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1959 Rickenbacker 450 help!

Tim's Guitars

Member
Joined
Nov 15, 2015
Messages
81
Hi all,

I just purchased a near mint 1959 Rickenbacker 450 from a reputable dealer yesterday. As you can see from the below the pics the metal parts and the case are almost mint however I was looking at it closely this morning and noticed a few things that made me double look.

I notice the walnut wings are a little "blurry" as they hit the maple, and I can see what I think looks like buffing compound at the neck join. Do people think it could have been re-finished?

Any help much appreciated.

Tim













 

Tom Wittrock

Les Paul Forum Co-Owner
Joined
Aug 2, 2001
Messages
42,567
I can see what I think looks like buffing compound at the neck join.





Residue like that is quite common, and possibly left over polish rather than buffing compound. I wouldn't think that points toward a refin.
I have no opinion on the headstock finish. Maybe if I saw it in my hands.
 

Wilko

All Access/Backstage Pass
Joined
Mar 11, 2002
Messages
20,854
Looks pretty original. If that were refinished, the end grain would tell the story.

Polish, or compound could have been used at any time. The cracks in the finish don't look like they have been sucking up chemicals/polish. That's areal good sign.
 

Purple Jay

New member
Joined
Aug 3, 2010
Messages
193
You might check with Chip at Winfield Vintage. He knows a lot about Ric's from this era.
 
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