Has the Fender Custom Shop Relic gone too far?

[audiodrome]

Over the past 30 years the Fender Custom Shop has progressed to the point where they are now offering vintage-correct reproductions and year-specific custom relics of virtually every past and present Fender model, all made with painstaking attention to detail. Recently however, I've been seeing these new relics, the majority of which are Masterbuilt, that seem to have no basis in reality. Granted, this was a great concept when it started but these relics are a little too much!

In 2007 the Music Zoo introduced the "Ultimate Relic" series, offering Masterbuilt Stratocasters based on the 1954-1969 models in original and custom finishes. This was to be, "The most beat-up, played-in, been to hell and back” guitar you have ever seen! I mean, Rory Gallagher's Strat has got nothing on this baby! Then, all of a sudden we start seeing these "monsters" popping up with strange, unrealistic wear patterns (they call it a guitar that looks like it's been played every night for 40 years) and even stranger "backstories" to go along with them. I don't really get this concept and basically, I think they're kind of ugly. What do you guys think? I can understand them wanting to try something different after 30 years and maybe this is just a new "fantasy" relic concept but for me, it goes against the whole idea of a relic guitar in the first place. A relic is supposed to look like a guitar that has been played regularly over the past "x" years with the wear patterns and aged finish reflecting this, but these new relics almost look like they are displaying the wear just for wear-sake! :D

http://img529.imageshack.us/img529/4010/superrelic2.jpg
http://img510.imageshack.us/img510/6206/superrelic3.jpg

Some of the members here may really like (or even own) this type of relic so I'm sorry if I offended anyone but beauty is in the eye of the beholder and these "relics on a mission" just don't do it for me.

[HoboJoe]

I actually am not a fan of relics but for some reason I actually do like that Strat...But yeah, I agree with you - this custom shop relic thing has gone a bit too far.

[Tone-Control]

But yeah, I agree with you - this custom shop relic thing has gone a bit too far.

So has the pricing.

[dokter B.]

I played a guitar of this kind . With the nicotinestain ( or the looks of it) on the fretboard , made me wash my hands after touching it , also I got a splinter in my hand from the buckle wear on the rear side.For me over the top , not realistic. So I bought a Haar telecaster with some ageing, looking it has been around 20-30 years, but treated as an instrument, and not a lumberjack tool.

[kleydj13]

That is a lot of relic. That said those are some very unique guitars, an unique is cool in different ways to different people.

[gulliver]

The relic look comes and goes in the furniture and clothing industries as well. Usually before it goes, it gets very extreme ... kind of the last ditch at different before everything looks the same. I don't think it will go away, but there will be some other new finish that will replace it as the new thing to have.

[alexanderplatz]

I personally find the relic jobs to be too extreme. If I ever bought a relic it would be despite the relic job rather than because of it. I don't mind the Gibson "VOS" finish which looks like a well-cared for guitar that has lost some lustre over time, but the Fender Custom Shop relics are starting to look like guitars salvaged from a tornado.

I don't begrudge others their relics though. Basically they are props for show business. The actual vintage guitars from the 50s and 60s are unaffordable, and these instruments give the appearance to the audience, and perhaps some make-believe satisfaction for the guitarist, that the instrument is a vintage guitar.

What I do mind is that it's really hard to find a non-relic custom shop guitar that still has vintage specs. It's a continual gripe of mine: when you see a Fender CS that's got the "NOS" finish, chances are it has a 9.5" fingerboard radius and medium jumbo frets. And a good bit of the relics' do for that matter.

[Jim S]

I think they've gone too far with prices. Stupidly expensive.

$5,000+ for a relic strat or tele????

[zephaniah zion]

Not at all too far, but then I guess it comes down to liking relics or not. I like em all and view it as a style or finish.:D

[DC1]

Next up, Chain-Saw Relics.

Guitars that look like they were in a major horror epic motion picture!


bloodstains extra.


dc

[electricfactory]

The relic look comes and goes in the furniture and clothing industries as well...

A good point made here, relic-ing isn't specific to guitars. There's a huge antique furniture industry based on items which appear old but aren't. Not everyone can own an original antique Queen Victoria bed set or chest. Not everyone has access to an old 19th century Vermont barn from which to make rocking chairs or tables. And for sure and for certain most here will never own an original 1950 Fender Broadcaster, 1957 Stratocaster or '59 Gibson Les Paul.
Some people like old stuff, ditto old looking stuff. To be sure I'm probably one of them, given a choice I prefer broken-in leather jackets for instance. It isn't a point of confered status but simply asthetics.
I happen to like the Tele you pictured and would use it if it were light in weight and played well. And yea it looks rough, is it over the top ? I suppose for some it would be.
But if that guitar weighed 6lbs and the neck was to die for AND it didn't come w/ a crazy price tag[ a seperate discussion altogether] I'd be all over it...

[dsl]

I just bought this relic'd Pete Townshend Guitar sight unseen - I think they went a bit too far...

http://www.vam.ac.uk/images/image/55000-large.jpg

[electricfactory]

I just bought this relic'd Pete Townshend Guitar sight unseen - I think they went a bit too far...

http://www.vam.ac.uk/images/image/55000-large.jpg


LOL

[Sniper-V]

I love the look of Heavy Relics and happen to love that Tele!

I suppose if people were't buying it Fender wouldn't be making it.

I agree that Masterbuilt prices period have gotten out of control.
But,
I also understand that aging process of Relic guitars take more work to do than a NOS.

[ickywoods]

I really like that Strat actually...

Going too far? No, I don't think so, different strokes, y'know? I think it's gone "too far" when the relicing effects the playability of the guitar.

[Marcus71]

Honestly, I don't understand buying a new guitar that's supposed to look 50+ years old. If you want a guitar to look played, play the damn thing. Work the mojo in it yourself.

But that's just me.

[Amp360]

I thought the relics started in the late 90s and thought the CS started in the late 80s/early 90s.

Has it been 30 years already?

I remember reading an article in Frontline that said the CS was there to handle all crazy requests - if you can dream it they can build it - right down to zebra tuners IIRC.

I have some older CS guitars that are great.

Now it seems like GC is full of CS guitars - which means they either are working 24 hours a day or have a bunch of people I never heard of building the guitars.

In the old days it was John English and a few other people. Then John Page came in (he built me a few Teles along with a guy Chris something who made me a Strat).

Now it's just a guitar hanging on the wall of GC.

I remember the 'Diamond Dealers' would get 3 or 4 'production' CS guitars (the Hollowflake Strat, they did a run of sparkle Teles and Esquires IIRC) but you didn't see the stuff everywhere.

What gives?

[Stike]

I can understand them wanting to try something different after 30 years and maybe this is just a new "fantasy" relic concept but for me, it goes against the whole idea of a relic guitar in the first place. A relic is supposed to look like a guitar that has been played regularly over the past "x" years with the wear patterns and aged finish reflecting this, but these new relics almost look like they are displaying the wear just for wear-sake! :D

http://img529.imageshack.us/img529/4010/superrelic2.jpg
http://img510.imageshack.us/img510/6206/superrelic3.jpg


The first wave of relics I thought were kind of cool because it seemed like they were designed mostly to replicate the feel of an old guitar. most of the heavy relics seem to almost look like they were in the Nashville flood.

I really don't like the ones like the Strat above where they are replicating what was originally just a way to use a body where the finish was ****ed up. The ones I've seen where seafoam green is worn away to reveal a bullseye burst, yechhh.

[bluesky636]

I hate relics. :boxer

[2HBStrat]

I think both of those guitars are cool. One thing, tho, the white over paisley would not be age appropriate for a 50's reissue/relic if that matters, since paisley did not appear until (I think) 1968. White over sunburst would be, however.

[exodus]

If a "relic" is supposed to be an accurate recreation of a vintage guitar from some specific era, then yes-- I think it has gone too far, to the point of being inaccurate. Go to a vintage guitar store and take a look around. None of them look like that. The vast majority of vintage gear I see is in exceedingly better condition. And, the idea of a "relic" guitar which never historically existed (ie a relic la cabronita or telemaster) just seems over the top.

Now, if you were to tell me that "relic" means an artistic interpretation of heavily weathered finishes, with lots of artistic license and an occasional "what if" finish that never historically existed- then, sure. I get it. It's guitar art. Some are cool, some are weird, but you take it for what it is.

[Gas-man]

I played one of those Teles on Friday.

It was 7500. Didn't even play that great.

Def a toy for Boomer Bluzers with too much money high on nostaglia.

[mannish]

question I have: Have YOU ever actually rubbed the paint off a guitar with your forearm. I been playing forever and the dings & such happen but never experienced the forearm wear....My forearm is apparently very fine 2000/3000 grit

[Amp360]

I'm waiting for the 80s relic - the 60s Strat with replaced pickups and a Khaler or Floyd.

[mannish]

another thing real relics often have mismatched knobs or missing knobs..etc I seldom see that

[RedTiger]

I'm waiting for the 80s relic - the 60s Strat with replaced pickups and a Khaler or Floyd.

Wait until people like me start hitting our 50s and you just might. ;)

[Gas-man]

I'm waiting for the 80s relic - the 60s Strat with replaced pickups and a Khaler or Floyd.


It's already been done by Fender. I saw one recently on line.

[Amp360]

Here is a question though - I remember TONS of those back in the day, yet never see any for sale.

Where are they?

My '69 Olympic White came with a Floyd but luckily it was not routed to pull back. Also had a locking nut and was painted red with some weird paint.

I just sanded it down to the original white, put a new bridge on and removed the locking nut (ouch!) but for $450.00 it's a great guitar.

[gulliver]

A good point made here, relic-ing isn't specific to guitars. There's a huge antique furniture industry based on items which appear old but aren't....

A funny story, I once found a heavy relic leather jacket for $25, what a steal, had to have it, bought it. But, I ride motorcycle, and the jacket made me look like I was in an accident, all rashed up the front and back. I never wore it and passed it on to a friend in a trade or something. He wore it for a few months ... until some little boy in the mall walked up to him and said "that jacket is stupid". I think it went to good will.

[petermelton]

I think that old guitars look cool. But the idea of relic-ing to me is silly. I want to earn the old and beat up. I think most people are into buying them as a means of obtaining that looks like it was from the 50s with out the price tag of a strat from the 50s, with high hopes that it'll sound like the 50's.
Breaking news just in, it's a new piece of wood.

[mannish]

with today poly finish you it ain't going to relic without help IMHO

[Muzzy]

I love Relics but, only when their nicely done. Some of those guitars look like they've been chewed on by rats or dragged behind a truck. Not realistic at all.

