10 Reasons To Buy A Relic

Love them or hate them they are popular, and if you can't think of a good reason to get yourself a relic guitar we can give you 10 reasons. So watch this video kick back and we will see you in the comment section!

[@NolanDerosia]

I don't necessarily want a relic off the bat, but I do want a guitar that will relic over time.

[@JasonChannell]

I liked PRS recent interview answer on the matter. Basically "we make new guitars"

[@teachmeguitar4149]

👏👏👏

[@SimpleManGuitars1973]

They should trigger the internet even more by making a reliced Silver Sky. LOL!!!

[@BasswipeNC]

The thing about PRS is that they have not been around long enough to play the relic game. They will trust me. They were not going to put Floyd's in them either at one time. Well..........

[@teachmeguitar4149]

@@SimpleManGuitars1973 and tell people theyre making 250 of them

[@autistichead8137]

Excellent answer!!! I can’t imagine wanting a damaged guitar.

[@seanbrooks2583]

My parents were into the "rustic furniture look" when i was growing up and i never understood it. Now that i love relic guitars, i finally get it.

[@JonathanGasper]

I'm personally not into the relic thing, but I am not bothered that others like them. I don't have to get it. I'm not going to shit on other people for liking things. There are plenty of guitars to go around. I enjoyed the video. It's cool to hear different perspectives.

[@georgedavidson2024]

You get it man, rock on

[@cleagymeen9465]

You're not in control of what you like and what you don't like it just happens due to random events and circumstances for me i like the feel and the look not necessarily the chips and dings but i like when the finish gets less glossy and darker plus if you ding it won't bother you at all

[@Canadianwheelchairguitar]

If the person that spent the money on it or whoever is playing it likes it, it shouldn't matter to anyone else.

[@Ninjametal]

I once did a relic job on my Dad's pickup and recieved a whoopin'.

[@softsounds389]

I know old men with guitars they’ve had for 40 years and it’s clean as a whistle, I toured with a guitar for 5 years and it looks like they found it on the ocean floor

[@shanewalton8888]

You need to maybe take better care of your guitars after you play perhaps?

[@johnnewton1830]

I'm one of those old men, lol, though my oldest is only 34 years old.

[@amberwoodstudio]

Ha ha ha

[@johnstasio6205]

I know you you guys have to sell them ,but you know it’horse shit!

[@natashanyxx9486]

I didn’t understand the appeal of aged guitars at first, but they grew on me over time. Now I really appreciate their artistic value. I like brand new pristine guitars, and I like aged ones. It’s just a matter of taste.

[@romanmgelman]

They’re not aged. They’re made to look aged.

[@royalblue2229]

I like the idea of a guitar with a finish that wears quick the way old ones did more than a guitar that is already reliced.

[@5000rgb]

Gibson spared no inexpense on the matte finish of the 2014 Les Paul Melody Maker. After a year the matte finish has polished spots and is worn through in a couple of places. And it's the player's wear.

[@royalblue2229]

@@5000rgb see that’s way cooler to me. I’m building a Warmoth Jazzmaster right now and I wish they had an option for some sort of thin finish that would wear easier.

[@5000rgb]

@@royalblue2229 Warmoth wants $200++ to paint the body. Get 2 cans of generic spray paint at Home Depot for $2 and have at it! You can get some sand paper and still be under $10.

[@JoseSalas-wn7im]

A relic guitar is like being home in your favorite chair, relaxed and playing away. Everything is just right! J. Frank

[@SimpleManGuitars1973]

I love vintage Strats. I love vintage Teles. However, to make a guitar "look" like a vintage, beat up Strat, is sorta that same thing as buying "ripped up" jeans that are really expensive.

[@fernandoacuna5055]

Yeah but I mean, this is just making the painting process they did before. It's not like they're beating it up, it's just having the option of having a guitar with an old painting process.

[@dumbguy9386]

They're back in style this year and look just as stupid and pretentious as they did first time around. This is incidentally the reason I don't like reliced guitars.

