Hi, everyone!

I recently purchased a used 360V64 six string and it's in great condition except three of the inlays are cracked on the fretboard. It doesn't affect the playability or sound of the guitar, but I think I would eventually like to replace them with new inlays. Any suggestions? Should I even try calling Rickenbacker about this, or contact someone like Jingle Jangle?

Regards!
Clifton

Clifton, these inlays are poured resin with pearl essence added. If the guitar is out of warranty (which it is), your only option is to have an independent Rick specialist like me re-pour them, and re-varnish the neck. For the best job, the guitar will also have to be refretted.

My email is in my profile when the time comes.

_________________
Rickenbackers: I love to play them. I enjoy the challenge of working on them. I love the way they sound.

Thanks, Paul! I'll let you know. I enjoyed reading the article about you, by the way!

It's not a perfect repair but it is possible to use a tiny syringe to inject water-thin cyanoacrylate glue into the cracks. Some years ago we had an employee who experimented with this technique and had some success with it. The difficult part is legally obtaining syringe needles fine enough to work for this; as I understand it, the needles used for insulin are very small and were supplied by a diabetic employee. I do remember the trick was to keep the needle tip in a rubber stopper as much as possible to keep the adhesive/filler from hardening.

As for the needles, it may depend on where you live. We can get just about anything, even very fine ones, in the local farm supply store...

Thanks for the responses, everyone!

I know from building plastic models for years that you can sand super glue once it has hardened, if it goes over the edge of the cracks. I'm more concerned with stabilizing the cracks and holding the pieces in place. One narrow piece in particular--at the fifth fret--seems like it is slightly turned and is no longer flush with the fretboard. If I can get the pieces stabilized, then I'll see how long they'll stay. If they get worse, then I will definitely consider sending it to Paul for repouring the inlays. Luckily, so far it doesn't affect the playability or sound of this wonderful instrument. What a beautiful finish, too; it's the lovely metallic turquoise that was offered for a while by Rickenbacker. If Mr. Hall decides to bring back the "color of the year" for guitar finishes, this would be a great choice one year!

What causes the inlays to crack? My instruments are old (like me) and the inlays still look good.

From what I understand, it could be several factors, but high up on the list is abrupt climate change. I bought my 360V64 used, and I would guess that whoever had it before me hardly played it. It looks almost unplayed, except for the inlay cracks and a few cracks in the conversion varnish. There's really no wear on the instrument at all. I wonder if whoever had it took it from a warm house or apartment during the winter months to an outdoor gig. I think sudden change of temperature can cause expansion or contraction of the inlays (and varnish) which would cause cracks to appear.