Lucius Paisley
Strat-O-Master
People sell guitars? News to me.
How much relic is too much?
- Thread starter revtime
- Start date
92 Fiesta Red 62
Strat-Talker
“The proper amount of relic-ing is in the eye of the be(er)holder.”
—Leonardo da Shakespeare
It looks great.
I didn’t really understand where you were going on that neck with the stain.
The guitar has a original look about it.
.
If using black stain to relic with, often it can appear gray and bland. A little red stain done subtly before/after can warm the black up and make it look a lot more vibrant.
A few years back I went through all the Fender Custom Shop 'heavy relic' models and overlaid their damage on these images. These are the typical locations for 'actual wear', they presumably looked at old original guitars, but their wear patterns have become the 'realistic wear patterns' most players recognize as 'authentic'. However, players are unique in their playing styles and do wear guitars differently.
Strats seem to get more abuse than Teles, and also played higher on the neck.
Keys to a great relic guitar:
-Perfect playability, high performance. The guitar is easy to play with a great fret level, setup.
-Smooth/satin all over from the wood, metal, finishes. No sharp paint chips, no metal burrs, no wood splinters. Rolled/eased fretboard edges and rounded fret ends.
With a relic comes freedom to dig in with your playing, letting the guitar become an extension of you and no worries about 'scratches'. Freedom.
I've found the relic-haters have never owned a good relic guitar, so pay them no heed.
I used to hate relics too as I did not understand them. After I got my first relic I finally understood the attraction. I noticed how the guitars I bought new and pristine tended to stay in the cases while my used/abused/neglected finds bought cheap and fixed up got all the play time. I also found a new burst in playing skills with that first relic guitar -- in the end it made me a better player.
.
If using black stain to relic with, often it can appear gray and bland. A little red stain done subtly before/after can warm the black up and make it look a lot more vibrant.
A few years back I went through all the Fender Custom Shop 'heavy relic' models and overlaid their damage on these images. These are the typical locations for 'actual wear', they presumably looked at old original guitars, but their wear patterns have become the 'realistic wear patterns' most players recognize as 'authentic'. However, players are unique in their playing styles and do wear guitars differently.
Strats seem to get more abuse than Teles, and also played higher on the neck.
Keys to a great relic guitar:
-Perfect playability, high performance. The guitar is easy to play with a great fret level, setup.
-Smooth/satin all over from the wood, metal, finishes. No sharp paint chips, no metal burrs, no wood splinters. Rolled/eased fretboard edges and rounded fret ends.
With a relic comes freedom to dig in with your playing, letting the guitar become an extension of you and no worries about 'scratches'. Freedom.
I've found the relic-haters have never owned a good relic guitar, so pay them no heed.
I used to hate relics too as I did not understand them. After I got my first relic I finally understood the attraction. I noticed how the guitars I bought new and pristine tended to stay in the cases while my used/abused/neglected finds bought cheap and fixed up got all the play time. I also found a new burst in playing skills with that first relic guitar -- in the end it made me a better player.
.
Nadnitram
Most Honored Senior Member
Aaaaaargh! Why can't you people just season your food the way I like it? I mean, I know I won't be the one eating it, but still ...
ThreeChordWonder
Senior Stratmaster
Follow up with a belt sander and an 80 grit belt.
If that isn't enough, get a piece of rope, tie the thing to your rear bumper and drive round the neighborhood for half an hour...
BuckNekkid
Strat-O-Master
This Stratocaster was given to Frank Zappa by Howard Parker – Hendrix’s roadie, at the 1968 Miami Pop Festival. The history of the guitar is however far from established, and some even doubt its legitimacy since until just recently there’s been proof of Jimi only ever burning two guitars in his life – both of which are accounted for.
Read more at Ground Guitar
Well, there was this guy named Howard Parker – they called him ‘H’ – who was Hendrix’s roadie, gofer and general assistant. He stayed at our house for a couple of months in the late ’60s, and he had this guitar which Hendrix had given to him – I thought it was from the Miami concert.
The Famous Zappa/Hendrix Burnt Guitar – FeelNumbRead more at Ground Guitar
Hanson
Senior Stratmaster
Exactly, it’s only a relic through natural wear by playing it.
Same sh** different day.
I don't consider myself an old timer, and I really don't think age has anything to do with it at all. I don't happen to gravitate toward guitars that look like they've been dragged behind someone's car, but I also couldn't care less if someone else does.
I'm fine with my "plastic coated" guitars, just as you are fine with your nitro coated guitars.
Play what ya wanna play, buy what ya wanna buy.
CigBurn
Total Hack
Yup. Personally I just don't care what anyone else's opinion is on something I own. Threads like this bring out the same half dozen or so pejorative tossers.
Some have strong feelings. Some guys still have their balls attached and want to tussle. Cool. As long as the no weapons rule is in effect Im down.
Its not gonna change anyones mind though.
I like my pristine NJ Schecter and I am having a freakin ball with the orange n black bastard. Soon to have a purple pickguard LOL.
So get wbat ya like and play it to death.
Its not gonna change anyones mind though.
I like my pristine NJ Schecter and I am having a freakin ball with the orange n black bastard. Soon to have a purple pickguard LOL.
So get wbat ya like and play it to death.
StratoMutt
Dr. Stratster
Artificial relicing?
Fine if you do though.
Fine if you do though.
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