RW - I just don't get it.

[Beauhooligan]

I'll be 56 come August 6th, and I still have my first guitar, an inexpensive acoustic that my Mom bought me when I was 12. That guitar ended up having a bracing failure under the bridge, and repairing it would cost more than the guitar is worth. But, despite the belly behind the bridge, that old box looks almost like new; it's just been retired do a place of honor. I have always taken care of my guitars, wiping them down after play, using hard cases and guitar stands on stage and steering away from big belt buckles. I never lay guitars down or lean them on amps, and I don't let strangers play my guitars. I bought my first Strat in '72. It was a '62 but in mint condition, and over the years it has some mileage, a few dings, dents and minor scratches, but other than minor neck adjustments, a couple of pup changes, and a refret it looks like it did the day I bought it. I just cannot imagine taking sandpaper, steel wool, or beating on it with various objects to make it look "cool".

I would not pay $250 to $400 more than $450 to $500 that a MIM Strat for one that has been Road Worn. I would just buy a MIM (finding one that has a great neck and equal pups), but paying more for artificially aging to make a "fashion statement" is imho pretty damn silly. For the price of a RW I could buy a Highway One and get a MIA.

Does anyone else think that the Road Worn is a waste of money for a hokey fashion statement?

[masayako]

People need fake battle scars, let them be.

[mrmjp]

Yes

[svenhoek]

If you do a search you'll find this topic has been road-worn to death...

[Release]

I really wish more people would focus on how the guitar plays rather than how it looks. They feel amazing in your hands. That's where it counts for me.

[JohnK24]

The Road Worn being hokey ?...sure, as would be posting about how the relic concept is hokey...

ymmv....

[masayako]

I never yet to 'make' battle scars on my gear intentionally. It just doesn't feel right.

On the other hand, I don't babe my guitars obsessively. Leave it on the floor, dirty fingers, headstock get hit by a bass player, drum set, sweats & tears etc... Just let time do its work. That's the most meaningful way to build a true Road Worn.

[chad330]

Yeah it kind of reminds me of this kid I grew up with. While in 7th grade (i think) he was the first of our little group to own a "professional skateboard". It was a work of art and I was horrified when he took a screwdriver and started scraping all the beautiful artwork off of it. I guess all the pro's boards looked beat up all to hell due to tricks\rail slides\grinds etc and didn't have an inch of decal left on them.
When ever I hear about road worn or relics i always think of that and wonder......wouldn't your guitar look and feel cooler if you actually played the hell out of it and naturally gave it the worn look?? I just don't think I'd be able to have an appreciation for something so artificial and contrived.
But hey, that's just me, I guess whatever floats your boat...... B)

[CharAznable]

I completely agree with the OP, but this topic is starting to show finish checking and rusting of metal hardware...

[Southern ILL]

Each his own....

And since its there and easy access......



Lets see that lovely strat!!

[buddastrat]

Ironically, the non relic guys seem to be the ones fixated on looks, as evidenced by the OP.

[masayako]

No, I have to disagree. The OP is fixated on originality.

Originally Posted by buddastrat

Ironically, the non relic guys seem to be the ones fixated on looks, as evidenced by the OP.

[grapeshot]

Yarp. I don't get the RW series, either.

[dazco]

I prefer poly just so that i can keep it looking new ! Roadworn and relic IMO is partially a marketing idea to make things easier on the manufacturer and dealer. If a guitar gets dented of is flawed somehow cosmetically, they don't have to call it a second or sell it cheap etc....just call it a relic and sell it for more ! seriously, it's all opinion but personally i find it about as sensible as buying torn jeans. I have not found a sonic difference between poly and nitro either, so give me poly anyday and let me keep my axe looking new !

[bkd_guitarist]

Originally Posted by svenhoek

If you do a search you'll find this topic has been road-worn to death...

True....that said, I'll weigh in...

I don't get the road worn / relic thing. My guitars have a few pick scratches, but I've always tried to avoid having them get "road worn." Certainly wouldn't pay to have someone F up my guitar for me.