[gulliver]

I love Relics but, only when their nicely done. Some of those guitars look like they've been chewed on by rats or dragged behind a truck. Not realistic at all.

Of course, the cigarette burn in the headstock is the often talked about gimmicky trick.

[GA20T]

... until some little boy in the mall walked up to him and said "that jacket is stupid". I think it went to good will.

:rotflmao That is exactly how the guitars in the original post make me feel. Lord I wish Fender could just flatten the radius, fix the break-angle issues (Jaguar/Jazzmaster), offer a good selection of colours, and bring down the price of the AVRI line. But then they'd actually be building guitars "the way they used to".

[Structo]

Unrealistic wear and prices.

What is even worse are the clone companies that haven't been around for 10 years and have their own take on the headstock for trademark reasons but they have the wear of a 40 year old guitar.......that's going a bit too far.

I like a lightly done relic sometimes and it really depends on how it's done and all.

If the builder takes his time to study vintage guitars and pictures of vintage guitars, they simply have to transfer those areas to the new guitar.
Having areas of unrealistic wear where it doesn't normally happen is just plain wrong and looks funny.

[Jaan]

I do like that Strat too

[buddastrat]

I don't like those guitars in the OP, but I do like a lot of the relics. Just those don't do anything for me.

Remember SRV saying, "it looked so cool all beat up, I just knew it would sound good." It was when he got his #1, it was used and had some beat on it, and he just added to it and took it and put his mark on it. He also played shiny guitars with gold hardware. He knew the music is what really matters.

[Derek Q]

I played one of those Teles on Friday.

It was 7500. Didn't even play that great.

Def a toy for Boomer Bluzers with too much money high on nostaglia.

I don't know if it's the contrarian in me or what, but seeing those beat-up guitars everywhere now has kinda lost something for me, where as before, they had a vibe or mystique. (I refuse to say "mojo." Since Jim Morrison, that word has taken on an entirely different meaning. :D) What's aggravating to me these days is finding an instrument that plays and sounds great, but has fallen victim to mode-a-la-distress. It's like being in the middle of the 70's and finding out that the pants in the store that fit you best are polyester bellbottoms...stuck in a trend, you know?

BTW, wear that siggy in good health, my man! :beer

[Amp360]

He wore it for a few months ... until some little boy in the mall walked up to him and said "that jacket is stupid". I think it went to good will.

I guess some of us play what we like and some worry about what little boys think of us.

I'm not into the relic thing myself but this post speaks volumes.

[mannish]

I really appreciate the art of tasteful relic/distressing - It took me a while to understand the art aspect of it but the smaller companies really make it an 'art'. Doesn't mean you have to like it but I certainly do respect what those guys do.

[NR2112]

At that point, its more artistic than it is playable

[GA20T]

I guess some of us play what we like and some worry about what little boys think of us.

I'm not into the relic thing myself but this post speaks volumes.

I think the moral of the story was that a little kid could spot the fake rather quickly, while a grown-up should have known better.

[Derek Q]

I totally get the art aspect of relic'ing, as I've seen way too many ill-resulting attempts at it. However -since art was brought up- if there were suddenly hundreds of thousands of copies of the Mona Lisa in gallery "platinum rooms" everywhere, and in every-other-art-collector-and-his-Grandmama's living room, then unless your name is Michaelangelo and we're hanging out in the Louvre, I'd be a lot less moved by it. YMMV.

[mannish]

So using that logic unless it says Dobro, Gibson, Martin or Fender it's not the original 'mona lisa'. So you only appreciate those four ??

I totally get the art aspect of relic'ing, as I've seen way too many ill-resulting attempts at it. However -since art was brought up- if there were suddenly hundreds of thousands of copies of the Mona Lisa in gallery "platinum rooms" everywhere, and in every-other-art-collector-and-his-Grandmama's living room, then unless your name is Michaelangelo and we're hanging out in the Louvre, I'd be a lot less moved by it. YMMV.

[candid_x]

I don't think it's Fender's artisans pushing the overkill, I think it's their MBA's.

Wonder what a current $7500 relic will sell for in ten years? I think the fad will shift to refinished, like new original condition.

[Amp360]

I think the moral of the story was that a little kid could spot the fake rather quickly, while a grown-up should have known better.

No, I think I was right - that some grown man was concerned that a little boy didn't like his jacket.

That pretty much sums up 80% of the threads here.

[stratzrus]

I would love to have one truly great masterbuilt relic Strat someday so that I had a guitar that I wouldn't have to worry about dinging up.

I take great care of my instruments and get upset any time I ding one so it would be nice to have a guitar I didn't have to worry about.

Gone too far? It's obviously a matter of personal choice. For me personally, extreme relics have no appeal to me whatsoever, but if you're a hard rocker, or a bluesman who looks like he's paid his dues it's a completely different story...go for it!

Personally, the look doesn't work for me. I wear a jacket and tie on stage, shine my shoes, etc. so playing a relic'd guitar that looks like it's just fallen off of the back of a truck would clash and wouldn't really make sense. No matter how you slice it, the look is designed to enhance the player's image, and that's not the image I'm trying to project, but the couple of CS Relic Strats that I've played were absolutely spectacular players so I'd love to have one for around the house.

I'm glad Fender makes them, and while they are far from the top of my wish list, there may be one in my future someday.

Gone too far? Did Eddie Van Halen go to far? Those guitars don't look nearly as bad. :D

[lakehaus]

I think what's gone too far is the incessant surprise and reaction of people to other people's tastes. This topic has been discussed ad nauseam. Nodoby likes it? So what.

Somebody at Fender told the custom shop to create this level of distress. You know who told them? The buying public.

[gulliver]

I think what's gone to far is the continous surprise and reaction of people to other people's tastes. You don't like it? So what.

Somebody at Fender told the custom shop to make this level of distress. You know who told them? The buying public.

Buying public ... after a $500,000 ad campaign ;)

[The Golden Boy]

question I have: Have YOU ever actually rubbed the paint off a guitar with your forearm. I been playing forever and the dings & such happen but never experienced the forearm wear....My forearm is apparently very fine 2000/3000 grit

Yes.

Not as pronounced as what you see on relics- but the forearm edge of my Thunderbird is worn.

In the pic, you can barely see the wear in the black- it just looks like a little tan line. You can see on the "body" section between the pickups where my thumb has anchored and been thwakked with picks.

http://images.lilypix.com/albums/userpics/10038/normal_T-BirdMute2.JPG




I had a goldtop (an 81 Standard) that had a big pronounced forearm wear mark- I had that guitar in 91-94 or so... What was neat is that I could match up the buckle rash in the back to where my buckle would be and the wear spot matched up perfect with where my forearm would rest.

http://images.lilypix.com/albums/userpics/10038/normal_1993collection.JPG

[GarMan]

I think they have gone too far, but people are buying them? Or, so it seems...

I am not a big fan of relics, but I do like the worn-in feel of the necks. Love that treatment. I could care less about what the body looks like.

[GA20T]

No, I think I was right - that some grown man was concerned that a little boy didn't like his jacket.

That pretty much sums up 80% of the threads here.

Then congratulations on not only being right in your literal interpretation, but being even more anti-judgemental than myself, as well as 80%+ of posters on this forum.

I think what's gone too far is the continous surprise and reaction of people to other people's tastes. You don't like it? So what.


That statement works both ways.

You like it? Why should everyone else have to?

[sahhas]

this relic thing.
i actually got to play some relic'd strat last weekend at guitar center.
it looked old and beat up.
i got it down to play, it honestly felt like a new guitar to me.
it looked old, but didn't feel old.

i have played a couple of guitars in my life that were old and beat, were main guitars of some folks who played alot. they feel good and worn in nicely.
the fender relic guitar did not feel like that at all.
i think this is a strange phenomenon, have always felt that way about the relics, don't understand it, never will...oh well....

[Luca79]

If they aren't able to make new models, they must just make old models look different :D

I don't like the relics at all, is like to see a old roosted car, but i can understand is not simple make always something of new in the classic models of guitars-

[Derek Q]

So using that logic unless it says Dobro, Gibson, Martin or Fender it's not the original 'mona lisa'. So you only appreciate those four ??

No, not necessarily. As it stands, I'm actually as tired of seeing faux-worn Gibson, Martin, Fender, etc as much as faux been-in-smoky-bars-for-40-years offerings from new instrument companies.

Here's what I mean, I went to purchase a hollow body guitar for use in a jazz band. The one I found that I could afford was a used 5-year old Gibson ES-175 that played well and sounded great. The problem was the previous owner decided to have the guitar relic'd. Though the relic work is very good, I later realised how much it stuck out unfavorably in the context of having to perform with it -while wearing a suit- in a jazz band. Having the bandleader give me a "WTF?" look when he saw my guitar was actually embarassing. I wished the guitar didn't look so dinged, but it was what it was.

I've nothing against relics and those who dig them, but I do wish that more un-relic'd guitars were made with the same level of attention to detail and quality as the beat-up stuff...as ironic as that sounds.

[Derek Q]

I would love to have one truly great masterbuilt relic Strat someday so that I had a guitar that I wouldn't have to worry about dinging up.

I take great care of my instruments and get upset any time I ding one so it would be nice to have a guitar I didn't have to worry about.

That's what I find the most peculiar about relic fans. You would think that would be the case, but there was a thread a while back where John Mayer dropped his relic'd strat, and the "OMG!! GASP!!" type responses seemed...odd. You know... Oh man, I hope he didn't scratch the relic finish. :confused:


Personally, the look doesn't work for me. I wear a jacket and tie on stage, shine my shoes, etc. so playing a relic'd guitar that looks like it's just fallen off of the back of a truck would clash and wouldn't really make sense. No matter how you slice it, the look is designed to enhance the player's image, and that's not the image I'm trying to project, but the couple of CS Relic Strats that I've played were absolutely spectacular players so I'd love to have one for around the house.:D

That was the boat I was in when I realised the trend had become pervasive. Playing a bar and trying to look like you paid hard dues is one thing. Playing a semi-formal gig in a theater and looking like you paid hard dues is another. :D

[sunburstrat]

Here is the perfect solution for those that dont like the cosmetics or priciing...


Don't friggin buy them!!!!!

I guess if you need something to bitch about, you have the right but these are the dumbest observations that come up over and over and over and... well you get the idea..

To quote Frank, "Shut up and play yer guitar!~"

[gulliver]

Here is the perfect solution for those that dont like the cosmetics or priciing...