[@88bsides]

I mean they have been artificially aging things for aesthetic reasons since at least the victorian era but okay. Also, unless your jeans come stiff as a board and bleed indigo on everything? Those babies have been relic'd.

[@Bob-Sacamano314]

Dude.... thank you lol. I thought I was the only person to think that

[@jaorte10]

Yep, new jean's and shiny guitars for me. Nothing pre-worn.

[@jambajoby32]

Lol the “I put holes in my own jeans” guy

[@cardbored_]

Thanks for letting us know Dad! When's your next blues jam?

[@IAM_Reedy]

Oh man.. so many one liners here. Ehh to each his own. Enjoy.

[@craigpetterson3962]

Just got a Roadworn Mischief Maker Strat, it's never out of my hands. It plays so well my next will be a full relic job. I'm with you guys on this one. 👍🏻

[@kitano0]

The Purple metallic?

[@craigpetterson3962]

@@kitano0 Yes that's the one.

[@kitano0]

@@craigpetterson3962 Have the same one, I love it...great pups on that thing.

[@MoHogany1]

There are only two reasons to buy a guitar, relic or not. It fits your budget and you like it, a lot. Doesn't matter 'why' you like it. If 'you' like it, and it fits 'your' budget, end of story.

[@Angel-fz8dr]

Did the Murphy lab instruments come with authentic repaired headstock?

[@CasinoGuitars]

We actually had a video idea prepped on that...like how long until that’s a thing, no joke:) Great comment!

[@Sabres73]

@@CasinoGuitars I’m waiting for the Fender Custom Shop to make copy of a 62 Strat that was routed for a humbucker and a Floyd in 82 and then repaired in 92 with a random block of wood.

[@mikegreen2417]

Best guitar comment of the month. You are now entered into my contest for "Best Guitar Comment of the Year"

[@suereed]

Sadly it's looking like you might have to leave it to fall off a stand yourself, the question is, would that devalue it, or are we on the limit of irony here?

[@CasinoGuitars]

@@suereed perfect:)

[@stevenpipes1555]

3 points on relics in my opinion: 1. Relic'ing is a great way to finish off a badly mistreated guitar once the mods and repairs are done. 2. The more finish you remove, the more the guitar will vibrate in your hands when you play it. 3. Modern polly finishes will never relic on thier own, not in a hundred years! Relics are beautiful! All guitars are beautiful!

[@JiminTennessee]

You gotta put a chip in a poly l, keep picking at it and then sand it smooth. It will never looks as good as nitro however.

[@stevenpipes1555]

@@JiminTennessee if you sand the polly until its thin as hell, BUT NOT GONE, then you can relic it quite handily. Ive done a few now and they look great! Nothing beats the real thing of course, but its a great way to get rid of long neglect and mistreament.

[@thomas6558]

I think the main reason relic'ed guitars are so popular is because in a way people want their instruments to look/feel like they have a history, and relic'ing allows them to have that without beating up a guitar for 30 years. I played one relic'ed custom shop Telecaster and it felt really amazing, the neck was so comfortable, and it felt like it just molded into me. However, if I ever get a Custom Shop, I'd want to get it NOS because my dream would be to get a perfectly vintage correct guitar and then if it gets "relic'ed" over time, it gets that way on its own.

[@216trixie]

I've been taking care of my guitars for 30 years. None of them are going to look like that.

[@thomas6558]

@@216trixie That's sort of the point I was trying to make, is that I'd rather get it NOS and let natural wear run it's course, because in my opinon the relics aren't perfect at replicating a truly played in guitar, like the one vintage Strat I've played

[@alexholdenii4946]

I love my 56’ custom shop heavy relic that I got from you guys. It’s amazing. 💯🔥

[@kevinhay7073]

Never have to worry about bonking my guitar and the checking is beautiful.

[@stevetool7023]

So you pay someone else big bucks to do it for you?

