Hey Relic Haters-Dare you to look.

[Falstaff48]

Originally Posted by Boris Bubbanov

I think there may be a bottom to this lake we call Rustication.

Once every kid on every street has a beat up looking guitar and shiny ones are in short supply, then everyone will wheel around and scramble for the small number of intact guitars from a certain era.

Sounds like an opportunity for a bonanza to me.

The guitar manufacturers will pay your heroes to play the rare, hard to get brand new guitars with some special finish or gizmo on it, and the madhouse crowd will chase after them and the replicas of their sparkling guitars.

I think that what collectors have been doing for years.

[tonyw]

Originally Posted by Scoey

This is known as the Halfcaster. They are made in Sydney Australia

And all over the world, plenty of builds with a tele body a strat neck and routed for 3 singles and a strat guard.

[bamboozer]

Ugly down to the bone and beyond. The only justification for a guitar in that condition is if you've owned it forever and played 1,000 gigs plus on it.

[rgatling]

I like relics. To each his own, kinda like the music you play.

[Dice]

Originally Posted by OldFartRocker

Unless you put the miles on it, you're a poser. Sorry.

Oh, no need to apologize - I didn't care much about your opinion to begin with.

[srvwannab]

Another #1 replica... not too shabby... nice work.

YouTube - SRV Number One Replica

YouTube - SRV Number One Replica

[OldFartRocker]

Hmmmm, A fake relic is like living in Maine looking at a white kid with baggie pants, His White sox hat on sideways listening to rap, acting like a gansta......POSER!

[frankjc]

Originally Posted by OldFartRocker

Hmmmm, A fake relic is like living in Maine looking at a white kid with baggie pants, His White sox hat on sideways listening to rap, acting like a gansta......POSER!

LMAO! dat shiznit was funny, yo

[Boris Bubbanov]

Originally Posted by OldFartRocker

Hmmmm, A fake relic is like living in Maine looking at a white kid with baggie pants, His White sox hat on sideways listening to rap, acting like a gansta......POSER!

I hear ya. But that kid might stop and help a grandmother if she fell on the sidewalk.

Seems like the youngsters in New Orleans aren't satisfied posing. They gotta be killing someone, or being killed, to be satisfied.

And remember, Tha Low End Theory is an artist and artisan. He's creating this stuff to appeal to others, or just to challenge himself. The BUYER would be the poser, not the builder.

[Falstaff48]

You mean like Vanilla Ice?

[Jake D]

Originally Posted by Dice

Someone else's honest wear isn't any more your contribution than the fake wear on a relic.

So true.

[srvwannab]

I wouldn't want to have one as my main axe or even to play at shows at all, but for it's novelty and artistic value I wouldn't say no to an SRV #1 replica that was well made and maticulously put together as unique piece.

Not a mass produced copy.

It would be great to have just to look at and as a conversation piece and it would look great in the corner under some SRV prints. I would feel foolish playing it out though, then I would feel like a poser unless I was in an SRV tribute act and even then I'd feel foolish since I can't play like him...

I would also like to have a copy of Jimmy's dragon tele just for the fun of it.

[JDavis]

I agree with few here that doesn't get the idea of so called relic-ing...

Now there is "old" stuff and then there is "antique" stuff. Every old thing is not classified as an antique unles it has a uniqueness to it.

If you can get your hands on a really rare old model guitar which was used on the road for many years and have some marks to prove it, then more power to you. I love to have one of those too.

But why buying a $99 shiny guitar and making it look an old $99 guitar is so cool? I don't get it.
It is a $99 crappy guitar to begin with and after the process it turns into a damaged $99 crappy guitar.

Where I come from there is an old saying: "If you even put the gold saddle on a donkey, it is still a donkey ! "

So, if you have a unique item in your hands, do whatever (artfully) you can and raise the level of uniqueness of that item. I can understand that. Otherwise it seems like a useless process to me.

[Dice]

How many good relics have you played, Mr. Davis? How did they compare to the vintage models you've played? You don't get the "theory" of relicing, or you've played a few and don't think that they capture the vintage vibe?

[JDavis]

Oh, don't get me wrong. I just don't get the theory behind the relicing.

