I'm pretty sure the UPS planes are pressurized and climate controlled, but I can't be positive of that. If this thing is getting put in the unprotected cargo compartment, then that is definitely not good.
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I'm pretty sure the UPS planes are pressurized and climate controlled, but I can't be positive of that. If this thing is getting put in the unprotected cargo compartment, then that is definitely not good.
There are a lot of 2011 JetGlo owners reporting this same exact problem on the Rickenbacker website, so I don't think this is an isolated issue with the MF stock.
I wouldn't panic yet. My 2011 MapleGlo (3rd week of Sept. production date) was perfect.
IIRC I've read that when Ric is making JetGlo's that is all they are making. Then they move to another finish for a while. Then another. Given the proximity of the serial numbers that GG7 got from MF there is a high probability that whatever the problem is, it is related to JetGlo's from one specific production run.
My guitard works for mf. They have a huge warehouse in KC. My understanding is the high end stuff is kept in a climate controlled room. I will ask him to confirm this.
It's funny, RIC dropped GC as a dealer once and now they are bringing them back in the fold but maybe it's time to drop MF for a while? I could be wrong, it just seems like that's where all the lemons have been from that get talked about on here.
I bought a 2011 Jetglo, and it has the tailpiece paint problems.
Made the mistake of posting over at the Ric Resource forums, and they of course said it was something I had done. Something about improper strings. Pathetic!!!!
It's clearly a problem with the new UV 'curing' process.
I don't care though, the neck is ultra thin and sounds great. It's a keeper, but RIC need to get their QC in order.
I can live with the finish problem. I bought it to play, not polish constantly, or keep in the correct humidity.
Those forum guys crack me up!!!! LOL....
Made the mistake of posting over at the Ric Resource forums, and they of course said it was something I had done. Something about improper strings. Pathetic!!!!
It's clearly a problem with the new UV 'curing' process.
I don't care though, the neck is ultra thin and sounds great. It's a keeper, but RIC need to get their QC in order.
I can live with the finish problem. I bought it to play, not polish constantly, or keep in the correct humidity.
Those forum guys crack me up!!!! LOL....
They do watch this forum and have described it as being a "non RIC friendly" place.
There are folks here who also frequent the RIC forum. I wouldn't be surprised if they don't let you post there, especially given you are using the same user name here and there. Again, they don't like ANYTHING that could be perceived as a negative, anywhere near their forum.
Fishheadjoe
There are folks here who also frequent the RIC forum. I wouldn't be surprised if they don't let you post there, especially given you are using the same user name here and there. Again, they don't like ANYTHING that could be perceived as a negative, anywhere near their forum.
Fishheadjoe
Fireglo's don't seem to be an issue. The Jetglo seems to have the cracking problems.
GG7, you are not going to get answers at the RRF about the early 2011 Jetglo paint issues. The ones that have addressed this issue have never been given any explanation other than what RIC has said to them via phone calls and emails. Oh a few have speculated but nothing concrete. After my additional post about your plight, 20+ have viewed the thread but no comments. It's the 800 pound gorilla in the room that no one wants to acknowledge.I tend to think it's a adhesion/brittle finish issue as well since the undercoat looks to still be in place under the chip on mine. The paint looks like it cracked in a saw tooth pattern, the same pattern that seems to repeat in every other Jetglo tailpiece paint failure. It's been a while since I've checked the warranty, so it's only a year on the finish and two years on electronics and hardware? Maybe that's why we all were never given an explanation From RIC as to why the damage occurred. We are all past the warranty so it's not a concern for them any more. I imagine MF will not be as calm when they are left holding a bunch of brand new 4003's with finish issues that they can't sell, without taking a huge loss. If they have a finish blow out sale, I may be tempted to buy one and have some custom paint work done to it!! The necks are sweet and they sound great!!
Sepp
I still think they do not let the temperature drop to minus 30 degrees Celsius! They are heated up, but probably just above zero degrees Celsius.
My opinion of the current company and their management has fallen off a cliff after this incident. The reports on the Ric forum that they did allow are all identical descriptions to the cracks I saw on these brand new 2011 instruments.
There is not a single official response from the company on the two threads there dedicated to this problem.