Don't friggin buy them!!!!!

I guess if you need something to bitch about, you have the right but these are the dumbest observations that come up over and over and over and... well you get the idea..

To quote Frank, "Shut up and play yer guitar!~"

Yes, lets go back to only discussing things we might buy. :D

[amp48]

the strat finish in the OP doesn't look like relic wear...it looks like a crazy custom paint job...like modern art or something.

[GarMan]

Yes, lets go back to only discussing things we might buy. :D

:rotflmao

[MBreinin]

I like them, and I have owned real relics, vintage refins, new relics and new shiny guitars. There is something about a beat up guitar to me...whether it be real, or fake. I like it, I like the feel...my brain says, "this guitar has been played," even if it is new.

I wasn't always like that. I took a naturally beat up black '71 Strat and refinished it myself in the basement in 1989 because it looked beat up. Of course, I had $300 in that guitar. I wish I had it back, in its original condition.

The best playing Strat I ever touched or owned was a re-fin '63 in Swamp Ash. Pro-refinin translucent Mary Kay...it was the all time winner.

Mike

[pinhooker]

I don't mind them, but if you're buying one of the fancy masterbuilt ones new from the store, you should think that with a little extra cash (maybe even the same with the prices I've seen some at), you can get a real pre cbs refin strat. I remember not too long ago there was a surf green '63(?) refin strat for about 6k on the emporium. A masterbuilt goes for about 6k, and the tele in the OP is going for 6500 at the music zoo. The production relics are a bit different, and alot cheaper. I just watched a '56 relic go for 1300 on ebay.

[buddastrat]

I like them, and I have owned real relics, vintage refins, new relics and new shiny guitars. There is something about a beat up guitar to me...whether it be real, or fake. I like it, I like the feel...my brain says, "this guitar has been played," even if it is new.

I wasn't always like that. I took a naturally beat up black '71 Strat and refinished it myself in the basement in 1989 because it looked beat up. Of course, I had $300 in that guitar. I wish I had it back, in its original condition.

The best playing Strat I ever touched or owned was a re-fin '63 in Swamp Ash. Pro-refinin translucent Mary Kay...it was the all time winner.

Mike

I was always like that. I remember back in the 80's and even late 70's refusing to wear new jeans my mom just bought me, you know how they came all stiff like farmer work jeans. There was a product called Fast Fade that would age and soften jeans after a few washes. I started playing guitar in '79 or so and those Fender strats had such sticky necks, I started sanding the backs and they felt a lot better. It was because people would bring in the old strats to the shop where I took lessons and those necks had the finish worn off. I could barely play but I really loved the way those necks didn't have that shiny gloss.

[The Kid]

I generally don't like relics at all, the whole idea really... but I love that strat!

[mototpsychel]

Obviously it's all just personal preferance. I love the look of that Strat, but maybe that's because I had a white Strat once that I painted over with black paint and then wore the black off over the years, the end result wasn't too far removed from the one pictured. That Tele aint too far much diferant from the CS Beck Tele....

[yucatown]

I like real old beat up guitars. I hate new guitars that are made to look like old beat up guitars. They look and feel fake.

[pickaguitar]

I think they've gone too far with prices. Stupidly expensive.

$5,000+ for a relic strat or tele????
this

They should make them affordable imo

[XKnight]

If it feels good and plays well then I'm okay with it. The prices are another story though. I've always had a tough time paying more for a guitar that someone else got to beat up. All that being said, I recently got a Bonammassa LP that is a relic and I really like the look and feel, not to mention the tone. Like most guitars, if you buy these relics when they are lightly used and let someone else take the depreciation hit they can be a good deal.

[whaiyun]

I don't mind if the body is NOS or w/e, it's the neck that matters the most to me. A nicely rolled edged with a worn back feels awesome.

[The Golden Boy]

this relic thing.
i actually got to play some relic'd strat last weekend at guitar center.
it looked old and beat up.
i got it down to play, it honestly felt like a new guitar to me.
it looked old, but didn't feel old.



I remember somewhere around 10-15 years ago when Fender started doing the "Closet Classic" thing and really enjoyed the look and feel of the instrument. I also played a reliced Tele- it looked so clownishly ridiculously "reliced" but it felt really good.

I wouldn't buy a purposely pre-beat guitar for the look. I do like the feel of the dried finish and might consider one if it felt good and didn't look all clowney.

[mototpsychel]

I like real old beat up guitars. I hate new guitars that are made to look like old beat up guitars. They look and feel fake.

They feel OK to me. But I agree the price is way out of line.

[maddabby]

I think they're bitchin and just bought one...don't be hatin cause you can't aford one!:roll

[shane88]

i've always said relics are stoopid - @ the absolute most i'd go the nos route - but what's wrong with a new am or mex strat?

[C-4]

Having played guitar since 1955, I have played and seen a lot of vintage 50's Teles and Strats, but never any that were heavily relic'd from playing as the Custom Shop puts out. Granted, I have not seen or played every single vintage Fender, but I have never seen one either played by others in pics (aside from Rory Gallagher's Fender), or in person that was so totally trashed as the heavy relic'd Fenders are now. They may play and feel old, but it is not my personal preference.

Fender, Gibson, and others have to keep trying to reinvent themselves or they wind up turning out the same old stuff year in, year out, which in reality, they are still doing anyway. When this happens, people may get tired of seeing nothing new if they have owned a lot of guitars, and move on to other guitar companies for something they have not owned multiple times already, as I have.

Having owned several Master Built Fenders all in brand new unrelic'd shape, I find current prices ridiculous, and the guitars are nothing special to hear or play. Same thing with Gibson. There are so many alternatives right now that unless I was a died-in-the-wool Fender (Gibson, whatever) player, I would not even think about having one of these companies build me another guitar, relic'd or not. It's still the same old guitar with a different look and a higher price tag.

I believe that others, not just Fender and Gibson, are charging more for the guitars based on their name and past rep. Having also owned GVCG's, andersons, Suhrs and some others, I have chosen to have Vigier build me a custom one-off guitar. While they are also not inexpensive, every person I have spoken with that has either played or owns one or more, tells me that they are the most flawlessly built bolt-on neck guitars they have ever played. They are also the most technically advanced of all the bolt-on neck guitars.

I can see the players who have not grown up playing guitar through the 1950's desiring these, but once you have been around enough of them, they become nothing special that has not been seen and/or played before.

[Gas-man]

i've always said relics are stoopid - @ the absolute most i'd go the nos route - but what's wrong with a new am or mex strat?


The pounds of heavy poly they drip every inch of the guitars in.

I hate the way that heavy poly feels on a fretboard.

[wizard333]

I've always thought that the whole relic thing was beyond silly and ridiculous. If you like them, get them, but I reserve the right to laugh!

Maybe car makers should start offering new cars with rust, bald tires, scrapes and dents, torn upholstery, etc. Might appeal to the same crowd.

[Buddy Boy]

:aok Does a pre-wrecked 'Vette cost more than a mint one?I've always thought that the whole relic thing was beyond silly and ridiculous. If you like them, get them, but I reserve the right to laugh!

Maybe car makers should start offering new cars with rust, bald tires, scrapes and dents, torn upholstery, etc. Might appeal to the same crowd.

[wademp]

Y'all....i don't know....i've never been turned on by pink paisley but that one in the first post is cool as hell!

[Jerry Lundegaard]

This pre-abused-all-to-hell relic stuff seems nuts to me. But, as long as someone is willing to pay exorbitant amounts of money for them, they will be made available. A copy of Eddies' Frankenstrat goes for 25k?? It's a copy for craps' sake!!

[VaughnC]

I ain't pretty enough to be a poseur...so gimme a guitar with tone & feel and I'll deal with the rest ;).

[audiodrome]

Y'all....i don't know....i've never been turned on by pink paisley but that one in the first post is cool as hell!
I do admit that the Paisley refin relic is kind of cool but that's beside the point here. The original Fender Custom Shop relic concept was to create a new guitar that looked like a vintage 40-50 year old Stratocaster or Telecaster with authentic wear and aging. I realize that there are vintage Fenders out there with some very unusual wear patterns and markings. These guitars may have been subjected to a very heavy gigging schedule, extreme environmental conditions, and maybe even a few unfortunate circumstances but nevertheless the wear and aging is authentic. I also understand that back in the day it wasn't uncommon for a sunburst Strat to be sent back and refinished in a custom color but the wear pattern on that Paisley just looks a little too contrived to me.

[fuzzface71]

For some reason. I actually like this one.


http://img529.imageshack.us/img529/4010/superrelic2.jpg

[Slowlicks]

I played a light relic Nash that was outstanding. I liked it so much I contacted him and asked if he could build me a guitar with out the relicing...
I've seen many played 60's strat's and Tele's. None have looked at all like the relic's being made. The level of finish destruction has become ridiculous. Here's the best part... Its less costly for a builder and they charge more. I would really like to be sloppy about my work and get paid more for it.
But then... look at art. Abstract = Stupid money.

[sanhozay]

'...Day eight,

civilization continues to deteriorate, children remain hypnotized by the baby mario, women advance towards total independence and the machinery develops their global threat of complete annihilation.

Grown man struggle for perspective playing guitars that are presented to appear weathered, worn and abused. The idea makes little sense to this same group committed to discussing it as many times possible prior to their death.

However, they never question their idols that play dress up every night before they perform something called - rock 'n roll. Especially love a primate who wears a loincloth and other madmen who wear tights and eat bats. Quite wild about a man who played blues dressed like a native american indian - but wasn't. Dig men who sing - and look - like the cookie monster.

Also fond of having a heated debate about possible hermaphrodite that knows tone and plays expensive amplifiers.

The world is very strange but this internet group makes it stranger.'

[Becksley]

The tele looks pretty cool. At first i didnt care for them but now i like em and in some cases more than a shiny new guitar. For me it just depends on the type of guitar. Teles and strats tend to look better relic'd than most other guitars but an old Les Paul looks cool too. Not interested in over the top relics though.

I think they hold their value because they are re-sold as factory relics so the buyer knows what he is getting and then its just a matter of if it plays well.

From an artistic\aesthetic perspective and two that come to mind right now are the Rory Gallagher Strat (his actual guitar) which was always the most beautiful guitar i ever seen. Same for the old Springsteen Tele.

http://poietes.files.wordpress.com/2009/04/born-to-run-cover.jpg

[Slowlicks]

'...Day eight,

civilization continues to deteriorate, children remain hypnotized by the baby mario, women advance towards total independence and the machinery develops their global threat of complete annihilation.

