Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Looking at a used 360 Ric that has 7-10 finish cracks between the pickups. How do they happen, is it a serious problem and can they be fixed?

The guitar looks like it was used and in is now a player. Should I look for other kinds of damage that are a sign of more trouble? Any other thoughts on this situation would be appreciated. Oh yeah, how much value is lost on a 1992 or 93 360 with this damage?

Brent

Sounds like it was subjected to drastic changes in temperature and humidity. I know of no structural defect that would result in this kind of cracking. How big are the cracks? Do they form a pattern of any kind?

In terms of lost value, that's hard to quantify. As someone who likes his guitars to look their best, I would probably walk away and try to find another one.

I agree with John... I like my guitars to be a flawless as possible... I have two 360/12s, a 1966 and a 1991... The finishes on both are perfect...

My 1991 (A4) 350SH has some finish checking on the front and back. My experience is that some guitars get it for whatever reasons, and others don't, for different reasons.

Well, if you can get it cheaper then you basically have a guitar that you can really play out on and not worry about damaging. I would think that this would be a good thing, unless it is your first Rickenbacker. Then, of course, you want it to be perfect. Who knows, maybe you can convince the sales guy to give you a discount!

Or, you can reject that non-perfect Rickenbacker and buy a brander new Fen*** guitar! Hum...on second thought forget that last idea!

You might use the location of the cracks to question if the cracks could be an initial indicator to a deforming top. A precursor to a neck reset, if you will. I would certainly make that suggestion during price negotiations. After all, it *may* be true.