What I'm trying to say is that antique is not "made", it "happens".

I'll be proud to own an antique guitar no matter what shape it is in. But I won't be proud or consider myself lucky to have an "antique-looking" guitar, because it was cheap enough for me to rough it up to look like that.

But again, I am not saying that you're wrong. Neither I am. I am just saying that it is my point of view.
Like colors. If you like red and if I like blue it doesn't make either one of us right or wrong.

Also, I am not sure what we're talking about here, but let me be blunt and ask; are you saying that after relicing process a $99 guitar sounds and feels better than a perfectly preserved mint condition original '57 Stratocaster?
I don't know you but scraped off paint doesn't inspire me any better...

[demonale]

Originally Posted by JDavis

Oh, don't get me wrong. I just don't get the theory behind the relicing.

What I'm trying to say is that antique is not "made", it "happens".

I'll be proud to own an antique guitar no matter what shape it is in. But I won't be proud or consider myself lucky to have an "antique-looking" guitar, because it was cheap enough for me to rough it up to look like that.

But again, I am not saying that you're wrong. Neither I am. I am just saying that it is my point of view.
Like colors. If you like red and if I like blue it doesn't make either one of us right or wrong.

Also, I am not sure what we're talking about here, but let me be blunt and ask; are you saying that after relicing process a $99 guitar sounds and feels better than a perfectly preserved mint condition original '57 Stratocaster?
I don't know you but scraped off paint doesn't inspire me any better...

Going off topic slightly, how did it happen that guitarists value the looks of a beaten up guitar more than a new looking instrument? I played a '59 Strat the other day-it played and sounded great, (it was all original save for a re- fret and 5 way switch which replaced the standard 3 way), but the finish...it looked like Rory Gallagher's Strat did at the end of his career.
Anyway, it was going for the best part of 30k, which I've been told isn't unreasonable in today's market.

What other market would tolerate this? You don't, for example, get vintage car enthusiasts getting all misty eyed over a '57 Chevy because half its body has rusted away. The same car mint, now that's another matter!

[ThaLowEndTheory]

Wow, some love and some hate. To be expected I guess. No shame here. It's mine, and I'm proud of my little $40 Squier. My first relic tribute, really my first attempt at a heavy relic. I can't see paying a ton of money for a replica guitar, and I can't see attempting it on a new expensive body either without some previous attempts. I tried to get a close approximation of the original guitar to see how the masking process works. I am very happy with it, and it's mine so customer satisfied. To some of you thanks for the comments, especially Boris and Hobbs. To the haters well, all the best to you as well. Like what you like and let the rest of us like what we like. I like 'em shiny and I like 'em beat. If you just truly don't like my efforts at recreating the guitar. Well thanks for your "constructive" criticism. I learned alot on the build, and now I know how to make a better one next time.

And yes, the Lenny will be made from a Squier. Unless someone has several thousands they want to give me.

[Dice]

Originally Posted by JDavis

Oh, don't get me wrong. I just don't get the theory behind the relicing.

What I'm trying to say is that antique is not "made", it "happens".

I'll be proud to own an antique guitar no matter what shape it is in. But I won't be proud or consider myself lucky to have an "antique-looking" guitar, because it was cheap enough for me to rough it up to look like that.

But again, I am not saying that you're wrong. Neither I am. I am just saying that it is my point of view.
Like colors. If you like red and if I like blue it doesn't make either one of us right or wrong.

Also, I am not sure what we're talking about here, but let me be blunt and ask; are you saying that after relicing process a $99 guitar sounds and feels better than a perfectly preserved mint condition original '57 Stratocaster?
I don't know you but scraped off paint doesn't inspire me any better...

No - not a chance. And, relic'ed Poly NEVER looks the part. I have one of those Fender Roadworn models, and I really like the guitar. I didn't set out to get a relic - it just so happened that it was my favorite Strat in the shop. I have several vintage Fenders (no vintage Strats) and this one comes close. Not quite there, but close.

I posted this clip in the pickups section, but here is my Mexi "Relic" Road Worn. I finally have it set up in a way that I like - and I'm loving this guitar more and more every day...

