Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Ok, so I wasn't specifically looking for a "new" Mapleglo 360/12 online on Friday afternoon, especially one for $999.99. But there it was on the used instrument section of guitarcenter.com. As many of us would do, I called the store to get the lowdown on what looked to be an unused instrument at a "too good to be true" price. The story I was told was that it was in fact a new instrument but arrived at the store damaged. The price is reflected to "cut their losses. In this case it's being sold as "used", without the manufacturer's warranty. Yup, it needed a headstock repair. They sent it out for repair and I've been told it's now structurally sound. I'm a player not a collector so this doesn't really bother me given the price. Also, I ordered it knowing that I have three days to check it out. It's arriving on Wednesday and I'll report back after it arrives and upload photos.

The curious thing is what normally happens when a guitar arrives at a retailer damaged in transit? I would have thought that it would have been sent back to the manufacturer for a replacement or a credit. Think there's something odd about the story?

That is a bit weird. Their cost ought to be around $1400-1500. What's the serial number on it? If it's old enough, it's possible the shipper was on the hook, a claim was filed and paid out, the shipper never claimed the instrument for salvage*, so the store decided to make a free grand and sold it to you. Although, typically, the shipper would be the insurer and would be entitled to the make the decision regarding this, so, yes, it seems a little strange. If there is something fishy, I bet someone at RIC has already read this and may even research it.

*this step has happened to me before

Thanks for the insight. The guitar is being delivered tomorrow and I'll have the serial number then as well as some detailed photos of the instrument + headstock repair. Nothing about this makes any sense but with a 3 day approval period and money back guarantee I just couldn't help but pull the trigger on the purchase...

It just arrived. Opened the case and checked out the serial number. It's a 2014 model. Guitar is clean with no signs of wear. The case is missing the warranty card and tools. The case itself doesn't have any scratches or scuffs. I wonder if it's a replacement given the damage to the neck?

The neck crack looks to have been a pretty clean one and the repair looks stable and professionally done. It feels smooth to the touch with no noticeable finish drag. It originates on the back of the neck about a half an inch from the nut. The repair may fade over time as the neck is played. All in all it appears to be a "new" instrument with the neck repair. I'll check it out over the next couple of days but overall I'm pretty happy with the condition given the price.

Great score.

I just sold my '73 Les Paul Custom which has been in the family since it was new and had the headstock snapped off and professionally repaired back in '75.

It still played like silk when I sold it. ( Just seemed to be getting heavier over the years. )

A professionally repaired guitar should still last you a lifetime.

Congrats,
Harry