Why relic a guitar?

[Inearthed]

Why would you pay for a guitar to go through the relic process or buy a new guitar and pay for a builder / luthier do this? Why not just play the guitar and let wear and tear happen normally? Why not just buy a used guitar instead?

 

[blackba]

I see relic'ing a guitar as cheating, but some people want that. They want something that looks old, but isn't old. The only thing I will say for relic'ing is sometimes those guitars feel broken in, which I can see as advantage. Also, you don't have to worry about adding a ding to the guitar.

Myself though, I have avoided relic guitars, the only one that is somewhat tempting is a Fender road worn tele.

 

[steve_k]

Different strokes on what people wish to spend their money on. It's like buying faded jeans. They feel better, fit better and aren't so stiff.

 

[Anonymous]

Why would you pay for a guitar to go through the relic process or buy a new guitar and pay for a builder / luthier do this? Why not just play the guitar and let wear and tear happen normally? Why not just buy a used guitar instead?

'Cause they look bitchin'!

Listen, I never play out, so my guitars would never get relic'd naturally...

Steve

 

[Bob Savage]

How is someone supposed to put wear and tear on their guitar and relic it organically when most spare time is spent on forums? Reliced guitars are a necessity for the Internet Guitar Player.

I go the cheap way though and drop my guitar frequently as well as leaving it in direct sunlight. It's a low cost, expedited relicing methodology.

 

[Bob Savage]

Listen, I never play out, so my guitars would never get relic'd naturally...

Steve

I rest my case.

 

[metalmaniac93]

Why not? Plus it looks bitchin!!!

 

[2112]

Because the thick poly finish on most guitars will not age or relic without alot of help. Even some of the so called Nitro guitars are over a coat of Poly - so same thing. Plus, if you like it - who really cares.

I like both

 

[squank]

Why not? Plus it looks bitchin!!!

I think it looks like crap.

Not taking a shot at you at all, or at those that like it. But ask other instrumentalists (violin, trumpet, etc) if they would ever relic their new instrument, and they'd think you were bat-shit crazy.

Different strokes on what people wish to spend their money on. It's like buying faded jeans. They feel better, fit better and aren't so stiff.

I'm with you on the feel better, but doesn't it only really apply to the neck?

I've long been confused by the whole relic craze. But I do like a sanded neck, and have done that to some guitars. But it was for feel, not for the look.

 

[Steinmetzify]

How many guys actually keep a guitar around here long enough for it to relic naturally in the first place? I dig on it, and it looks cool. Like Steve said, it's comparable to jeans....more beat up it/they are/is, the more comfortable they are to wear/play.

This thing looks badass, and it's a 2011 R8.

For all the guys that say relic-ing is stupid and you should just wait and let it happen naturally, I say quit sending your amps to Dave Friedman and getting a quick turnaround. Send it to Mark Cameron instead, and let your mods happen in their own good time. No bitching, now.

 

[Shark Diver]

It is just what some guys like. I use to gig PRS Private Stocks and Nik Hubers and all I did was worry about dinging them. Had a cymbal fall into a $14k guitar. Now I play a guitar that if that symbol hit it I would't even know where

It's not just the broken in feeling of the guitar itself, but how I feel playing it. Just more of a kick ass, rocking out deal - like when I was 16.

Same as with my vehicles. Had a Range Rover Sport that could 4x4 with the best of them. But all you do is think about the wear and tear or damage you are doing to a $90K car. Now I have an FJ and you could throw a rock at it and I wouldn't care. I won't think twice about tossing wet, sandy SCUBA gear in it.

Just frees you up a little.

 

[WizardSouth-JP]

all personal taste - best thing about a relic guitar is you can put your beer on it and not worry about messing it up, knock into something - oh well, still looks cool. Digging the new Suhr 80's Shred - with some relic'ing

http://www.suhr.com/#!80s-shred/c839

looks new and old at same time

 

[metalmaniac93]

Why not? Plus it looks bitchin!!!

I think it looks like crap.

Not taking a shot at you at all, or at those that like it. But ask other instrumentalists (violin, trumpet, etc) if they would ever relic their new instrument, and they'd think you were bat-shit crazy.

Different strokes on what people wish to spend their money on. It's like buying faded jeans. They feel better, fit better and aren't so stiff.

I'm with you on the feel better, but doesn't it only really apply to the neck?

I've long been confused by the whole relic craze. But I do like a sanded neck, and have done that to some guitars. But it was for feel, not for the look.

Different strokes for different folks as Steve K said. I do like the way they look and play.

 

[Nodnarb25]

It is just what some guys like. I use to gig PRS Private Stocks and Nik Hubers and all I did was worry about dinging them. Had a cymbal fall into a $14k guitar. Now I play a guitar that if that symbol hit it I would't even know where

It's not just the broken in feeling of the guitar itself, but how I feel playing it. Just more of a kick ass, rocking out deal - like when I was 16.

Same as with my vehicles. Had a Range Rover Sport that could 4x4 with the best of them. But all you do is think about the wear and tear or damage you are doing to a $90K car. Now I have an FJ and you could throwing a rock at it and I wouldn't care. I won't think twice about tossing wet, sandy SCUBA gear in it.

Just frees you up a little.

Exactly my sentiment. I just don't have a comparable vehicle story. I've never had a super nice car!

 

[reverymike]

How many guys actually keep a guitar around here long enough for it to relic naturally in the first place? I dig on it, and it looks cool. Like Steve said, it's comparable to jeans....more beat up it/they are/is, the more comfortable they are to wear/play.

This thing looks badass, and it's a 2011 R8.

For all the guys that say relic-ing is stupid and you should just wait and let it happen naturally, I say quit sending your amps to Dave Friedman and getting a quick turnaround. Send it to Mark Cameron instead, and let your mods happen in their own good time. No bitching, now.

GOOD GOD, where did you find that!? Stunning.

 

[squank]

Why not? Plus it looks bitchin!!!

I think it looks like crap.

Not taking a shot at you at all, or at those that like it. But ask other instrumentalists (violin, trumpet, etc) if they would ever relic their new instrument, and they'd think you were bat-shit crazy.

Different strokes on what people wish to spend their money on. It's like buying faded jeans. They feel better, fit better and aren't so stiff.

I'm with you on the feel better, but doesn't it only really apply to the neck?

I've long been confused by the whole relic craze. But I do like a sanded neck, and have done that to some guitars. But it was for feel, not for the look.

Different strokes for different folks as Steve K said. I do like the way they look and play.

I'm with you, man. I realize it's a matter of taste. I hope I didn't come across harsh.

 

[5150clone]

Its like a fake tattoo.

 

[Bob Savage]

Its like a fake tattoo.

Not following that analogy. So the distress wears off in water?

 

[squank]

Its like a fake tattoo.

 

[D-Rock]

Who cares? People can do what they want. It's available to players so there is obviously a market for it.
My HWY1 Strat has that soft satin finish, so it wears, dents and chips if you so much as look at it funny.
I also soaked the pickup covers and knobs in coffee, so against the white pickguard it makes that axe look about 30 yrs old. Plus it's chewed up from the soft finish so it fools people who look at it, and even some less experienced players who handle it. The large 70's headstock it has adds to the vintage look too.
I think it looks cooler than if it were all shiny and purdy. The look it has wasn't entirely intentional though.
But now I'm actually determined to make that Strat the ugliest Strat ever.
It has:
- Chipped Cocoa brown finish
- Beige faux aged pickup covers & knobs
- Black bobbin bridge humbucker
It needs:
- mint green pickguard or other gross color against the brown
- Graphtech saddles
- Graphtech tusq nut
- DR Neon strings