Grown man struggle for perspective playing guitars that are presented to appear weathered, worn and abused. The idea makes little sense to this same group committed to discussing it as many times possible prior to their death.

However, they never question their idols that play dress up every night before they perform something called - rock 'n roll. Especially love a primate who wears a loincloth and other madmen who wear tights and eat bats. Quite wild about a man who played blues dressed like a native american indian - but wasn't. Dig men who sing - and look - like the cookie monster.

Also fond of having a heated debate about possible hermaphrodite that knows tone and plays expensive amplifiers.

The world is very strange but this internet group makes it stranger.'

Guy on the Fender line has a bad day.... Drops three different bodies.. Worries he will loose his job.
Tells his boss at the end of the day about the damaged goods.. Boss say's: Don't worry about it, take them over to the relic department.

[Slowlicks]

For some reason. I actually like this one.


http://img529.imageshack.us/img529/4010/superrelic2.jpg

Great Tele in mint condition..... I love seeing that on ebay!

[jefesq]

Just buy a new one, send it by regular carrier, no box and get real world road worn look, change oil, don't wash hands, play guitar, done.

[shane88]

The pounds of heavy poly they drip every inch of the guitars in.

I hate the way that heavy poly feels on a fretboard.
pounds? :console

[candid_x]

:aok Does a pre-wrecked 'Vette cost more than a mint one?

They're doing it to bikes. Not wrecking but artificial 'road worn' finishes and metal parts. My neighbor is a tester for Harley, and his newish bike has a 40 year old, sun beaten finish, and the new hardware is made to appear old, smoothed from wear. Interesting, there may be a shared demo with relics and RUBs.

Reminds me of signing aboard a ship as a recruit, and hating that my working blues were straight and new looking, rather than bell bottoms and faded from salt and sun. That happened when I was 17, though.

Or, trying to look old, and fake out the bartender to serve you a beer, when you're under legal age.

Hey, I do it too, aging plastic bits, breaking in leather straps, messing my hair a bit. Nothing wrong with stylin' or making a statement. That's the one aspect of relic-ing I could comprehend, the art statement, because I really don't think they fool many people to believing they're genuine, at least not anyone remotely aware of the music gear world. It's like the ball caps with the edge of the bill run over a grinding wheel, before popping that plastic brand price tag through it.

The old try to appear and feel young, the young try to appear old. That's a win/win for relics and salty new jeans.

[Hammertone]

I'm waiting for the 80s relic - the 60s Strat with replaced pickups and a Khaler or Floyd.

Wait no more:

http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii302/Nate_Lamy/69_Stratocaster_Relic_Jason_Smith_Candy_Tangerine_ Floyd_R12067_1.jpg

[Mojoblue]

^ I've got to be honest but I absolutely love that guitar! :love:

[Blue4Now]

^ I've got to be honest but I absolutely love that guitar! :love:


me too!!

[Iceman8.6]

I just bought this relic'd Pete Townshend Guitar sight unseen - I think they went a bit too far...

http://www.vam.ac.uk/images/image/55000-large.jpg:rotflmao

[tone?]

I have to agree wholeheartedly that the prices are totally insane

You are paying for an image NOT the craftsmanship or materials

I would much more pay a price like that for a top of the line Suhr with either exotic woods or awesome specs
Come on
I agree to pay top dollar for an instrument that has R&D time in it such as a Suhr or Vigier or Anderson but to pay that kind of money for technology that has been around for that long? No way
Of course the strata technology is a time and tested formula but the R&D has been paid for many years ago

Why should I pay more for a guitar that doesn't even have specs that appeal to more modern practical uses?
A two post trem with locking tuners and flatter board maybe?

I actually was thinking the other day how I miss seeing inovation as far as guitars go
I want to see someone experiment with different designs, different materials
Try and improve upon the design

[buddastrat]

me too!!

Me three! Not a Floyd guy, but that looks damn cool.

[tone?]

What is going on now is nostalgia at it's extreme from my generation and the one before

On with it
Let's stop daydreaming and start thinking again
That's what Leo did

[smcgov]

question I have: Have YOU ever actually rubbed the paint off a guitar with your forearm. I been playing forever and the dings & such happen but never experienced the forearm wear....My forearm is apparently very fine 2000/3000 grit

Actually my 1984 LP Studio is rubbed off from palying in bars for 25 years....don't have a pic here at work

[GreenKnight18]

What can we do to stop this horrible crime against all that is noble and good?

Answer: a new forum thread bitching about relics every other day.

[RedTiger]

What is going on now is nostalgia at it's extreme from my generation and the one before

On with it
Let's stop daydreaming and start thinking again
That's what Leo did

This made me think. I'm a child of the 80s. I can see my peers who are my age already cashing in on nostalgia from the 80s and 90s. The only difference is that we aren't pining for those days, we're busy laughing at how stupid everything was. Cartoons made for the sole purpose of selling toys in the 80s, 90s over-the-top OMGEXTREME advirtising to the appeal to the the youth of the 90s, etc.

So why are a bunch of 30 year olds *already* revisiting their yesteryears and why are we so irreverent about them when apparently baby boomers will pine with their wallets to the tune of $5000 for the good 'ol days? They might have been good, but not that good. :p

[sabby]

http://www.youjustmademylist.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/ripped_designer_jeans.jpg


They look like these, fake and embarrassing.

[wespaul77]

dose a beat up guitar make it sound better?
i dont think so.
so why pay for an overprice piece of beat up wood?

[guitarz1972]

dose a beat up guitar make it sound better?
i dont think so.
so why pay for an overprice piece of beat up wood?

It isn't always if it "sounds better," sometimes it just "feels better." My '56 has a certain feel-factor to it that I just don't get from some other guitars I've played. Some people use the old worn-in blue jeans analogy in terms of how a relic feels to them, and I guess that works in my case. I don't know, maybe it's just me. It sounds okay too.

[rogwerks]

ALL of the Fender Custom Shop geetars that were on display at the NAMM show, (mostly "reliced") were sold!!

ALL OF THEM...

Had to be about 50 to 100 geetars... Each from about 5k and above!!!

OY!!

[Astronome]

haha! its hilarious what people will buy these days...

[Bluedawg]

It isn't always if it "sounds better," sometimes it just "feels better." My '56 has a certain feel-factor to it that I just don't get from some other guitars I've played. Some people use the old worn-in blue jeans analogy in terms of how a relic feels to them, and I guess that works in my case. I don't know, maybe it's just me. It sounds okay too.


Yep ... that's how I see my relic strat ... feels good .. sounds even better

If it hadn't felt better and sounded better I would have stuck with shiny and new looking.


:munch

[XKnight]

Some Relics are fantastic and others aren't good at all. They vary just like any other guitar and different people have different tastes in what they like in a relic. Case in point, I have a Heavy Relic Strat that feels and sounds great. I absolutely love it. I recently got another heavy relic Strat and sent it right back to the store because the neck finish was completely gone to the point where the back of the neck felt rough and caused me not to be able to play the guitar well. Both Strats were heavy relics, yet the necks felt and played completely different.

Has Fender gone too far? Obviously not since they are just manufacturing what's in demand and what sells.

[VaughnC]

dose a beat up guitar make it sound better?
i dont think so.
so why pay for an overprice piece of beat up wood?
For me, a guitar has to first pass the ears & hands test. Then, if it passes those tests, I have to decide if I can live with the cosmetics. If I'm trying out a bunch of guitars and the relic sounds & feels better than the non-relic, I'll buy the relic...and vice-versa. I ain't pretty enough to be a poseur...so gimme a guitar with tone & feel and I'll deal with the rest.

[jerrycampbell]

So, is the owner going to show up at a gig/jam and tell everyone that this guitar is fifty years old? Or is he gonna be honest, that he paid an extra $500 to have someone steelwool the thing?

[Gas-man]

So, is the owner going to show up at a gig/jam and tell everyone that this guitar is fifty years old? Or is he gonna be honest, that he paid an extra $500 to have someone steelwool the thing?


At this point everyone assumes a guitar is a relic instead of the other way around. No big thing.

A good relic job is a work of art. There are a ton of bad ones out there.

Yes, Nash I'm looking at you! :Devil

[FlackBase]

Ever notice that the majority of folks around here spend the majority of the time focused on what they don't like? It must be a common mindset these days because it happens everywhere on the net.

I like 'em, new and shiny, old and dirty, and inbetween. Especially dig the white over paisley. That is some kind of cool looking.

[monty]

I have to LOL at the folks who stress over what other players guitars look like.
Seriously.
Play what you want.

[sanhozay]

There are a few ways to manage reactions to pre-weathered guitars. First, be outraged and appalled and clearly state so every time a discussion allows you to post your input. Second, celebrate the fun of playing guitars - like when you were a kid. Third, remain indifferent and without desire or curiosity.

Personally, I think those guitars look awesome. One obstacle to guitar is to remain fearless - especially of the people with strong opinions of what is proper or improper.

[Lacking Talent]

Honestly, I don't understand buying a new guitar that's supposed to look 50+ years old. If you want a guitar to look played, play the damn thing. Work the mojo in it yourself.

But that's just me.


Not just you.

[mslugano]

I'm waiting for the 80s relic - the 60s Strat with replaced pickups and a Khaler or Floyd.

Your wish is my command...

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r48/mslugano/DigitalCamera474.jpg

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r48/mslugano/DigitalCamera477.jpg

[bluesjuke]

Having played guitar since 1955, I have played and seen a lot of vintage 50's Teles and Strats, but never any that were heavily relic'd from playing as the Custom Shop puts out. Granted, I have not seen or played every single vintage Fender, but I have never seen one either played by others in pics (aside from Rory Gallagher's Fender), or in person that was so totally trashed as the heavy relic'd Fenders are now. They may play and feel old, but it is not my personal preference.



You should have seen my '63 Jaguar that I traded a friend for.
It was no where near that when he got it and I watched it change over the years until I traded it even in '72.

Yep, in just 9 years it got all of the wear of a CS Heavy Relic.
No, not common but they are/were there.

[J.T. Guitar]

Never been a huge fan of the relic'ing thing, but I'm eyeing a CS Tele relic... I guess I like the idea of not having to baby it like I do my other guitars.

[kingblud]

I'm waiting for the 80s relic - the 60s Strat with replaced pickups and a Khaler or Floyd.