[@globalnova]

@@stevetool7023 the name says it all

[@kevinhay7073]

$200 over NOS and it looks great.Yeah,how are you going to wear the finish down so you can see the grain? How are you going to get that beautiful checking?Those paper thin birds on PRSs are $500.Go troll that.

[@gunkanjima3408]

@@stevetool7023 Yes. You ever see a first time attempt at a relic job? It’s hilariously cringe.

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Great vid as usual guys. Working through your back catalogue. Very entertained 👍

[@JustPlayingBass]

Totally agree with #5 and #6. I have a bass from the 80s that is worth a good chunk of money. Its basically still pristine, but as it got older and more valuable, I found myself not playing it as hard as normal (not damaging it). I bought a fender Mendel pbass which has a light relic. I can now relax and smack the s..t out of it and not worry about damage. Great show as always chaps.

[@basslife0758]

Relic is like an abstract painting there’s beauty in it.

[@BasswipeNC]

It’s something that grows on you. When I first saw them it was a little confusing to me because I was new to guitars and pristine guitars is what you originally like. But as time went on I realized this is a way to show what a real (and unaffordable to most of us) guitar from the 50s and 60s would look like if played a lot. It becomes very cool. And………….you can own one!!!!! I will have one day and I’m pretty sure I’m going to love it. And in the end that’s all that matters.

[@rstuartcpa]

Just ‘cause you can doesn’t mean you should.

[@BasswipeNC]

@@rstuartcpa That's what's great about America, you have options. :)

[@rstuartcpa]

BTW, I’m an accountant and we have these guys called auditors who constantly look over my work and tell me what I’m doing wrong...so, Baxter that was a bad example.

[@emptypromises2962]

I haven't ever liked the relics and I think I wouldn't ever get one for myself. But I'm sure they're superb instruments and I sure appreciate the fact that you guys and so many others love them.

[@lance134679]

#11 - When you're too old to relic your guitar by playing and gigging with it for 30 years. If you're young, maybe you want to put those miles on it yourself. I have a '79 LP that looked new when I bought it in '86, but it rode under a bus in the winter and now the finish looks like a road map. I put every scratch and dent in it, and the finish is chipped and yellowed from age and probably cigarette smoke. Still, I think if someone is happy with their new relic guitar, let them be happy. I think those new Road Worn Vintera Tele's look pretty neat.

[@phillippitts6294]

I think I’d buy a old guitar that has wear vs. buying a new relic’d guitar.

[@DadRockAndGuitars]

Really enjoy your videos and the relaxed (if not sometimes ADD) conversations. 👍 There are a lot of relics that look very cool and some that I'd love to have, but they are all out of my budget. So for now, I'm perfectly happy with my personally very slightly reliced new-ish looking not very expensive guitars. 😁

[@dane969]

When I see my road worn Strat hanging on the wall, it inspires me to leave it hanging there and admire it while I pick up and play my Strandberg.

[@itstravisjames512]

You nailed it. Especially the “art/finance” tangent. Lol.

[@danielcavazos5009]

Just purchased a Vintage Brand Thomas Blug relic Stratocaster and I love it, sounds great and plays great. The only guitar in my collection that is new relic and I think it just converted me to a relic guitar guy. Love what you play, collect what you love.

[@shawnpage1605]

I have a Nash hardtail Strat - humbucker in the bridge. Feels great, smells great.

[@introxgrunt]

this might be a dumb question but do you ever get splinters while playing a heavily relic’d guitar? because of all the exposed wood?

[@joebryant8500]

It's amazing how many fewer people have a problem with relic guitars since Gibson started doing them. That tells you what you need to know. Looking forward to what Cruz is going to deliver. He may get my next purchase.

[@hpugrad2001]

I would prefer to give it soul playing and wearing it in my self.

[@Megarobotsquadron]

What if you bought a used guitar that was already aged?

[@hpugrad2001]

@@Megarobotsquadron no a fan of used guitars. Used amps yes and I don’t care what they look like. So I know I have a double standard.

