The Ultimate Relic Thread

[JoeNewbie]

I noticed how most relic threads eventually derail into various accusations and finger pointing exercises. I'd like to keep things very constructive on this new thread and would like to express my thoughts.

Most people mention "comfort" and a "broken in feel" as their primary reason for buying and enjoying a relic.

It's an argument I can certainly live with.

Now, here's my counter argument. If "comfort" and "broken in feel" are the primary factors, what do you make of all the fake scratches and dents, as they certainly don't add to the playing experience and make your guitar look identical to your friend's relic? Wouldn't it make more sense to play a guitar that is "broken in" without those fake scratches?

[rhinocaster]

I just can't believe this.

I can't

I really can't

Why can't I enjoy a guitar that I like that tone, appearance and feel of ? Why on earth would it have to make sense to someone else?

[stevieboy]

Seems to be an obsesson. Sometimes a guitar is just a guitar.

[webe123]

LOL! He is just asking a question. If you like your guitar then fine. What is stopping you from playing it? But a lot of people don't understand the dremel tool touch on Road Worn guitars and that was what he was asking about.

It didn't sound like he was putting anyone down that owned one, he was just curious about the fake scratches and nicks and what Road Worn owners thought about them.

[shark_bite]

Dude you start a relic thread like every day. Just buy one already :D

[JoeNewbie]

I definitely don't mean to disrespect anyone with this thread.

The part that I can't get over is how I could meet a fellow player whose guitar would bear the exact same scratches. My friends and I laugh about this all the time.

Worn in feel? Yes...

Same scratches as the next guy? Seems a bit extreme to me...

[JoeNewbie]

Dude you start a relic thread like every day. Just buy one already :D

Those relic threads have a life of their own... I write a couple of posts and then people keep arguing for days! :)

[CharAznable]

I despise relics, but yesterday I bonded with a roadworn Tele that was just fantastic. I was just disconcerted by the fact that it had the exact same fake wear pattern as the one next to it.

I wish they made the exact same guitar, same finish and all, in a non-relic version. I'll break it in myself, thank you.

[Gasp100]

Another one... Dear Lord!
There are a lot of guitars out there... move on for God's sake!

[webe123]

I think because the RW guitars are production guitars....it seems that it would be kinda hard to "scratch it up" in different places on each guitar.

Besides that, it is not "real wear" anyways, so I do not think scratching it up in different places would make that much difference. But it definately would raise the price of the guitar, as they would have to do more to it.

[JoeNewbie]

I think because the RW guitars are production guitars....it seems that it would be kinda hard to "scratch it up" in different places on each guitar.

Agreed -- but even CS relics are done on the same canvas. There is even more detal on the CS, which makes the similarity even more unlikely...

[webe123]

Agreed -- but even CS relics are done on the same canvas. There is even more detal on the CS, which makes the similarity even more unlikely...

Yeah, but a custom shop road worn and a regular production road worn are very different in price, as well as parts. They can make more adjustments to a custom shop road worn, because people are paying a premium for it.

So maybe the lesson we learn here today is, if you want a road worn, try a custom shop if it matters where they scratch it up. LOL!

[Gas-man]

I noticed how most relic threads eventually derail into various accusations and finger pointing exercises. I'd like to keep things very constructive on this new thread and would like to express my thoughts.

Most people mention "comfort" and a "broken in feel" as their primary reason for buying and enjoying a relic.

It's an argument I can certainly live with.

Now, here's my counter argument. If "comfort" and "broken in feel" are the primary factors, what do you make of all the fake scratches and dents, as they certainly don't add to the playing experience and make your guitar look identical to your friend's relic? Wouldn't it make more sense to play a guitar that is "broken in" without those fake scratches?


Judging by the guitars in your sig, you like expensive, poly-heavy guitars.

So noted.

[big mike]

:facepalm

[JoeNewbie]

Judging by the guitars in your sig, you like expensive, poly-heavy guitars.

So noted.

Actually, only the PRS and Ovation would qualify as poly-heavy.

[big mike]

PRS are not 'poly heavy'.

Ever knick one? I have.

[JoeNewbie]

PRS are not 'poly heavy'.

Ever knick one? I have.

Sorry, I was trying to speak Relicese.

I've never knicked my PRS, thankfully... :)

[bluesjuke]

I noticed how most relic threads eventually derail into various accusations and finger pointing exercises.


I'd like to keep things very constructive on this new thread and would like to express my thoughts.




See the contradiction?
You said Relic and constructive in the same post.

[JoeNewbie]

See the contradiction?
You said Relic and constructive in the same post.

Sorry I don't understand your reply.

[PixMix]

I definitely don't mean to disrespect anyone with this thread.