I was thinking the same thing. The Custom Shop has actually been making these, believe it or not. Who actually wants these vulgar creations?

http://www.themusiczoo.com/product/6081/Fender-Custom-Exclusive-Masterbuilt-69-Stratocaster-Relic/

http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQDnGXtGwCPiJakyh57k4jkk83-tsNT0S1lQGot_HjJjaNSFkkG

http://www.privatereserveguitars.com/Fender-Custom-Shop-1966-Stratocaster-Relic-Masterbuilt-Electric-Guitar-H61754-i1557273.guitars

http://images.miretail.com/products/full/FenderCustomShop/634207011296931392.jpg (http://javascript<b></b>:openOptionImage('FenderCustomShop/766168.jpg'))

[docc48]

Not a relic guy..hard to tell if well played and used or ignored and stored outside on the porch..

[MightyGuru]

The OP strat oly white over pink paisley is superbadass.

[bismark]

The relic market is strong because poseurs and pretenders are buying them by truck loads.

[smokingblues]

So has the pricing.

I love relic, but I can't agree with you any more. Some Nash guitars are too over either.

[Jim S]

The relic market is strong because poseurs and pretenders are buying them by truck loads.
:console

[sahhas]

my take (i think i posted earlier, no idea what i said)-if they want to do a relic thing, why don't they just make bodies, put no finish on them, light finish/protection for the neck. naturally as people play them, the body will age, discolor, get dings from belts etc...eventually it will look "oldish"
and the great thing is-you don't have to charge (or OVERCHARGE) to make a new guitar, then pay someone to DING IT UP, so in the end the consumer pays less? just a thought.

i played a relic'd guitar at GC back around xmas, it looked OLD, but it felt like a brand new guitar. no different, but it did look old. don't get it.
oh well.

[Viscerok]

Fender screwed the pooch when they quit making the Closet Classic. It had the haze of a 50 year old guitar and was chequed pretty good. Not all dinged up. I have a 2007 / 1960 Closet Classic I will never give up! Funny thing though, it has a 9.5" radius.

[oldtelefart]

question I have: Have YOU ever actually rubbed the paint off a guitar with your forearm. I been playing forever and the dings & such happen but never experienced the forearm wear....My forearm is apparently very fine 2000/3000 grit

My Tele was about 3 years old when I bought it, looked like new. I've been playing it for 25 years, a lot of that time 6 nights a week. It has a patch where my forearm has worn through the butterscotch to the clear sealer below. On the edge it's through to the bare wood.
Most of the relics pictured actually look like they've been attacked with a belt sander and flogged with a piece of chain. Pointless and unrealistic, unless you're the manufacturer charging an extra couple of grand for something that an unskilled apprentice can do in half a day. There's one born every minute.............

[rhinocaster]

I haven't read this one.

Does it include that standards?

Did someone say that relic buyers are suckers, poseurs, liars, etc..

Did the relic haters say that they relic their guitars the old fashioned way/the HONEST way, by playing them?

Did someone offer a relic service that involved playing your guitar?

Did someone call relics idiotic?

Did someone say that they don't get it?


In other words, did I miss anything?

[kingblud]

I haven't read this one.

Does it include that standards?

Did someone say that rtelic buyers are suckers, poseurs, liars, etc..

Did the relic haters say that they relic their guitars the old fashioned way/the HONEST way, by playing them?

Did someone offer a relic service that involved playing your guitar?

Did someone call relics idiotic?

Did someone say that they don't get it?


In other words, did I miss anything?

Also included at no extra charge: the always-clever "ripped jeans" comparison.

[rdnzl]

The relic market is strong because poseurs and pretenders are buying them by truck loads.

This.

[J.T. Guitar]

Dang, you guys are pretty harsh... Here is my new John Cruz poseur guitar. I'm going to pretent to play it at a gig tomorrow night! :D

http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh10/JT_Guitar/2011-02-08_17-43-50_408.jpg

BTW- My poseur "D" clone is going to be played too! :rotflmao

[rdnzl]

It's nothing personal. They are great guitars. It's just that artificial aging is just that. Artificial. John Cruz is an amazing builder. Enjoy it, and don't give it a second thought.

[J.T. Guitar]

It's nothing personal. They are great guitars. It's just that artificial aging is just that. Artificial. John Cruz is an amazing builder. Enjoy it, and don't give it a second thought.

Thanks bro, I was just messing with you guys... I feel a guitar either has "IT" or it doesn't. I'm sure there are a lot of relics that don't have the mojo, but if you find one that does... ALL GOOD! :phones

[sahhas]

i'll agree w/ this:
"look like they've been attacked with a belt sander and flogged with a piece of chain. Pointless and unrealistic,"

if you look at the guitars from players who really played their instruments and wore them in (i'm talking srv's #1, rory g's, vh's frankie, ec's blackie, etc), i usually think the "pretend wear" looks nothing like "real wear".
oh well.
as they say, "when i hear 'relic', i get out my checkbook...."

[3leggeddog]

that strat is actually pretty cool. but I agree with the op for the most part

[pickaguitar]

Fender's prices have gone too far

[J.T. Guitar]

i'll agree w/ this:
"look like they've been attacked with a belt sander and flogged with a piece of chain. Pointless and unrealistic,"

if you look at the guitars from players who really played their instruments and wore them in (i'm talking srv's #1, rory g's, vh's frankie, ec's blackie, etc), i usually think the "pretend wear" looks nothing like "real wear".
oh well.
as they say, "when i hear 'relic', i get out my checkbook...."

FWIW- I believe Rory and SRV's guitars were bought used and were punished already. So the guys that beat the crap out of them before they bought them are the real deal and SRV and Rory are just poseurs.

VH makes no bones about the fact that he beat the crap out of his guitars and ruined one with an "actual" belt sander and a saw.

EC's blackie was a guitar thrown together from parts and was still in pretty good shape when it went to auction.

If you don't like them, don't buy one. Relics, Two-Rocks, and Dumbles, the whipping boys of angry middle aged gear geeks.

IMHO... ;)

[XKnight]

BTW- My poseur "D" clone is going to be played too! :rotflmao

Nice Cruz Masterbuilt Relic. I'm going to pretend to play my fake Masterbuilt Relic today through my fake boutique tube amp.

[rhinocaster]

FWIW- I believe Rory and SRV's guitars were bought used and were punished already. So the guys that beat the crap out of them before they bought them are the real deal and SRV and Rory are just poseurs.

VH makes no bones about the fact that he beat the crap out of his guitars and ruined one with an "actual" belt sander and a saw.

EC's blackie was a guitar thrown together from parts and was still in pretty good shape when it went to auction.

If you don't like them, don't buy one. Relics, Two-Rocks, and Dumbles, the whipping boys of angry middle aged gear geeks.

IMHO... ;)

Remember though, you're a poseur, BUT IT'S NOTHING PERSONAL!

People won't even own their judgmental BS.

[J.T. Guitar]

Nice Cruz Masterbuilt Relic. I'm going to pretend to play my fake Masterbuilt Relic today through my fake boutique tube amp.

Thanks dude.

Sweet... Isn't pretending you have great gear awesome!

Remember though, you're a poseur, BUT IT'S NOTHING PERSONAL!

People won't even own their judgmental BS.

:aok I'm a poseur with an amazing sounding rig!

[XKnight]

Thanks dude.

Sweet... Isn't pretending you have great gear awesome!

:rotflmaoI wish my wallet knew I was just pretending.

[Darkness]

I prefer to allow my guitars to relic naturally, if at all. If I wanted a beat to hell axe, I'd go down to the pawnshop.

[J.T. Guitar]

If I wanted a beat to hell axe, I'd go down to the pawnshop.

Just like Lenora did for SRV's prized "Lenny" guitar. That guitar would have meant so much more if she would have bought a new one down at the local music shop.

:sarcasm

[stevieboy]

The proper expression is "If I want a beat up guitar I'll drag it behind my pickup truck."

Don't know why it's always a pickup truck, but it always is. I guess a Corolla doesn't get the edge wear right.

[Del]

I have a nocaster just some finish checking.

My friend bought a relic strat what a mess no finish on the back and 50% finish missing from the front

[rhinocaster]

The proper expression is "If I want a beat up guitar I'll drag it behind my pickup truck."

Don't know why it's always a pickup truck, but it always is. I guess a Corolla doesn't get the edge wear right.

It's the angle. Sedans are low and cause even less authentic wear patterns.

You know what's great? There was a period here where people posted their original guitars with honest wear and people slagged them for being bad relics. That was a laugh a minute, but the haters never owned up to the fact that they can't tell the difference.

Nobody has ever felt adequate to the task of defending the "Poseur" statement when the vast majority of relic owners also own non relics.

But hey, it's not personal. ;)

[J.T. Guitar]

I have a nocaster just some finish checking.

My friend bought a relic strat what a mess no finish on the back and 50% finish missing from the front

But how's it sound? Sometimes beauty is only skin deep, sometime it isn't.

[audiodrome]

To expound a little further on my original post from Page 1...

For the past few years, the Fender Custom Shop "relic philosophy" seems to have shifted from the original "vintage-correct/realistic wear/could-pass-for-the-real-thing" mentality to this strange new "vintage-correct/unrealistic wear/I've-never-seen-a-vintage-Fender-that-looks-like-this" style of relicing. Granted, some of the recent masterbuilt relics look really good but with others it seems like the builder went off on an artistic flight of fancy creating a relic that, although aesthetically pleasing, bears no resemblance to any real vintage Fender instrument.

[stevieboy]

I am somewhat lukewarm on relics, have no problem with their existence, own one CS relic tele which I would describe as moderately done, it's a fine guitar. On the other hand, other than the neck wear I wouldn't miss relics if they suddenly went off the market.

My issue with the Fender CS and relics as far as going "too far" is that they seem to have gone to making only relics, and "heavy" ones, and not offering any non relics in the new models they come up with especially. If that's what sells, fine, they are a business, but I wish the pendulum would swing back the other way some and we'd get more of the "NOS" or Closet Classic choices.

[Mike Eldred]

To expound a little further on my original post from Page 1...

For the past few years, the Fender Custom Shop "relic philosophy" seems to have shifted from the original "vintage-correct/realistic wear/could-pass-for-the-real-thing" mentality to this strange new "vintage-correct/unrealistic wear/I've-never-seen-a-vintage-Fender-that-looks-like-this" style of relicing. Granted, some of the recent masterbuilt relics look really good but with others it seems like the builder went off on an artistic flight of fancy creating a relic that, although aesthetically pleasing, bears no resemblance to any real vintage Fender instrument.