YouTube - My Strat's Guts: Klein S-5, '66 Fender / WB Rewinds, Fralin Blender Pot

YouTube - My Strat's Guts: Klein S-5, '66 Fender / WB Rewinds, Fralin Blender Pot

[Dice]

Originally Posted by ThaLowEndTheory

Wow, some love and some hate. To be expected I guess. No shame here. It's mine, and I'm proud of my little $40 Squier. My first relic tribute, really my first attempt at a heavy relic. I can't see paying a ton of money for a replica guitar, and I can't see attempting it on a new expensive body either without some previous attempts. I tried to get a close approximation of the original guitar to see how the masking process works. I am very happy with it, and it's mine so customer satisfied. To some of you thanks for the comments, especially Boris and Hobbs. To the haters well, all the best to you as well. Like what you like and let the rest of us like what we like. I like 'em shiny and I like 'em beat. If you just truly don't like my efforts at recreating the guitar. Well thanks for your "constructive" criticism. I learned alot on the build, and now I know how to make a better one next time.

And yes, the Lenny will be made from a Squier. Unless someone has several thousands they want to give me.

I say, NICE WORK!

[ThaLowEndTheory]

Originally Posted by Dice

I say, NICE WORK!

Thanks Dice, and nice playing.

[Dice]

Originally Posted by ThaLowEndTheory

Thanks Dice, and nice playing.

Gracias. I have fun - thats all that really matters!

[JDavis]

Well don't generalize all of us under the "haters" category. Not getting it doesn't mean "hate".
I don't and won't do it. But I don't hate you for doing it nor I hate your relic guitars.
They are yours. If you enjoy them, you don't need anybody else's approval.

Also, I agree that it's a great process for someone to learn to dissect a guitar and learn the structural aspects of it.

But remember dictionary meaning of "RELIC" is : an object surviving from an earlier time, esp. one of historical or sentimental interest.

At the end of the "relicing" process you guys ending up with a relic-like guitar and not a relic? That's the main reason I don't get it.

But still, if I hit the Super Lotto Jackpot in near future I will generously contribute in your "Lenny" project.

[Dice]

A "simulated" relic.

Hey - if I could afford a '57 Strat, I'd get one. There is NOTHING like an authentic vintage Fender. My Strat does NOT have the feel that my 60's Fenders do - BUT - I cannot afford a 60's Fender, so this is the closest I can come for now. My favorite Fender is a parts Musicmaster ('64/66) - it is a killer guitar, but it isn't as versatile as my Strat.

Someday I'll have a Pre-CBS Strat. It'll be a while, though...

[ThaLowEndTheory]

Originally Posted by JDavis

Well don't generalize all of us under the "haters" category. Not getting it doesn't mean "hate".
I don't and won't do it. But I don't hate you for doing it nor I hate your relic guitars.
They are yours. If you enjoy them, you don't need anybody else's approval.

Also, I agree that it's a great process for someone to learn to dissect a guitar and learn the structural aspects of it.

But remember dictionary meaning of "RELIC" is : an object surviving from an earlier time, esp. one of historical or sentimental interest.

At the end of the "relicing" process you guys ending up with a relic-like guitar and not a relic? That's the main reason I don't get it.

But still, if I hit the Super Lotto Jackpot in near future I will generously contribute in your "Lenny" project.

DEAL!!!

No I dont mean to categorizing anyone. There are those that openly hate them no matter what and just openly bash every chance they get. I can take the criticism. As one of the members pointed out it's not perfect. One of the guys talked about the transitions from finish to bare wood. It's the same flaw I found. My description was that it looked kinda "paint by numbers". But my goal was to get it close as I could manage, and I learned a better way to do it in the process. Some guys are on the fence, and others who just don't get the appeal. I understand that. I don't care for pointy guitars, or skinny jeans. Well I like skinny jeans on women, but that's beside the point. All are entitled to their opinions, and that's why I don't wish any ill will or disrespect them for it. In the end it's just a finish option, nothing more.

[JDavis]

Exactly !!!

I agree 110% with you...

Plus if it's going to be any extra help me hitting the lotto jackpot, I'll add Dice to my contribution list and get him a an original '57 too.

