Relics are for Posers?

[rupe]

This article basically nails my thoughts on relics...YMMV

http://www.premierguitar.com/articles/19666-last-call-if-you-relic-your-guitar

 

[JohnSykes]

Good read, thanks.

 

[soc_monki]

i agree. all those old guitars are beat up for a reason...they sound good and get played! if you find an old guitar that is pretty much new its either because its a fluke, and was stored or was never played because it didnt sound good. ive started buying guitars that are 2nds, or B stock, myself simply because theyre cheaper, and because im going to beat the hell out of them anyway! every guitar ive owned has gotten nicks and dings and scratches, and i just dont care. its an instrument that is supposed to be played and i play them. sure, i polish them up, clean the fretboards, and all the maintenance from time to time, but when i play them i dont baby them.

so what if theyre covered in Poly and wont "relic" the same as an old Nitro finish. im still going to pound the hell out of it. and actually, my first electric i sanded the neck to get rid of the glossy finish...and i have 2 now that have gloss on the necks. they do get sticky, but i wipe them down. i might sand them one of these days...

 

[JimmyBlind]

In my opinion, if you buy a guitar & you deliberately hack chunks out of it to make it look older & more used than it is, then you're probably a cunt.

 

[rlord1974]

How do we all feel about t-shirts and sweaters that have been manufactured to look worn in and used?

How do we all feel about brand new jeans that come with rips and wear already visible?

How do we all feel about new furniture that has the "distressed" look?

I could go on, but I really don't have the inclination to.

However, none of these things is any different than a guitar that has been "relic'ed".

It seems to me that a person with a distressed dresser in his/her bedroom that is wearing $300 jeans that have been manufactured to look worn and is on his/her soapbox claiming someone playing a relic'ed guitar is a poseur might just be a hypocrite.

And, to be clear:
* my comment is not directed at rupe. I'm just pointing out the fact that MANY contemporary products are produced to have that worn or relic'ed look about them, as it is a popular trend in many consumer products;
* I don't own an artificially relic'ed instrument, as I find that gigging and playing my guitars achieves the same result; and
* I have not yet read the article at the link.

 

[shgshg]

In my opinion, if you buy a guitar & you deliberately hack chunks out of it to make it look older & more used than it is, then you're probably a cunt.

 

[Jer]

I've come full circle on this one. At first I thought relic'd guitars were a pretentious gimmick. After seeing some tasteful relic jobs I wondered, how is this fundamentally any different than your paint job or other personal choices?

For me it boils down to why. If you're going for what you like, who cares what others think, play it proud. If you're doing it for any other reason, chances are you're a prick.

 

[sandman]

What if a beginner guitarist/noob buys an old guitar that is a natural relic through someone elses playing etc...Is that beginner/noob a "poser" just as if they bought a new "relic finish" guitar etc..?
Why does anyone give a crap about what anyone else chooses to play or not play? I don't...I think folks would be happier if they'd tend to their own business and enjoy what they have vs worrying over other folks gear.

 

[rlord1974]

What if a beginner guitarist/noob buys an old guitar that is a natural relic through someone elses playing etc...Is that beginner/noob a "poser" just as if they bought a new "relic finish" guitar etc..?

Why does anyone give a crap about what anyone else chooses to play or not play? I don't...I think folks would be happier if they'd tend to their own business and enjoy what they have vs worrying over other folks gear.

Both great points. Didn't mama always say to mind your own business. Jeesh.

Obviously relics are very popular models, given the number being produced. And it's not just the cheaper Fender road worn ones out there - are we saying that guys dropping $10k on a relic'ed Bartlett are poseurs?

Come on folks. Give your heads a collective shake here.

P.S. I still haven't read the article. Do I need to? What do I care what Premier Guitar has to say?......Bunch of poseurs.......

 

[Atropos_Project]

I'm still waiting for this fad to hit the automobile market, so I can sell my relic for a profit.

 

[Anonymous]

I like the way relic guitars look. If you can play, no one can call you a poser for owning one. Obviously a lot of people dig 'em or everyone wouldn't be making them. To me, the word poser always had more to do with whether someone could play or not, rather than the guitar they played.

Steve

 

[rlord1974]

To me, the word poser always had more to do with whether someone could play or not, rather than the guitar they played.

I agree re: the use of the term "poseur".

