Paint job question (L.A.-based)

eggcity101 · Post by **eggcity101** » Wed Apr 14, 2004 2:14 pm

My name's Bret, and I'm new to the forum. Just got a new '03/'04? 4003 a few weeks ago, and couldn't be happier. I've wanted one since I was 13 (back in 1992!), and finally worked up the nerve to order one --

I chose the Fireglo, and while it rocks, I"m thinking of personalizing it a bit more, by changing the white trim/face to either a deep blue or deep pink color. Of course, I don't want to do it myself, since I'd certainly mess it up -- does anyone know of a reputable custom guitar place in Los Angeles where I could have this done?

rickaddict · Post by **rickaddict** » Wed Apr 14, 2004 5:20 pm

Do you mean the pick guard? (I hope so!)

atomic_punk · Post by **atomic_punk** » Thu Apr 15, 2004 7:27 am

Bret,
As much as I enjoy personalizing instruments, let me tell you that RICs are different, in the way that the design is considered a classic and changing pickups, refinishing, heck, even changing the tuners can dramatically lower the value of one. And since you just bought a brand new one, I would advise leaving it stock. Sometimes we might pick up a beater to try things out on, but the lovely FG one you have....

jnbass · Post by **jnbass** » Thu Apr 15, 2004 9:14 am

agreed!

looking at some of the horror stories around the forum, and the comments, makes ya think.

sometimes what seemed like a good idea last night may not look so cool in the morning.

ken_james · Post by **ken_james** » Thu Apr 15, 2004 9:26 am

You should see my 5 string Blackstar...

eggcity101 · Post by **eggcity101** » Thu Apr 15, 2004 12:01 pm

I agree that the classic Ric design with the Fireglo is beautiful enough take to bed with me -- but the very night after I bought mine, I went out to a rock show in downtown L.A., to see a band from Portland, called Minmae. Both the guitarist and bassist were sporting dueling Rics, and I became all excited to make mine a little bit more personalized, given that a great many people in the L.A. area get to see Rics onstage (and I did mistype my first post -- in response to Rickaddict, I did mean to say "pick guard" instead of "face".)

I'm also not one of those folks who invests in guitars for their re-sale value. I got my hands on a 4003 after seriously wanting to (pardon my cliche) rock out with it.

If anyone has any info on reputable custom guitar techs in the L.A. area, mellifluous praise shall be heaped upon ye!

atomic_punk · Post by **atomic_punk** » Thu Apr 15, 2004 12:43 pm

Bret,
Might wanna check out The Pickguardian, they sell replacement pickguards, and you might be able to have someone paint it for you (gulp! Can't BELIEVE I am saying that...)
http://www.pickguardian.com/pickguardian/RIC4003.html
As far as just replacing a pickguard, it is something that most anyone who is a little handy with a screwdriver can do...(I can even do that...I've never even adjusted a truss rod!)

jps · Post by **jps** » Thu Apr 15, 2004 3:12 pm

Welcome Bret. Try John Carruthers on Sunset Ave. in Venice. He is a top notch luthier/repairman.