[OldFartRocker]

I have a friend who inherited a 56 Strat from his uncle. Still in the original case. He taught guitar lessons for long as I could remember. One thing that struck me was he always wiped it down and put in back in the case every time. This guitar is still almost perfect. I would much rather have that guitar than any "road worn" abused Strat. I guess relic copies have their place. Depends on what you want. I cringe every time I get a ding on any of my guitars. And Yes I wipe them down after every use and put them back in the case.

[Dice]

Originally Posted by JDavis

Exactly !!!

I agree 110% with you...

Plus if it's going to be any extra help me hitting the lotto jackpot, I'll add Dice to my contribution list and get him a an original '57 too.

Woot! Make it a real beater, well used and gigged '57!!

[Dice]

Originally Posted by OldFartRocker

I have a friend who inherited a 56 Strat from his uncle. Still in the original case. He taught guitar lessons for long as I could remember. One thing that struck me was he always wiped it down and put in back in the case every time. This guitar is still almost perfect. I would much rather have that guitar than any "road worn" abused Strat. I guess relic copies have their place. Depends on what you want. I cringe every time I get a ding on any of my guitars. And Yes I wipe them down after every use and put them back in the case.

Whereas I'd rather have one that has half of its finish knocked off - because I can get it for 1/2 the money, and I don't have to worry about putting a big ol' ding in a priceless pristine piece of history. I have several 60s Fenders and Gibsons - and they all have been used pretty heavily. I wouldn't have gotten them if it weren't for both the reasonable price and the presence of dents dings scuffs and checking.

[Dice]

This local guy plays a '61 Strat which he has played the absolute balls off of. Look at it, and tell me that vintage guitars in the hands of gigging musicians don't show extreme wear over a 50 year period... they do. WHEN I get my 50s/60s Strat, it'll be something like his: (The link is safe - it is to this guy's band's myspace photo album showing him and his '61. He doesn't have any good pix of the front, unfortunately...)

My Photos Photo Gallery - Photo 6 of 17 by Russ Nasset and the Revelators - MySpace Photos

[OverYonder]

In reaction to the OP - What is the next step? Dressing up like SRV? Having yourself remodeled a la Michael Jackson but in the SRV vein?

Make your guitar your OWN, I'd say, and be yourself.

Guitar clones are pathetic, IMHO. And, well, fake. So are cloned guitar solos, if you ask me. They are a travesty of music, just as SRV lookalike strats are travesties.

[Dice]

Yeah, I'd say that the next "logical" step would be extreme plastic surgery...

[OverYonder]

Originally Posted by srvwannab

Another #1 replica... not too shabby... nice work.

YouTube - SRV Number One Replica

The trousers fit the relic perfectly.

[ThaLowEndTheory]

Originally Posted by OverYonder

In reaction to the OP - What is the next step? Dressing up like SRV? Having yourself remodeled a la Michael Jackson but in the SRV vein?

Make your guitar your OWN, I'd say, and be yourself.

Guitar clones are pathetic, IMHO. And, well, fake. So are cloned guitar solos, if you ask me. They are a travesty of music, just as SRV lookalike strats are travesties.

Yea, that's my goal. No the next step is to play it every now and then just like my other guitars and basses. Travesty? Really? Some of you guys are just way over the top. Dude it's a guitar, not a threat to national security. And don't worry, I make plenty of "my own" guitars, but my number one is a bass. I think I will be myself, and like the guitars that I like instead of what you say is being "real".

[Dice]

Originally Posted by ThaLowEndTheory

Yea, that's my goal. No the next step is to play it every now and then just like my other guitars and basses. Travesty? Really? Some of you guys are just way over the top. Dude it's a guitar, not a threat to national security. And don't worry, I make plenty of "my own" guitars, but my number one is a bass. I think I will be myself, and like the guitars that I like instead of what you say is being "real".

Unacceptable! You need to listen to these guys and then modify your behavior accordingly. Don't you realize that there is more to this equation than just "you?" There are travesties being committed against the greater guitar community, and others here do not approve.

Get in line, sonny.



There are some real high strung members around here, aren't there?