Ok, I'm gonna wade in here...
For the most part, we are a built to order shop.
So, are you saying, that when a dealer (or an artist) calls and says, "I want it really beat up" or even tells us specific patterns to do (Music Zoo for example),...we should simply say, "No"?

Because, that is exactly what has happened here. People request the heavy Relics.

ME

[audiodrome]

Mike

Thanks for chiming in. I'm not actually complaining about "heavy relics" (I own one and love it). This is just my take on, or my perception of, the current state of Custom Shop relics. Now I understand that a lot of people are asking for and ordering custom relics that look more like works of art than cloned replicas, but personally, I would like to see more non-limited edition teambuilt relics with normal playwear like you would see on most real vintage Fenders. That's all I'm saying. If you take a bunch of current CS relics and compare them to actual vintage Fenders to me the finish wear looks a little too planned out, with an almost purposeful artistic quality. Being an artist myself I would probably do the same thing after years of just cloning old guitars!

[Mike Eldred]

Again, we are primarily a build to order shop.
People are ORDERING them like that.

ME

[Mike Eldred]

Take look here: http://www.fendercustomshop.com/index.php/time-machine/
and here: http://www.fendercustomshop.com/index.php/limited-editions/

This is what we offer in the 2011 Custom Collection.
Anything else, YOU have to request and we build it.

P.S.
That Tele Custom that's all beat up...that's a copy of a Tele that G.E. Smith had at his house, and wouldn't sell me...so we built 30 of them. It was that beat up, I took pics and we knocked it off.

ME

[morlll]

Thanks Mike keep selling people what they want.


I really like my thin skin strat. My tele also it's a beat 68. I've a strat that someone did a bad relic job on. Plays nice though.

It's fashion for the most part I'd say.

[DavidE]

I have two relic teles and one relic strat. The strat is the heaviest relic and it's a fantastic instrument. The teles are among the best I've ever played.

Now visually, the relics in the original post are over the top for my taste, but I'm sure they will appeal to some. As long as there's someone to buy them, why not make them? Different strokes for different folks. I like to see what the imagination of the custom shop artist can produce.


Just read Mike's post. Bingo.

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f61/deidelberg/Fender%2057%20Deluxe%20Hand%20Wired/IMG_4801.jpg

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f61/deidelberg/Fender%2060%20Custom%20Shop%20Closet%20Classic%20T ele/IMG_2487.jpg

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f61/deidelberg/Fender%20Strat%20Heavy%20Relic/Wholeguitarfront.jpg

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f61/deidelberg/Fender%20Strat%20Heavy%20Relic/BodyFront.jpg

I need to take photos of my white ltd. edition tele NAMM guitar....

[tsar nicholas]

The relic look comes and goes in the furniture and clothing industries as well. Usually before it goes, it gets very extreme ... kind of the last ditch at different before everything looks the same.

^ this is pretty insightful right here. Like the "pre-destroyed" jeans look or "shabby chic" furniture that was so bafflingly popular a few years ago.



* I actually do like the look of that Strat with the paisley undercoat, though I'd never buy it

[Butterscotch]

I am surprised to learn that I may be regarded as "a poseur."


At my age, I take that as a compliment!

[Maffy]

...i tried some cs relics strat...great sounding guitar, but...i can't understand...a smashed/played-to-the-bones guitar has a meaning if it really has been played and lived (if it's related to your gigs, concerts, moment of your life: this damn scratch was made during that jam, the other one at Marquee, etc. :-) ), otherwise there's no sense to have an heavy-scratched (and high-priced) guitar...but that's only my opinion...

[Seafoam Green]

...i tried some cs relics strat...great sounding guitar, but...i can't understand...a smashed/played-to-the-bones guitar has e meaning (in my opinion) if it really has been played and lived (if it's related to your gigs, concerts, moment of your life: this damn scratch was made during that jam, the other one at marquee, etc. :-) ), otherwise there's no sense to have an heavy-scratched (and high-priced) guitar...but that's only my opinion...

It's funny, I don't think anyone's ever put it like that before. Ever.

[meandi]

Life is just a fantasy...can you live this fantasy life

[J.T. Guitar]

...i tried some cs relics strat...great sounding guitar, but...i can't understand...a smashed/played-to-the-bones guitar has a meaning if it really has been played and lived (if it's related to your gigs, concerts, moment of your life: this damn scratch was made during that jam, the other one at Marquee, etc. :-) ), otherwise there's no sense to have an heavy-scratched (and high-priced) guitar...but that's only my opinion...

So I guess you have a problem with a used guitar too?

[sleshnyc]

one of the greatest marketing schemes since bottled water. Getting people to pay more for beat up guitars. I can see it now. Someone drops a wrench on an American Standard Strat, nicking it. They can't sell it as new. He's mad, beats on it again as his boss has been on his case and he's afraid he gets fired. Instead, his manager sees it, says 'hey, that looks like the strat my older brother had'. Let's try to sell it as an antique reproduction, kind of like an end table.'

[buddastrat]

...i tried some cs relics strat...great sounding guitar, but...i can't understand...a smashed/played-to-the-bones guitar has a meaning if it really has been played and lived (if it's related to your gigs, concerts, moment of your life: this damn scratch was made during that jam, the other one at Marquee, etc. :-) ), otherwise there's no sense to have an heavy-scratched (and high-priced) guitar...but that's only my opinion...

Yes, like my orignal '66 strat. I've got so many battle scars on that from me actually gigging with it, and it's been with me through my relationships and journeys. I couldn't tell you where one of them came from.

Sorry to burst your bubble, but in the end, a ding is a ding and that's all it is. The magic is in the music.

[Maffy]

So I guess you have a problem with a used guitar too?

...no; just to explain: my old teacher bought a '65 (or '66, don't remeber) strat, absolutely scratched, abused and so on. It was an awesome guitar to play, awesome sounding and awesome to look at. I like the "relic" look, but if it comes from "the real life" of the guitar. If it's only a make-up operation, pure aesthetic, it loose (for me) the appeal...;)
For example:

this one:
http://www.drumcityguitarland.com/drumcitygl/stores/1/images/products/FenderCustom%20Shop%20Andy%20Summers%20Tribute%20S eries%20Telecaster.jpg

is beautiful (ok, i'm an Andy's fan) but - althoug i'm sure it will sound like something from heaven - i don't find appeal in this beauty, knowing that the relic process is something artificial...

[Bodhisattva]

yeah it seems fake to me. The whole relic thing. Like a boob job or back when we used to rip holes in the knees of our jeans to make them look old and worn.

I keeps it real!

But I've played some that feel and sound just great. I can't explain it. Maybe there is some abuse-infused mojo. I still think it's cheating.

[Rickenbacker53]

Something everyone seems to forget: Look at old you-tube stuff from the 50-early 70's or beyond maybe some. Beatles for example. Did tons of concerts -So did everyone else. You don't see 20 backup guitars sitting in stands. You don't even see one for each guitarists. Back then it would be very legit for that Musician to have 1 maybe 2 guitars. Add that fact along with how paint or finish went on. They didn't have the machines then. Paint coats or Nitro coats were thicker. Causing much easier chipping. People wore belts with big buckles. Some Guitars were painted by the artist sometimes to look different. There's an interview with George Harrison in which he talks about Sgt Pepper and how he sat up one night. Painting his Sonic Blue strat with cans of paint from the 5 and dime store.

A guitar painted today in nitro won't look as worn in 20 plus years as one painted in the 60's played to the 80's. Just no way. These days you can't smoke anywhere. Just think how much that played a part in aging those guitars.

A lot more than just finish has changed in 40 years. Or 50 years. Just look at how most of us live compared to our parents or Grandparents.

Taking all that into consideration. I think Fender has done a very good job of taking all those factors ( Many not mentioned) in to account when aging a guitar like it would have looked and aged back than. Personally, I think the Relic has revived all sales in the Music Industry. It sure has helped the Boutique Builder. Even if he doesn't make relics.

For every guy/gal who likes relics -there is another one who hates them. Ask yourself what's off the deep end. A brand new beat to #@#^% Relic or a Brand New Shiny peace of Art. Purchased by someone so anal. That they sell it if they scratch it with a polish cloth. I often wonder if those of you who think relics are beneath you. Aren't the guys who sell the guitar when it gets a tiny chip. I prefer to relic my own through playing is a ridiculous statement. For one. It's got to many thin coats of paint or plastic on it. For another. Unless your a Rock Country or Blues Icon. You'll never play it enough. Especially if you have a collection of 30 plus guitars. We are all entitled to buy what we like. I just don't understand why you would mock a relic just because it's not your thing. You don't see the person who likes relics. Laughing at the guy who worries about a tiny mark..Well maybe you do. JMO: I think were it not for the relic many shops and persons in business today. Wouldn't be.

Thanks Fender- Fa-nominal Idea. Hopefully the guy who thought of it got a raise :)

[guitarz1972]

Something everyone seems to forget: Look at old you-tube stuff from the 50-early 70's or beyond maybe some. Beatles for example. Did tons of concerts -So did everyone else. You don't see 20 backup guitars sitting in stands. You don't even see one for each guitarists. Back then it would be very legit for that Musician to have 1 maybe 2 guitars. Add that fact along with how paint or finish went on. They didn't have the machines then. Paint coats or Nitro coats were thicker. Causing much easier chipping. People wore belts with big buckles. Some Guitars were painted by the artist sometimes to look different. There's an interview with George Harrison in which he talks about Sgt Pepper and how he sat up one night. Painting his Sonic Blue strat with cans of paint from the 5 and dime store.

A guitar painted today in nitro won't look as worn in 20 plus years as one painted in the 60's played to the 80's. Just no way. These days you can't smoke anywhere. Just think how much that played a part in aging those guitars.

A lot more than just finish has changed in 40 years. Or 50 years. Just look at how most of us live compared to our parents or Grandparents.

Taking all that into consideration. I think Fender has done a very good job of taking all those factors ( Many not mentioned) in to account when aging a guitar like it would have looked and aged back than. Personally, I think the Relic has revived all sales in the Music Industry. It sure has helped the Boutique Builder. Even if he doesn't make relics.

