Relic Guitars, can we make it believable? And why no relic acoustics?

[Bobbofallenstar]

This rant starts at a show I saw the other day where the bass player was playing a bass that he had relic'd. He liked the way it looked (which I guess is the only reason to do it) but all the relic'ing was nowhere near where he played it. He played right by the pickup on the p-bass and the upper bout was all worn away and the lower area where an arm would rub.

Now I know most people wouldn't notice and what's more - wouldn't care.

I think the argument could be made that wanting a relic'd guitar is along the same lines of wanting all the knowledge and experience of playing hundreds of gigs that would create a guitar that looks like that without actually playing the gigs.

And while we're on it - why doesn't anyone make Acoustic Relics? I think the closest we have is that little gadget that is supposed to age the guitar so it sounds better. (Sounds like a variation of the 'life sucker' in The Princess Bride doesn't it?) But this is supposed to make it sound better which is slightly better than just making it look beat up.

They could sell the "Relic Acoustic Troubadour Kit": worn out boots, salt&pepper beard, old Irish hat, a cockeyed grin, old snappy shirt, Double worn out pickguard Gibson J-50 with the annoying wooden adjustable bridge ("no, man - I just like to mic it up"), thumb pick and a book with 101 stories to tell about "life on the road".

Wait, I'm going to market that. Pat Pending now!

Relic'd guitars always reminds me of this scene from Slap Shot:

 

[Jedi]

 

[street]

trollin'........

 

[Dashface]

...Actually, the acoustic idea is kind of a good one

 

[paulscape]

Ive had my acoustic since I was a teenager (Im 39 now) - its been on camping trips, hauled around the world, banged into, dropped, surfing wax dripped on it, beer, wine and whatever else spilt on it, its certainly been played to death. Thing still looks like new!

 

[landru64]

john kinnard does a distressed guitar. i played an om he'd done that was one of the best sounding guitars i've played. he said the thinner finish it allows him to do had a lot to do with that....

 

[bluesjuke]

This rant starts at a show I saw the other day where the bass player was playing a bass that he had relic'd. He liked the way it looked (which I guess is the only reason to do it) but all the relic'ing was nowhere near where he played it. He played right by the pickup on the p-bass and the upper bout was all worn away and the lower area where an arm would rub.

Now I know most people wouldn't notice and what's more - wouldn't care.

I think the argument could be made that wanting a relic'd guitar is along the same lines of wanting all the knowledge and experience of playing hundreds of gigs that would create a guitar that looks like that without actually playing the gigs.

And while we're on it - why doesn't anyone make Acoustic Relics? I think the closest we have is that little gadget that is supposed to age the guitar so it sounds better. (Sounds like a variation of the 'life sucker' in The Princess Bride doesn't it?) But this is supposed to make it sound better which is slightly better than just making it look beat up.

They could sell the "Relic Acoustic Troubadour Kit": worn out boots, salt&pepper beard, old Irish hat, a cockeyed grin, old snappy shirt, Double worn out pickguard Gibson J-50 with the annoying wooden adjustable bridge ("no, man - I just like to mic it up"), thumb pick and a book with 101 stories to tell about "life on the road".

Wait, I'm going to market that. Pat Pending now!

Relic'd guitars always reminds me of this scene from Slap Shot:

I'd bet it's the first reason and the rest is assumption.

 

[Bobbofallenstar]

I'd bet it's the first reason and the rest is assumption.

Agreed.

 

[Tonealicious]

Oh and:

http://img.myconfinedspace.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/05/kitty-not-this-****-again.jpg

 

[guitarz1972]

So wait; some people like relics, some people don't, some people get relics, and some people don't. Ok, I think I've finally got it.

 

[TimSt.L]

...Actually, the acoustic idea is kind of a good one

That's right! I'd like to see a replica relic of Willie Nelsons beat up old acoustic he's played forever.

And I don't like seeing the sandpaper grit marks in some relics. I bought an ltd tele relic because I got it super cheap. It's actually an amazing playing and sounding instrument. But you can see where they just took some sand paper and sanded down to the wood. It doesn't look natural in any way whatsoever. I have personally never had my forearm wear through the paint of my guitar all the way down to the wood either.

 

[K-Line]

Who knew that it was the Hanson brothers that started the relic craze? Classic movie...best line in a movie ever...."What the hell are you boys doing?....Foiling up coach, what some?" Also, Martin made a replica of Willie's guitar but I do not think they ever mass produced it or even a limited run.

 

[CS'56]

Epiphone is the only one that I have seen.

 

[Lublin]

I'd love a relic acoustic. I have a 90's Charvel 625C that has been played a ton and it still looks new. I guess it's the poly finish.

 

[schlagsaite]

I worked like 20 years to make this one look relic!!

 

[CadillacRed]

I want to find an unwanted, abused Martin and name her "Trigger".

 

[CadillacRed]

^ Nice Theorbo by the way. Who made it? I dabble in a bit of the "old school" myself.

 

[Fogletone]

Gibson has done a few limited run aged acoustics, but the only one I remember is that Aaron Lewis guitar they did a few years ago for big bucks. It was a great idea, but poorly executed by making it the "Aaron Lewis" signature model. I am sure Gibson thought they didn't sell because they were aged, and not the fact that were associated with a hard rocker who had one song with an acoustic guitar 10 years ago.

 

[Etosser]

So wait; some people like relics, some people don't, some people get relics, and some people don't. Ok, I think I've finally got it.

end of thread(s). Whew! Only took us several dozen to realize this.

If you like 'em, great. If you don't, great. Horses for courses.

 

[lumco]

No dead horses left to kick on this one..while we are at it.. make everyone's steak well done...one size for all...if it works for you embrace it, if not....let the dog sleep.