[alexti]

Some people find relic guitars and clones to be more than just instruments for music. They're cool and fun to look at. Some people take their guitars on picnics and take photos of them on the lawn. Other people collect hobby planes, antique guns. Charlie Watts collects sportcars and gets people to park them on his driveway so he could look at their dashboards. He doesn't even know how to drive. The electric guitar is one of the icons of the 20th century. It triggers emotions in so many of us, not just by the sounds they produce, but by their looks too. Being an enthusiast of their looks and/or how they sound/play is really just part of our overall reverence for the instrument.

We all love guitars - how they look, sound, and play - there's a relic debate every week, please lets be nice to each other!

[JDavis]

Hey guys...

Let's cool it down a notch!

There is no need for some of your insulting comments. Plus, labeling something in extreme language doesn't make your opinion right.

I am one of those who don't get the relicing process. I don't do it and I don't like it and it is meaningless if you ask me. But I respect to the choice of those who enjoy, work on and play those guitars.

[Dice]

Isn't "debate" allowed around here? I haven't seen anything out of line, IMO. Little humorous jabs here and there - but nothing in the least bit serious.

(This is not directly regarding the above comment - just a general theme of "TONE IT DOWN!!" around here the past few days whenever people discuss anything...)

[hobbster01]

Hell.
I told 'em not to look.
I started this thread to showcase an artful rendition of a classic strat.
I also posted a few of this builders other works as I fell he does more with a $40.00 POS guitar than most old fart closed minded relic hating enthusiasts could accomplish with a good piece of wood.
So to all who want to bash this artist or his work, please start another thread about your $40.00 pawn shop score and what color pickguard to put on it or one about your best friends' step-sisters second cousin who found a '57 Strat in the attic under his grandpa's Vaudeville drag costumes and leave us to enjoy relics and the people who artfully create them.
Thank you.

[Dice]

^^

I for one am interested in hearing a bit more about the "process" used to create this guitar. I know that the biggest challenge with mine has been making the wood itself look old/aged (oxidized??). I've had decent luck getting discoloration with graphite and ink rubbed in with water. I've read a few woodworking articles about using vinegar to oxidize wood, but have had very little luck with that method.

What I'm really hoping for, though, is five guys to quote this post and tell me to "play it for ten years" - because that is the answer that I really want, deep down.

I find it interesting that this topic is so taboo - to the point that those who wish to discuss it are not allowed to do so because of the overwhelmingly loud "voice" of the "anti relic camp" (a group which I cannot fathom a person feeling the need to belong to... its like having an "anti red car organization" or something).

Anyway, back to the "topic at hand" if there still is one... I think that many of these techniques are fairly guarded. Razor Blade checking has become popular... I don't like it. I'm also not a fan of aerosol can checking. Neither look right. True freeze checking is the only way to go.

Guys like Danocaster do a heck of a good job. You can get a Dano guitar in full nitro, very convincingly aged, all american components and handwound pickups, for something like $1.5k. Really a great deal considering all of the work that goes in to it - and the fact that you can't even get a freaking decent Nitro finish from Fender in that price margin (no, no, no, don't mention the matte over poly Highway Ones or even the somewhat decent AVRI at $2k - neither really gets it right).

Here is a Dano's site - reference the photo section: DANOCASTER VINTAGE REPLICAS

[boof]

Originally Posted by JDavis

Oh, don't get me wrong. I just don't get the theory behind the relicing.

What I'm trying to say is that antique is not "made", it "happens".

I'll be proud to own an antique guitar no matter what shape it is in. But I won't be proud or consider myself lucky to have an "antique-looking" guitar, because it was cheap enough for me to rough it up to look like that.

But again, I am not saying that you're wrong. Neither I am. I am just saying that it is my point of view.
Like colors. If you like red and if I like blue it doesn't make either one of us right or wrong.

Also, I am not sure what we're talking about here, but let me be blunt and ask; are you saying that after relicing process a $99 guitar sounds and feels better than a perfectly preserved mint condition original '57 Stratocaster?
I don't know you but scraped off paint doesn't inspire me any better...

Ill say that an original 57 and a master built custom shop relic 57 have the same vibe yes. very much so. I have played both side by side at the same time same rig and the master built custom shop one sound and feel wise is right there with the original

Boof.