B
Should I relic my tonewood guitar, or just strip it entirely, so the wood can breathe?
OP
Biddlin
Guest
Just wondering where we stand on artificial relics. I saw an Oldsmobile rocket 88, that had the rust sealed in clearcoat, instead of a proper paint job and it reminded me of a relic-ed SG copy I saw advertised for $3000. I find this a peculiar preference, but wonder how many see it as an homage of some sort and how many think they are fooling anyone?
DonP
Guest
There is a new "thing" going on in vintage cars - that they shouldn't be restored. It's a bit like antique furniture. You don't restore that to as-new condition. It's an interesting idea, and not without some merit. But that all falls over if you want them for driving rather than looking at.
But in either case, deliberately damaging something is deserving of a slap.
To me, the phrase, "artificial relic" is somewhat of an oxymoron.
Few things in life make me questions someones sanity.
Purposely damaging guitars is at the top of the list of those that do.
The whole relicing thing is lost on me.
I tend to resurrect the more unfortunate of my acquisitions instead of adding to their suffering...
But... If I really wanted something reliced, I'd use a chainsaw.
Purposely damaging guitars is at the top of the list of those that do.
The whole relicing thing is lost on me.
I tend to resurrect the more unfortunate of my acquisitions instead of adding to their suffering...
But... If I really wanted something reliced, I'd use a chainsaw.
Sérgio
Ambassador of CaliZilian Affairs
I voted "look forward to natural wear" but I'm sure the last option is also valid 
Me: I don't really "baby" my guitars, I play them and they belong on the road with me. BUT: I care about them and don't try to inflict any intentional damage in any way. I gig with an untucked t shirt that covers the belt buckle and jeans rivets... If not, I pull the buckle aside so it won't f**k up the finish behind the body...I don't wear any rings or anything that will mark the neck. I paid good cash for my guitars and intend to leave them for my children/grandchildren intact and ok.
Relic'ing a new guitar, to me, is just a stupid and phony way to make it look like... what it ain't. An old and road worn guitar.
On the flipside, however, I love the natural wear that comes with age and stage. My 23 year old strat belonged to several guys/bands before I bought it used, and it's been around all this time. It has dings, scratches, finish crackles... But it's beautiful because it IS a 23 year old instrument that has seen action snd still gigs regularly with me.
I would NEVER pay for a new guitar that's built to look old and worn... Nor would I spoil a regular one with that purpose... New instruments should look new, old instruments should look their age (and in that case, the more well kept, the better).
My philosophy: do you want a worn guitar? Buy a used one and/or use it.
Let the games begin
Me: I don't really "baby" my guitars, I play them and they belong on the road with me. BUT: I care about them and don't try to inflict any intentional damage in any way. I gig with an untucked t shirt that covers the belt buckle and jeans rivets... If not, I pull the buckle aside so it won't f**k up the finish behind the body...I don't wear any rings or anything that will mark the neck. I paid good cash for my guitars and intend to leave them for my children/grandchildren intact and ok.
Relic'ing a new guitar, to me, is just a stupid and phony way to make it look like... what it ain't. An old and road worn guitar.
On the flipside, however, I love the natural wear that comes with age and stage. My 23 year old strat belonged to several guys/bands before I bought it used, and it's been around all this time. It has dings, scratches, finish crackles... But it's beautiful because it IS a 23 year old instrument that has seen action snd still gigs regularly with me.
I would NEVER pay for a new guitar that's built to look old and worn... Nor would I spoil a regular one with that purpose... New instruments should look new, old instruments should look their age (and in that case, the more well kept, the better).
My philosophy: do you want a worn guitar? Buy a used one and/or use it.
Let the games begin
Sérgio
Ambassador of CaliZilian Affairs
Btw everytime I see a dude buy a relic'd guitar or do that himself (especially if he doesn't really gig), it reminds me of those people who buy their first motorcycle and begin to wear leather vests, bandanas, badass clothing and feel like they're actual 1% el bandido bikers 
This movie always comes to my mind
This movie always comes to my mind