's. Is there a reason for this new batch of pale wood without the beautiful flamey, quilted mapl that I'm looking for in a 381?

Two possibilities:

1) Older MG Ricks naturally "amber" with age and...

2) RIC changed their paint and finishing process a few years ago, which may be playing a part - I'm sure that some of our members can add to this.

Good luck!

stringsncords wrote:2) RIC changed their paint and finishing process a few years ago, which may be playing a part - I'm sure that some of our members can add to this.

Good luck!

The current UV cured finish is not supposed to yellow over time, but IIRC, maple will darken and amber on it's own some so MG should still age nicely over the years.

stringsncords wrote:1) Older MG Ricks naturally "amber" with age and...

This is the winning answer. I used to think they looked different too, but it's because the finished has yellowed with age and looks more "amber", as you said, on older instruments.

Maybe RIC needs to do an Amber MapleGlo. We got Amber FireGlo.

Grey wrote: Maybe RIC needs to do an Amber MapleGlo. We got Amber FireGlo.

Apparently, when they tried it, it didn't turn out so well...

viewtopic.php?f=1&t=385118&p=485693&hil ... lo#p485693

My 325c58 is a beautiful amber color, but then again it's Alder. I know that maple guitars will yellow with age, but even when they were new, they were a darker color. Here's a photo comparison of a newer 381, on the left, and the photo directly from Rickenbacker's website for the same model on the right. I assume that this guitar was photographed when new, and it's the same photo I've been looking at for years on their website, so it hasn't been photographed recently.

I know that the vagueries of lighting, etc. can enter into it, but this seems like a vast difference.

Here's a pic of my 1996 381V69 MG - taken today.

RickHofner wrote:My 325c58 is a beautiful amber color, but then again it's Alder. I know that maple guitars will yellow with age, but even when they were new, they were a darker color. Here's a photo comparison of a newer 381, on the left, and the photo directly from Rickenbacker's website for the same model on the right. I assume that this guitar was photographed when new, and it's the same photo I've been looking at for years on their website, so it hasn't been photographed recently.

I know that the vagueries of lighting, etc. can enter into it, but this seems like a vast difference.

compare the white of the scratchplates, the left one is too blue, the right one is too yellow and over saturated.
neither one shows the real colours.

[/quote]compare the white of the scratchplates, the left one is too blue, the right one is too yellow and over saturated. neither one shows the real colours.[/quote]

Even considering the minor differences in the white balance or saturation of the photos, it's still a vast difference in the color of the wood. No digital representation of an object can truly capture its color, but you can certainly get a good idea from a photo. Also, the screen or other media you view them on can make a difference, but not this big of a difference. In my opinion, of course.

Mapleglo definitely appears different under different lighting.

I have this 1993 381/V69 (six string) for sale on the forum here for $2600, plus shipping. I am sending it to EBAY for $2900, so if you want it, now's a good time to buy. . . . . .
Advantages of buying mine:
1. You know exactly what the grain on your guitar looks like.
2. honeyed MG-lovely.
3. It's a RICKENBACKER!!!

Disadvantages:
1. No Warranty. . but heck, if I haven't broken it by now, it's a-okay!

viewtopic.php?f=6&t=411459

Paul, I just sent you a PM. Also, is there a photo of the back of the guitar?

RickHofner wrote:Paul, I just sent you a PM. Also, is there a photo of the back of the guitar?

Oops; I never posted a photo of the back in my original post. Thanks for cluing me in to that.

Paul, email me or PM me. I would like to talk about buying it from you!