The part that I can't get over is how I could meet a fellow player whose guitar would bear the exact same scratches. My friends and I laugh about this all the time.

Worn in feel? Yes...

Same scratches as the next guy? Seems a bit extreme to me...

Well, your chances of meeting a fellow player who has an exact same guitar as yours are greater with non-reliced (i.e. pristine, perfectly polished) guitars.

Depending on your sense of humor, this may sound even funnier.

Now, having said that, I'm not into relics, but I think it's bizarre how a finish option can outrage so many players/guitar enthusiasts.

[greenlander]

My friends and I laugh about this all the time.

But it's constructive laughing, right?

:rolleyes:

[JoeNewbie]

Well, your chances of meeting a fellow player who has an exact same guitar as yours are greater with non-reliced (i.e. pristine, perfectly polished) guitars.

Depending on your sense of humor, this may sound even funnier.

Now, having said that, I'm not into relics, but I think it's bizarre how a finish option can outrage so many players/guitar enthusiasts.

You bring an interesting perspective.

Here's an analogy with cars...

My cousin once had the exact same car as his sister in law -- they both drove a white 4-door Accord.

Now, imagine if they had the same mods -- or even worse, imagine if they both purposedly had the same accidents and bumps?

:)

[JoeNewbie]

But it's constructive laughing, right?

:rolleyes:

Indeed... :)

[PixMix]

You bring an interesting perspective.

Here's an analogy with cars...

My cousin once had the exact same car as his sister in law -- they both drove a white 4-door Accord.

Now, imagine if they had the same mods -- or even worse, imagine if they both purposedly had the same accidents and bumps?

:)

Regardless, same is same. Stock or moded, relic or no relic, if it's the same thing - it's the same thing.

Disclaimer:
I'm just trying to make a point, otherwise I don't normally use "same" as much in my communication. :D

[burner]

I'd like to keep things very constructive on this new thread and would like to express my thoughts.
Oh would ya' now?
Good luck with that....and let me know how it works out for ya'!
;)

Most people mention "comfort" and a "broken in feel" as their primary reason for buying and enjoying a relic.

It's an argument I can certainly live with.

Now, here's my counter argument. If "comfort" and "broken in feel" are the primary factors, what do you make of all the fake scratches and dents, as they certainly don't add to the playing experience and make your guitar look identical to your friend's relic? Wouldn't it make more sense to play a guitar that is "broken in" without those fake scratches?
The "better feel" is certainly an argument with merit, and one I even agree with....but there's really no need to "relic" an entire instrument with fake scratches and dents just to get the neck to feel the way you want to.
I mean, if that was really the only reason then anyone could simply do a little work on the neck of their new guitar.....I frequently do, it just depends on the particular instrument.
However, that is purely a matter of customizing the instrument for function.
When people start doing it in order to make the guitar look like it's been around a long time, Meh....I think I'll just go ahead and reserve my opinion of that whole deal.

[JoeNewbie]

Regardless, same is same. Stock or moded, relic or no relic, if it's the same thing - it's the same thing.

Disclaimer:
I'm just trying to make a point, otherwise I don't normally use "same" as much in my communication. :D

Hey, it's funny when two guys are wearing the same white shirt -- it's even funnier when two guys are wearing the same white shirt with the same ketchup stains...

[JoeNewbie]

The "better feel" is certainly an argument with merit, and one I even agree with....but there's really no need to "relic" an entire instrument with fake scratches and dents just to get the neck to feel the way you want to.

My thoughts exactly.

[bluesjuke]

bluesjuke-
"See the contradiction?
You said Relic and constructive in the same post."

Sorry I don't understand your reply.


My point is that no Relic thread has ever been constructive.

[JoeNewbie]

My point is that no Relic thread has ever been constructive.

Ok I get it now. You should know I'm always up for a good challenge! :)

[Gas-man]

Actually, only the PRS and Ovation would qualify as poly-heavy.


The 52 RI has more poly than a 70's disco.

[Gas-man]

PRS are not 'poly heavy'.

Ever knick one? I have.

Is that thick coat nitro?

I've played quite a few and they all have that case of finish around them.

:dunno

[carbz]

The first thing I said to myself when I saw the RW's and saw that they were all relic'd the same was If I bought one I would 100% re-relic it to look different then the rest. The worn look is cool but there is no way in hell two guitars could realistically be worn the same. It is pretty funny if you think about it. If you strictly like them for the broken in feel all you need is the neck not chips, rust, belt sanding...etc..

[buddastrat]

The first thing I said to myself when I saw the RW's and saw that they were all relic'd the same was If I bought one I would 100% re-relic it to look different then the rest. The worn look is cool but there is no way in hell two guitars could realistically be worn the same. It is pretty funny if you think about it. If you strictly like them for the broken in feel all you need is the neck not chips, rust, belt sanding...etc..