The finish is incredibly thin on these, I would say less than a millimeter thick at the most. Thinner than a piece of packing tape for sure and brittle as hell! After taking a closer look at this second bass, it appears that the finish is simply not sticking to the wood. You can just grab the finish that has popped up and peel off large chunks which I can crumble into dust with little effort, and it comes up and detaches from the body without any resistance at all!
It is just barely adhering to the maple underneath.
This is by far the most poorly done finishing job on a guitar I have ever seen. Those Rick copies from the 70s had a better finish than these things do!
Really, really sad! And the fact that the company remains silent and continues to blame the customer for the problem is really pathetic!
Joe,
For the most part this forum is not Rickenbacker friendly. I agree with their assessment on this.
For gaining knowledge about Rickenbackers, there is no better place than the RRF. A ton of great people there that are passionate about their instruments and super knowledgeable.
Sepp
I just got granted posting priveledges at the official factory forum here and posted a thread with the photos:
It needs to be approved apparently, so we shall see what happens next.
http://www.rickenbacker.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=2
Stay tuned to that forum for a new thread with GG7 as the OP... That is, IF they allow it to go up. Hopefully I hear from someonefrom the factory when they see those photos. No one else has been able to provide better detailed images of this problem than me, so maybe that will help?
It needs to be approved apparently, so we shall see what happens next.
http://www.rickenbacker.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=2
Stay tuned to that forum for a new thread with GG7 as the OP... That is, IF they allow it to go up. Hopefully I hear from someonefrom the factory when they see those photos. No one else has been able to provide better detailed images of this problem than me, so maybe that will help?
I would argue that this is very much a RIC friendly forum... and in the same breathe, I would also say that there is substancial dislike of their business practices, customer support and quality control.
One can like their instruments and not at all like the company itself.
Fishheadjoe
Edit - to add...
this afternoon I had to get out of the office for a bit, these things happen when you are self employed and working from you home. So, I thought I would take a drive to my local L&M (Canada's largest musical instrument retailer) and see if they had any new/used bass amps.
SPoke with an employee and the subject of Rickenbacker was brought up and not by me!
He had ordered, for himself a solid body RIC guitar, that he waited 18 months for. Upon receiving the guitar, he opened the box to find a fret job like no other he had ever seen, in any guitar, at any price point. His words, it looked like someone had chewed the neck, then packed it.
He called RIC "customer support" who told him to just send it back to them. He asked how long would it take to get his new one and was told 12 to 18 months! He said that he needed it now after waiting so long and customer support's response was "Lennon had to wait and so do you!"
Nice, isn't it!
Jaymi
Pink Bass Man
- Feb 11, 2008
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I like the old instruments because the new ones don't feel right...I have heard many things about the business practices from people on here...not surprising....they don't need my money anyway ...that is why I buy used. RRF is a good resource for info but the overall intent is no conflict/ pacifist thought and you can't tell the truth without somebody censoring, hence I don't post much over there
I wonder if both Ric and MF knew about the finish issues thus MF purchased them at a very low cost (and thus selling them at a low price) and MF is willing to deal with the complaints and returns due to the profit margins? Is this why MF is selling "new" Rics that are a few years old and already out of the factory warranty ? Just a thought
And who else is selling "new" Rics that are that old and out of the factory warranty? Why had they not sold before? New ones are alot harder to find than Fenders etc...but they a large number of "new" older ones? Hmmmm
I dig the old ones too but I also really like the modern Rics. They are solid and respond well to my playing.... that said
Jaymi I am getting a 1990 Jetglo 4003. Didn't you say that you liked the late 80's and early 90's Rics? If so....what is it that you like? Neck profile? BTW, I am in VA...can you set up one of my Rics like yours so I can slap on mine the way you do?
Jaymi I am getting a 1990 Jetglo 4003. Didn't you say that you liked the late 80's and early 90's Rics? If so....what is it that you like? Neck profile? BTW, I am in VA...can you set up one of my Rics like yours so I can slap on mine the way you do?
Pretty much sums up my feelings about this brand.
I have always loved the look of their guitars, but I am learning that the company itself is terrible with customer support. Their attitude is bubbling over with arrogance which is a real turnoff to me!
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