For every guy/gal who likes relics -there is another one who hates them. Ask yourself what's off the deep end. A brand new beat to #@#^% Relic or a Brand New Shiny peace of Art. Purchased by someone so anal. That they sell it if they scratch it with a polish cloth. I often wonder if those of you who think relics are beneath you. Aren't the guys who sell the guitar when it gets a tiny chip. I prefer to relic my own through playing is a ridiculous statement. For one. It's got to many thin coats of paint or plastic on it. For another. Unless your a Rock Country or Blues Icon. You'll never play it enough. Especially if you have a collection of 30 plus guitars. We are all entitled to buy what we like. I just don't understand why you would mock a relic just because it's not your thing. You don't see the person who likes relics. Laughing at the guy who worries about a tiny mark..Well maybe you do. JMO: I think were it not for the relic many shops and persons in business today. Wouldn't be.

Thanks Fender- Fa-nominal Idea. Hopefully the guy who thought of it got a raise :)

Well said. By the way, and as a side: The day that I dented the bottom bout of my '56 Relic? Even though it's got factory dents, It still hurt. :)

[Rickenbacker53]

So long as you didn't sell it//

[Mike Eldred]

http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll293/mcknuckle/CS2011-010.jpg

ME

[buddastrat]

yeah it seems fake to me. The whole relic thing. Like a boob job or back when we used to rip holes in the knees of our jeans to make them look old and worn.

I keeps it real!

But I've played some that feel and sound just great. I can't explain it. Maybe there is some abuse-infused mojo. I still think it's cheating.

Keepin' it real, to me means if I played a relic that sounds and feels great, I'll use that. If it's a pristine, flamey poly job, I'll use that. Don't worry about what others think, that's the real cheating and you're only cheating yourself.

[Mike Eldred]

http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll293/mcknuckle/NAMM03.jpg

ME

[Butterscotch]

Ha! "Skele" Tele!

[Mr. E.]

http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll293/mcknuckle/NAMM03.jpg

ME

now THAT rocks. Want.

[tsar nicholas]

^ That Dia de los Muertos Tele there is just zee best.

[Hammertone]

http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll293/mcknuckle/CS2011-010.jpg
ME

Touché.
I'm looking at one of these right now, the one with three single coils pickups/ash body, also in red. Very nice indeed.

People vote with their wallets.
Fender gives the consumers what they want, balanced against their production capabilities. It's really pretty simple.

[tonemeister20]

http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll293/mcknuckle/NAMM03.jpg

ME

Would you please show a picture of the whole guitar. Crazy cool. Just looked on my Fender wall calender and it is not one of them.

[Mike Eldred]

http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll293/mcknuckle/Tele-SkeleTele1.jpg

ME

[J.T. Guitar]

http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll293/mcknuckle/CS2011-010.jpg

ME

What are the particulars on this guitar Mike? Sweet!

[sabby]

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
What's with that garishly aged plywood?


:hide


http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll293/mcknuckle/Tele-SkeleTele1.jpg

ME


I'd be afriad to play this one for fear of conjuring some soul-sucking gris-gris.

[gregsguitars]

Vince Cunetto ,In my opinion did the best work for Fender ever.

[Mike Eldred]

What are the particulars on this guitar Mike? Sweet!


All here: http://www.fendercustomshop.com/

ME

[Mike Eldred]

http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll293/mcknuckle/McKnuckle/2011%20LTDs/TeleJCRackEmUP15.jpg

ME

[Mike Eldred]

http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll293/mcknuckle/McKnuckle/2011%20LTDs/TeleJCRackEmUP05.jpg

With a custom cue stick, and...

ME

[Mike Eldred]

Lotsa balls!
http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll293/mcknuckle/McKnuckle/2011%20LTDs/TeleJCRackEmUP11.jpg

ME

[teleblaster]

^^ :eeks Holy smokes batman! :eeks ^^

[Polynitro]

man if Squier made a Skele-Tele Id be all over it. Throw some Nocaster PUPs and rock out.

[JackButler]

I'll take a relic over shiny new finish any day. Real looking or fake.

[sabby]

Sorry for all the snark, Mike. Those are cool guitars. I wish I had the jack to order up no-reliced '56 relic blonde Strat.

[curmudgeon]

this custom shop relic thing has gone a bit too far.

this.

I was at the Mesa Boogie store in Hollywood and saw some old looking Jazzmasters...looked like someone dropped them in a pool with all of the rust on the hardware...turned out to be some Rittenhouse JM's.

[audiodrome]

The relic look comes and goes in the furniture and clothing industries as well. Usually before it goes, it gets very extreme ... kind of the last ditch at different before everything looks the same. I don't think it will go away, but there will be some other new finish that will replace it as the new thing to have.
That's definitely the gist of what I've been trying to get at with this thread - thanks! And truth can be stranger than fiction... Now, we know that the finish on the CS Jeff Beck Esquire looks exactly like the finish on his original but you have to admit that it doesn't really look like natural wear. It looks a surrealistic art piece!

http://img29.imageshack.us/img29/398/jeffbeckesq.jpg

So I guess you have a problem with a used guitar too?
My '63 Jaguar looked like this when I bought it and I would LOVE to hear these battle scar stories! The back looks like the result of a fight between the guitarist and the drummer - are those cymbal gashes?

http://img705.imageshack.us/img705/6213/jaguars.jpg

[tsar nicholas]

Eldred is killing me with all those cool CS guits. Very creative stuff.

[audiodrome]

Hey Mike

Would you ever consider doing a '63 Jaguar Heavy Relic? You can use mine as a model! :D

http://img59.imageshack.us/img59/3825/jaguarfull.jpg

[redbeardrob]

i like em a lot. heavy, medium, light, whatever. i like my jeans the same way.

[buddastrat]

Vince Cunetto ,In my opinion did the best work for Fender ever.

Yes, they still look so good. He has an eye for it and gives credibility to relic'ing as an art form. Funny that he was really the first and still at the top, though others have had decades to try and perfect it.

[J.T. Guitar]

i like em a lot. heavy, medium, light, whatever. i like my jeans the same way.

Careful, someone here will tell you that if you didn't wear them out in a 50 mile no water trek in the Sahara, your a poseur. :cool:

[DarthElvis]

I'm holding out for the "Biker-Bar fight" relic, complete with bloodstains and a real human tooth embedded into one of the dents.

[Mike Eldred]

http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll293/mcknuckle/McKnuckle/2011%20LTDs/2011LTD56Strat.jpg

ME

[Mike Eldred]

http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll293/mcknuckle/McKnuckle/2011%20Customs/201153Tele.jpg

ME

[Mike Eldred]

http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll293/mcknuckle/McKnuckle/2011%20Customs/CS2011-011.jpg

ME

[Mike Eldred]

http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll293/mcknuckle/McKnuckle/2011%20Customs/CS2011-004.jpg

ME

[Mike Eldred]

http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll293/mcknuckle/McKnuckle/2011%20Customs/CS2011-028.jpg

ME

[Mike Eldred]

http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll293/mcknuckle/McKnuckle/2011%20Customs/CS2011-034.jpg

ME

[pickaguitar]

damn!...luv the pics Mike :)

On the side Fender should hire this guy to the team imo http://www.tdpri.com/forum/2011-tdpri-tele-build-challenge/263778-scatter-lees-2011-tdpri-build-challenge-thread.html

[Polynitro]

Clearly, Mike Eldred is off his rocker!!!!

















































































just kidding of course

[stevieboy]

http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll293/mcknuckle/McKnuckle/2011%20LTDs/TeleJCRackEmUP05.jpg

With a custom cue stick, and...

ME


http://thestevieboy.tripod.com/64telepool.jpg

[Mike Eldred]

http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll293/mcknuckle/StratSBSplatocaster-03.jpg

Ever see this?

ME

[Jim S]

http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll293/mcknuckle/NAMM03.jpg

ME


:dude

[JohnMusicZoo]

Hey all, I know this thread is a bit old, but I wanted to chime in. I designed the color over paisley relic strats and the candy tangerine 69 with floyd. It's hard for traditionalists to think outside of the box and look at these guitars simply for what they are. The truth is that while they are fine instruments, they are art as well, and all art is subjective. We proudly order guitars that we think will play, sound and look awesome and people generally like relics. We here at the Zoo have seen our fair share of vintage instruments and know very well what is historically accurate etc. We are well aware that Fender made no Candy Tangerine floyd strats in 69 with ebony boards and a 12 inch radius. That's half the reason we had them make one now, and it sure came out looking awesome. We also spec out plenty for the traditionalist as well. Thanks for reading.

[timberic]

I actually am not a fan of relics but for some reason I actually do like that Strat...But yeah, I agree with you - this custom shop relic thing has gone a bit too far.

Yeah, I was going to say, I agree that these are way over the top, but something about that paisley overspray job that I really like.

[pir8matt]

They'll have gone too far when people stop buying them, I think.

[zastruga]

Rabble rabble! Where's Mike to show us more?? It's been a year...

[leftycajun]

Funny thing is, the first vintage tele I ever saw was a dead ringer for the one in the op. This was at least 10 years before the relic craze took off, too. the shop actually had a few, all that beat up. For years I thought that's just what old teles looked like!

[rabbuhl]

http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll293/mcknuckle/Tele-SkeleTele1.jpg

ME

Can I rent this Tele for Halloween?

[stevieboy]

http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll293/mcknuckle/NAMM03.jpg

ME

I think that looks awesome.

Don't know about the protruding skulls though. Maybe they're guitardom's way of getting back at everyone who's worn a big belt buckle and scratched them up. Scratch up a few players in return!

[Defendant]

White over pink paisley? -awesome!

[geek-mo]

I'd rather relic my own, thank you.

[Bluesdaddy]

I actually prefer the looks of the relic guitars over the skull and pool hall guitars. A little too much flash for me. To me it's just another finish option. It's nice to have options, if we didn't we would all be eating vanilla ice cream.
I had a nice relic Esquire for a while, the guys in my band thought it was a nicely worn in old guitar until I showed them the custom shop neck plate...

[rogthefrog]

We are well aware that Fender made no Candy Tangerine floyd strats in 69 with ebony boards and a 12 inch radius.

They should have!!!

I'm no relic fan but that white over paisley Strat is pretty.

[BBender]

:drool


http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll293/mcknuckle/McKnuckle/2011%20Customs/CS2011-004.jpg

ME

[S.W.Erdnase]

The relic market is strong because poseurs and pretenders are buying them by truck loads.

Wow, an olde worlde threade....

As for poseurs... When I wanted to buy a 50s style strat I contacted a guy I had bought from in the past and told him the Color, weight range, etc I was looking for. I wanted NOS but a vintage style and had no intention of buying a relic. In fact I was dismissive of the trend. He described a bunch of Strats he had and sent me a ton of photos and sold me on a heavy relic.