I've always loved the feel of a worn guitar, since the late 70's, lots of guys would sand their strat necks then. This is not a new thing at all. Heck Charvel came out in the 70's and their thing was the oil finished necks because everyone loved that feel and lots of us loved the worn look with it too.

But the broken in feel is also the body -arm wear. I hate how my arm will stick to a glossy finish, like a Am. Std. or my Les Paul. After you start sweating, it feels really gunky whereas it never sticks on my others that are either relic'd or worn away there.

[sergv]

I picked up a 60's RW off craigslist for 7 bills, love it!

I don't consider the relic'ing to be 'fake' ... but a 'simulation or replica' of what a 40+ year old guitar might look like had it been 'used hard on the road'.

Now if the cat that done sold it to me had said " hey man, Jerry Garcia used this guitar back in '72 for the Tennesse Jed solo' ... then in that case, then the guitar could be considered a fake lol.

But thats not the case, I know what it is ... just a simulated relic. I like the look, feel, sound and playability ... plus unlike my other guitars I don't worry if I scratch or nick it (in fact that would only enhance the illusion).

If someone buys a 'sig' guitar ... is that 'fake'? Or just reproduction/replica of a certain artists axe?

If someone buys a Goldtop guitar or a guitar with 'gold' hardware ... is that 'fake' Gold? Or is just a certain look or aesthetic?

Know what I'm saying? Play whatever floats your boat.

[buddastrat]

Sergv, good for you and nice price. As sooon as you start playing it, it'll show wear and tear a lot while using it, and then there's real wear on there. the more you play it, the more it becomes part of you. They wear very easy and that guitar's wear and tear will be a reflection of you and how you play it, in a much shorter time than say a '62 RI which in a decade will still feel and look pretty new and won't show any of the passion you poured into that thing .

It's funny that the road worns get the slack for all looking the same, which they do while hanging in the shops, but in a year or so, the poly guitars will still be the cookie cutters, all looking exactly the same as when new and the same as what's hanging in the shops then, while each road worn out there will be very distinct and showing LOTS of real battle scars unique to each owner. I like that.

[sergv]

Sergv, as sooon as you start playing it, it'll show wear and tear a lot while using it, and then there's real wear on there. the more you play it, the more it becomes part of you. They wear very easy and that guitar's wear and tear will be a reflection of you and how you play it, in a much shorter time than say a '62 RI which in a decade will still feel and look pretty new and won't show any of the passion you poured into that thing .

True buddastrat, thats just a starting point. Also, although the RW wear is patterned in the same spots on the guitars, the wear IS 'similar' from guitar to guitar ... but it's not 'exactly' the same. It will only get more unique as each player adds their own wear to it over the years.

[BobbyRay]

FOR the OP!

Here's the answer that many like to ignore.

I LIKE THE WAY IT LOOKS!

I'm very sure that I could find a shiny new guitar that plays better, feels better, and sounds better than my relic'd strat (A tall order for another strat to beat mine, because it's phenomenal in my opinion). Rocketfire BTW. But I love the way my guitar looks. It looks like I want it to.

End of story, thread over, go home.:aok

[BobbyRay]

FOR EVERYONE ELSE

Do not reply to the original poster. He has absolutely no interest in hearing, and listening to discussion. He is dishonest, in my opinion, with his assertions that he'd like to understand. Horse crap.

His sole purpose is to argue no matter what is said. He has made up his mind, and is only interested in argument. Your opinions are welcome only for endless circular argument.

He does not want to understand in anyway. He wants to tell you why you are wrong.

[dougg]

Nevermind.

[Thwap]

FOR EVERYONE ELSE

Do not reply to the original poster. He has absolutely no interest in hearing, and listening to discussion. He is dishonest, in my opinion, with his assertions that he'd like to understand. Horse crap.

His sole purpose is to argue no matter what is said. He has made up his mind, and is only interested in argument. Your opinions are welcome only for endless circular argument.

He does not want to understand in anyway. He wants to tell you why you are wrong.


This.:aok

[rhinocaster]

I foolishly believed that if you simply explained that you found a guitar that you loved the look and feel of, others would be able to understand that. It wouldn't matter if they didn't care for that guitar. I though that it was a good use of my time to help some people understand why I enjoy a nice relic. I thought there was value coming from a person that laughed the first time they saw a relic and now appreciates what they bring to the guitar experience.

Relic haters actually seem offended that relics exist and spend great amounts of energy trying to make fans of relics understand why these guitars should not exist. What a monumental waste of time.

As a relic owner I've been called many names on this board. I've been mocked. I've been teased. The amount of judgement is staggering. All because one of the looks I like is a relic.

I believe I've had enough.