I will add to it that a ridiculous, "over the top" stage presence displayed by a guitarist can make him/her a "poseur" as well.

 

[Anonymous]

To me, the word poser always had more to do with whether someone could play or not, rather than the guitar they played.

I agree re: the use of the term "poseur".

I will add to it that a ridiculous, "over the top" stage presence displayed by a guitarist can make him/her a "poseur" as well.

Not if they can play. For example, I'd never consider Vai a poser, no matter how much he prances in front of his fans. The guy is a bad M'fer and will always have my respect.

Of course, this is coming from a guy who has a picture of himself onstage in black and white fishnet spandex pants and a ton of makeup in his avatar, so YMMV.

Also, I have no problem with well-heeled beginner guitarists with PRS Private Stock guitars, Dumble amps and Klon Centaurs either. What the hell do I care what folks spend their hard earned cash on. If you have the spare coin, knock yourself out. There is no minimum playing ability required for someone to buy expensive gear, folks... I wish a bunch of rich beginners would buy Cherry Bombs right now!

Steve

 

[flimz]

I love shiny new guitars AND guitars that look old and worn. I have a Les Paul that you could eat breakfast on, and I also have my R7 currently undergoing a transformation at Historic Makeovers. To each, his own. Carry on.

 

[jsp]

Why does anyone give a crap about what anyone else chooses to play or not play? I don't...I think folks would be happier if they'd tend to their own business and enjoy what they have vs worrying over other folks gear.

 

[War Admiral]

Hey whatever you like get it....lifes too short to worry what other people think

 

[rlord1974]

Not if they can play. For example, I'd never consider Vai a poser, no matter how much he prances in from of his fans. The guy is a bad M'fer and will always have my respect.

Agree 100%. I actually wanted to go back and edit my previous comment to reflect this very fact, but was then distracted by some work I am currently doing. Damn work, always getting in the damn way!

Of course, this is coming from a guy who has a picture of himself onstage in black and white fishnet spandex pants and a ton of makeup, so YMMV. ;-)

It's hot, bro'.

What the hell do I care what folks spend their hard earned cash on. If you have the spare coin, knock yourself out. There is no minimum playing ability required for someone to buy expensive gear, folks...

Agree 100%. People should mind their own damn business. Some people around here get their gitch all knotted up just because someone else spent $3k on a guitar or an amp. WHAT THE HELL DOES IT MATTER? If that person can afford to do it, and it makes them happy, SHUT YER PIE HOLE AND LET THEM BE HAPPY.

 

[squank]

How do we all feel about t-shirts and sweaters that have been manufactured to look worn in and used?

How do we all feel about brand new jeans that come with rips and wear already visible?

How do we all feel about new furniture that has the "distressed" look?

I could go on, but I really don't have the inclination to.

However, none of these things is any different than a guitar that has been "relic'ed".

It seems to me that a person with a distressed dresser in his/her bedroom that is wearing $300 jeans that have been manufactured to look worn and is on his/her soapbox claiming someone playing a relic'ed guitar is a poseur might just be a hypocrite.

I feel the same way about each one of those examples. If there's wear on my guitar/jeans/furniture, I want to be the one putting it in there from MY use.

 

[rlord1974]

How do we all feel about t-shirts and sweaters that have been manufactured to look worn in and used?

How do we all feel about brand new jeans that come with rips and wear already visible?

How do we all feel about new furniture that has the "distressed" look?

I could go on, but I really don't have the inclination to.

However, none of these things is any different than a guitar that has been "relic'ed".

It seems to me that a person with a distressed dresser in his/her bedroom that is wearing $300 jeans that have been manufactured to look worn and is on his/her soapbox claiming someone playing a relic'ed guitar is a poseur might just be a hypocrite.

I feel the same way about each one of those examples. If there's wear on my guitar/jeans/furniture, I want to be the one putting it in there from MY use.

And fair play to you. However, that does not make the MILLIONS of other North Americans and people around the globe that are buying into this new trend of "distressing", "worn look" and "relic'ing" wrong. It just boils down to personal preference.

I don't personally buy distressed/relic'ed items either. But I don't look down my nose at those that do. Like Premier Guitar.

 

[Ventura]

5 posts in and we're already at the cunt and prick mark. Nicely done.

I think relic'ing is bollocks.