Best decision I ever made. A great player with tone I dig, and I don't care if it gets extra dings (which it has). Who gives a shit about posing or what anyone else thinks. Play whatever floats your boat.

[pageburst]

relic's when done properly should resemble an old well worn guitar. To some like a broken in baseball glove, a relic just feels better than a "Stiff" shiny new guitar.

I do think these ultimate relics are a bit ridiculous. Not my cup of tea but hey if someone likes it more power to them


I don't get the relic hate at all. And the delf righteous remarks. To me it's a finish and feel choice, nothing more. it's guitars folks live and let live

[daveanto21]

http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll293/mcknuckle/McKnuckle/2011%20Customs/CS2011-004.jpg

ME


God that is a beauty! This I want :)

[daveanto21]

Hey all, I know this thread is a bit old, but I wanted to chime in. I designed the color over paisley relic strats and the candy tangerine 69 with floyd. It's hard for traditionalists to think outside of the box and look at these guitars simply for what they are. The truth is that while they are fine instruments, they are art as well, and all art is subjective. We proudly order guitars that we think will play, sound and look awesome and people generally like relics. We here at the Zoo have seen our fair share of vintage instruments and know very well what is historically accurate etc. We are well aware that Fender made no Candy Tangerine floyd strats in 69 with ebony boards and a 12 inch radius. That's half the reason we had them make one now, and it sure came out looking awesome. We also spec out plenty for the traditionalist as well. Thanks for reading.


Yes...this! Some of us look at our instrument as a tool and other as a piece of art, and some as both. Since art is so highly subjective it is probably best left up to the buyers eye. I personally appreciate all the different guitars out there but certainly dont love them all :)

[electricfactory]

Holy Cow.
Please share the specific details/ stats..

http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll293/mcknuckle/StratSBSplatocaster-03.jpg

Ever see this?

ME

[electricfactory]

What a great post, well done Rickenbacker53, this is probably the best response the subject I've read in some time. And many technical points I hadn't thought of too.
Well done.


Something everyone seems to forget: Look at old you-tube stuff from the 50-early 70's or beyond maybe some. Beatles for example. Did tons of concerts -So did everyone else. You don't see 20 backup guitars sitting in stands. You don't even see one for each guitarists. Back then it would be very legit for that Musician to have 1 maybe 2 guitars. Add that fact along with how paint or finish went on. They didn't have the machines then. Paint coats or Nitro coats were thicker. Causing much easier chipping. People wore belts with big buckles. Some Guitars were painted by the artist sometimes to look different. There's an interview with George Harrison in which he talks about Sgt Pepper and how he sat up one night. Painting his Sonic Blue strat with cans of paint from the 5 and dime store.

A guitar painted today in nitro won't look as worn in 20 plus years as one painted in the 60's played to the 80's. Just no way. These days you can't smoke anywhere. Just think how much that played a part in aging those guitars.

A lot more than just finish has changed in 40 years. Or 50 years. Just look at how most of us live compared to our parents or Grandparents.

Taking all that into consideration. I think Fender has done a very good job of taking all those factors ( Many not mentioned) in to account when aging a guitar like it would have looked and aged back than. Personally, I think the Relic has revived all sales in the Music Industry. It sure has helped the Boutique Builder. Even if he doesn't make relics.

For every guy/gal who likes relics -there is another one who hates them. Ask yourself what's off the deep end. A brand new beat to #@#^% Relic or a Brand New Shiny peace of Art. Purchased by someone so anal. That they sell it if they scratch it with a polish cloth. I often wonder if those of you who think relics are beneath you. Aren't the guys who sell the guitar when it gets a tiny chip. I prefer to relic my own through playing is a ridiculous statement. For one. It's got to many thin coats of paint or plastic on it. For another. Unless your a Rock Country or Blues Icon. You'll never play it enough. Especially if you have a collection of 30 plus guitars. We are all entitled to buy what we like. I just don't understand why you would mock a relic just because it's not your thing. You don't see the person who likes relics. Laughing at the guy who worries about a tiny mark..Well maybe you do. JMO: I think were it not for the relic many shops and persons in business today. Wouldn't be.

Thanks Fender- Fa-nominal Idea. Hopefully the guy who thought of it got a raise :)

[DexterT]

I was in guitar center the other day and they had a custom shop tele that was surf green underneath a "refin" of sunburst and the green was coming out and I thought it was the coolest looking guitar. Did it look real? No, it didn't but it still looks cool.

[GreenKnight18]

Holy Cow.
Please share the specific details/ stats..

There is a whole youtube build process vid for that guitar I believe. I've seen it. :)

[Zuhzuhzombie!!]

Since this is a VOS thread, question



Someone once told me that the first edition Telecasters had a very weird Neck PUP that sounded like the tone was already rolled off to begin with, but you could roll it off even more?

Something along the lines of a weird electronics setup with the original tele.


any idea?

[Kenny Blue]

I am going to maybe get flack for saying this... but it's the way I feel.

These very reliced guitars simply.. to me... look like grossly mistreated instruments.

I do like the effect of faded finishes... maybe at most a bit of worn through the finish here and there.... and aged hardware. But very hacked up finishes that look like the guitar was used as a yard tool... and very rusted hardware.

I mean... if this was caused by real time and treatment I would have to say that just simply wiping the guitar off briefly after use... and storing it in the case or in a safe place should go a long way towards preserving the instrument.

Sure.. guitars age and get banged here and there.... but to me anyway... mistreatment and neglect does not equal mojo.

I have a 1993 Fender '62 RI Strat... which is finished in Fiesta Red Nitro. I have owned and played it for 20 years now, much of the time it has sat out so I can play it often. Yes it has a few dings... but it looks very close to being new. I dont go overboard protecting and cleaning it... I just am somewhat careful with it. Ok its only 20 years old... but I dare say that in another 20 years its not going to look that much different.

[Mike R.]

http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQD-l4lIAxAMZsc8W9YQ_dudjfrqxvbpvcSVsd6uZjHY_r_zScID3a qirIhkA


But I do like that STrat in the OP.

[b3john]

X0C3DHp36zc

[cardamonfrost]

Funny that nearly two years later this thread still proves that if something sells, ride it to the very end of its cycle.

They will continue to make relics until no one buys them, then they will do somethig else. Im guessing on making one with electronics to try and get some kids to pic them up....

C

[Tstyle]

The relic fad is outta hand. All ugly.

T.

[ssites]

The relic market is strong because poseurs and pretenders are buying them by truck loads.

geez...what makes me a poseur or pretender because I think they look cool? I've been playing for 35 years and am definitely not a poser.

They look cool and different than a perfect factory finish, which I find boring as hell.

I bet you tuck your shirt in when you gig.

[ssites]

yeah it seems fake to me. The whole relic thing. Like a boob job or back when we used to rip holes in the knees of our jeans to make them look old and worn.

I keeps it real!

But I've played some that feel and sound just great. I can't explain it. Maybe there is some abuse-infused mojo. I still think it's cheating.

Cheating??!! By the time I could get a guitar to that aged relic look I'll be DEAD. No thanks, I'll enjoy it while I am still alive.

[tele1951]

geez...what makes me a poseur or pretender because I think they look cool? I've been playing for 35 years and am definitely not a poser.

They look cool and different than a perfect factory finish, which I find boring as hell.

I bet you tuck your shirt in when you gig.


^^^^

I love fake boobs and relic Fenders.

I too,find new,shiny guitars boring.

[marco polo]

I actually started buying partscasters with a slight amount of relic and l prefer them more. 5 years ago I would have not come close to any guitar that was not A+ condition but took a chance on a Daphne blue one last year and its become my fav. guitar.
It really is in the eye of the beholder. I'm not a fan of heavy relic but i dont mind a few scratches bumps and bruises. At least I wont cry when i bump it or drop it like I used to. I never kept a guitar long enough to have it naturally wear out so for me,
its o.k.

[Mr Boggie]

I for one love relics but i also like my women on the trashy side.

[Deed_Poll]

They look cool and different than a perfect factory finish, which I find boring as hell.

Different from a factory finish, but often not different from each other! That's what is kind of perverse about the idea to me. The 'mojo' in a played-to-death guitar comes from the fact its uniqueness breeds personality - Not so with the team built CS relics.

I definitely like the idea that you don't have to handle it with kid gloves and still get decent resale, though. That's quite an achievement, and a good reason to go fender over MJ, Nash, Dano etc. though I'd definitely get a Danocaster if it came down to it.

[William Braddell]

I was thinking the same thing. The Custom Shop has actually been making these, believe it or not. Who actually wants these vulgar creations?

http://www.themusiczoo.com/product/6081/Fender-Custom-Exclusive-Masterbuilt-69-Stratocaster-Relic/

http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQDnGXtGwCPiJakyh57k4jkk83-tsNT0S1lQGot_HjJjaNSFkkG

http://www.privatereserveguitars.com/Fender-Custom-Shop-1966-Stratocaster-Relic-Masterbuilt-Electric-Guitar-H61754-i1557273.guitars

http://images.miretail.com/products/full/FenderCustomShop/634207011296931392.jpg (http://javascript<b></b>:openOptionImage('FenderCustomShop/766168.jpg'))

I'm the type of guy who would probably never own a relic but I have to say that I really like the look of that HSS strat.

EDIT: The bottom one I mean.

[zastruga]

yeah it seems fake to me. The whole relic thing. Like a boob job or back when we used to rip holes in the knees of our jeans to make them look old and worn.

I keeps it real!

But I've played some that feel and sound just great. I can't explain it. Maybe there is some abuse-infused mojo. I still think it's cheating.

Cheating? I didn't realize mistreating guitars was a competition. I accidentally scratched up my guitar more realistically than you, therefore I win?

Yeesh. How about we just play music we like with guitars we like and stop being such judgmental children?

[Deed_Poll]

I didn't realize mistreating guitars was a competition.

Well you'll never win with that attitude... :bonk

[zastruga]

Well you'll never win with that attitude... :bonk

:spit

[nomadh]

Isn't it just another finish option. I hate plain color guitars that dont show any grain. So a huge step up from those for me are reliced "interesting" solid colors. Then you get something with grain to prove you actually have a guitar made of wood. Then even more interesting would be a guitar that shows some grain and adds some interest through "aging" Its all just artistic interpretation of guitar finishes.
Now that this is winding down lets go and start an "I hate silverburst" thread. I'd be all over that. Although even silverburst is better than plain black or silver or white.