No more relic threads for me.

[big mike]

No kidding. Sometimes you just like stuff because you like stuff.
Doesn't have to be some great deep explanation.
Why do people have to cast stones at those that don't share their opinions.

Some of us DGAF and just play what we dig.

[Vibrolucky]

We will make this very simple for you so you will understand:

The "Relic" was born out of the idea that an artist could take a replica of their favorite Vintage Strat or Tele out of the road and not worry about theft, damage, etc.

There are a bunch of people (including myself) that love relics because they look, feel, and sound pretty damn close to the real thing.

A 50's or 60's Strat cost between 10k-60k depending on the model. Most Relics are between $1500-3000.

True, a "beat-up" new guitar is not for everyone. For that matter, a "beat-up" vintage guitar is not for everyone.

I think that a 52 No-caster Relic has better feel, sound, and yes it is COOLER looking than your 52 Re-issue Tele.

Nuff' said.

[Drew68]

FOR EVERYONE ELSE

Do not reply to the original poster. He has absolutely no interest in hearing, and listening to discussion. He is dishonest, in my opinion, with his assertions that he'd like to understand. Horse crap.



Look at his posting history. Lately he's been posting at least one new relic thread a day despite his many admissions that he doesn't like relics and would never own one (even if Hendrix played it). Um, OK. http://www.thegearpage.net/board/images/smilies/nuts.gif

He's a troll. Nothing more.

[buddastrat]

That's very true, but these threads are amusing to me. Lots of good info in the relic threads and cool pics. Just ignore the OP. But he should think about changing his name to Joe Relic. That'd be a cool name.

[frisco kid]

That's called 'trolling'...start multiple threads of similar topics just to see the fur fly...not very cool and definitely not in the spirit of legitimate discussion. Dude, get a life and leave the relic owners be.

Those relic threads have a life of their own... I write a couple of posts and then people keep arguing for days! :)

[bluesgolfer]

I despise relics, but yesterday I bonded with a roadworn Tele that was just fantastic. I was just disconcerted by the fact that it had the exact same fake wear pattern as the one next to it.

I wish they made the exact same guitar, same finish and all, in a non-relic version. I'll break it in myself, thank you.


You can do exactly that. Order from a builder. He can build it to your specs, neck dimensions and shape, pickups of your choice, use better parts than a Roadworn, and you can tell him you don't want it reliced. Have it finished in nitro and wear it in yourself. Have the neck edges rolled.

As to the Roadworns, you'll continue to wear it in yourself so after a while, it won't have the same wear patterns as everybody elses'. But, you would still have a much better guitar from a reputable builder.

[bluesgolfer]

Hey, it's funny when two guys are wearing the same white shirt -- it's even funnier when two guys are wearing the same white shirt with the same ketchup stains...


Or opposite ketchup stains

[bluesgolfer]

FOR EVERYONE ELSE

Do not reply to the original poster. He has absolutely no interest in hearing, and listening to discussion. He is dishonest, in my opinion, with his assertions that he'd like to understand. Horse crap.

His sole purpose is to argue no matter what is said. He has made up his mind, and is only interested in argument. Your opinions are welcome only for endless circular argument.

He does not want to understand in anyway. He wants to tell you why you are wrong.

True. But everybody here knows that. It's obvious that the gist of his post is that relic lovers reasons for liking relics makes no sense. He was trying to implicitly insult relic owners/lovers. He used a straw man argument.

Lets face it. When you get together with guys who can play, they may notice the appearance of the guitar for a second, but they really want to know how the guitar plays and sounds and could care less what it looks like at that point.

I say, get a guitar that plays and sounds best for you. Then, if you like Oly white as opposed to Red, get an Oly White. If you like the reliced look better than the pristine new look, get a relic. If you get upset that people are buying what they like and not what you like, get some counseling.

[bluesgolfer]

I noticed how most relic threads eventually derail into various accusations and finger pointing exercises. I'd like to keep things very constructive on this new thread and would like to express my thoughts.

Most people mention "comfort" and a "broken in feel" as their primary reason for buying and enjoying a relic.

It's an argument I can certainly live with.

Now, here's my counter argument. If "comfort" and "broken in feel" are the primary factors, what do you make of all the fake scratches and dents, as they certainly don't add to the playing experience and make your guitar look identical to your friend's relic? Wouldn't it make more sense to play a guitar that is "broken in" without those fake scratches?


It's actually pretty simple to figure out. Perhaps, in addition to comfort and feel, the relic owners like the "worn" look as well.

[televisual]

i've played one of the Road Worn teles as mentioned previously...great feeling guitars but it makes me feel awkward when the one next to it is IDENTICAL...:facepalm:

[Mickey Shane]

:worthless

I want to see some DIY reclics.