Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Hello folks,
I just inherited a 1966 360/12 Mapleglo.

Looking for some ideas on what to do with the fingerboard. It has "worn" areas near the nut. Is there a good way to fix it without totally restoring it?

Also, the tuners were replaced with Grovers and there are screwholes where the old ones were. Thoughts? Suggestions?

Can or should I restore the finish on the body?

I am not planning to sell it, but would still like it to retain value.

Thanks!

I would put the Kluson style tuners back on it, if it were mine. There are plenty of modern replacements, even RIC sells them.

Other then that I would just play it and enjoy it. Unless you have it done professionally by a handful of Rickenbacker specialists, a refin will take away its value.

Make sure you use the correct gauge strings on it, and avoid using Pyramids, as the tension is high and could damage the guitar. RIC sells a set that will work fine.

Nice thing to inherit.

Ok thanks. Any ideas on the holes in the head left from the tuners?

On the fingerboard, I have heard of someone recommending clear fingernail polish for certain situations. I'm not sure if it would work for this or not. It is bare down to the wood.

You can just leave the holes (very common, no biggie, etc.), or have them plugged with maple plugs then have the area refinished (far more expensive than just leaving the holes.

CA glue can also be used to touch up the fingerboard. Ideally a refinish to the whole fingerboard would be done but not really necessary, especially, if this guitar os to be a player, not to hang in a glass case.

If you want the whole instrument refinished I high recommend Larry Davis. He can take care of any issue the guitar may have and make it amazing once done.

On strings, I'd go lighter than the RIC set if you can stand it. 66's are notorious for often needing neck resets.

Thanks for the input. I will prolly just restring it and play it for a while. See how it goes.

I definitely wouldn't touch up or refinish the fretboard. That's just the clear coat rubbing off slightly and proof that the guitar has actually been played. Both of my vintage Rics have this and it just adds character.