[@Megarobotsquadron]

@@hpugrad2001 I think I would only buy used guitars at this point. That whole "1st scratch" thing bothers me hugely. So I appreciate it when it comes already worn a bit

[@cdnnielsen5964]

I was sure about them until I owned a couple, but well done relics are very cool, they are works of art and feel great in your hands.

[@laj043]

I never cared to own a relic guitar, but was always drawn to the look of a real war wounded work horse guitar (ex; "Blackie and Brownie"). I have my "be careful" while playing Les Paul, PRS Custom 24, and Martin D35 in which you pull your shirt out pre-playing to cover belt buckles, be extra careful picking it up and setting it down, polish and clean after use, etc. I recently assembled a relic Tele using a MJT body, well used neck and hardware. It is my go to unplugged play while watching TV guitar and I don't have to worry about shirt buttons, scratches, etc. It is a pleasure to just grab it and play and then set back in its stand.

[@paulohalloran6715]

I bought my first reliced guitar last year - a Daphne Blue Vintera Strat that came with CS ‘59 pickups. It’s my fifth Strat and definitely my favourite. The 7.5 inch radius, vintage frets and pau ferro took a bit of getting used to, but all good. It looks very much like the one on the wall behind the guys. I also bought a Danelectro Breakdown OD pedal and that’s reliced - which obviously gives me that vintage sound 😏

[@JustinTabor24]

Loving the new murphy aged guitar line up!

[@jvin248]

All non-relic-owners get hung up on appearance. Relic guitars are all about the feel and easy-to-play function, not the appearance. It takes owning a good relic to appreciate the feel and playability. You often sound better because you are willing to dig in and play hard.

[@bambikiller338]

Hey can yall do a video about the guitars in the background and why they are hanging there? Which ones have payed the bills and which are just decorations. Thanks

[@RichardA5150]

My Friedman Vintage T Heavy Relic is hands down one of my favorite guitars. its like a pair of old sneakers just super comfortable.

[@mikebostic5713]

I have a FCS journeyman relic. I love it. It feels and plays as great as my old Strat. I have new style guitars and love them, but older just feels better.

[@shanebargy1732]

For those of us who don't own a guitar made in the 60's, don't have 20 hours a day to play a new one to give it the "natural" relic look and those of us who aren't able to afford a 1962 Strat, a relic guitar is a GREAT option. Why can't everyone have the option play a guitar that feels broken in (with modern accompaniments) and looks really awesome at the same time? Anyone purest who says, "Just get a new guitar and play the hell out of it if you want a relic look" is missing the boat on why it's so awesome for common folk like me!

[@charlesbolton8471]

I completely agree with you. In my opinion, most of the people who are opposed to them are looking at them in the wrong way. They see a Custom Shop Relic and think why would I pay extra for the beat up looking one when the shiny, perfect looking one is hundreds of dollars less expensive. What they actually SHOULD be thinking when they see that Custom Shop Relic is I’m getting this cool Custom Shop guitar for 75% less than the price of the vintage guitar it’s based on. After all, Fender created the Custom Shop Relics because Fender wasn’t making any money in the vintage guitar market.

[@davegallagher7428]

I don’t think people who buy them are posers. The issue for me is that there’s no place around me that I can try one. I would probably have to drive five or so hours. I almost pulled the trigger on one over the weekend but while I was thinking about it somebody bought it “ No relic for you” I do have a relic ready custom shop Tele and when I accidentally dragged my footstool into it, twice, I didn’t freak out because the idea of the guitar is that it’s supposed to relic faster than a normal guitar. That is a huge plus for me because I’m like you Baxter everything else is staying in its case and I don’t want to put the first ding in it. Great video guys!

[@timothybedwards5440]

I did wear in my new 1970 pbass. I do like relics

[@seanbrooks2583]

I always sell my relics as "mint". makes me chuckle.

[@guitarisdead1642]

I buy Slick Guitars from GFS partly because of the relic look, but mostly because you can knock them around without feeling terrible. My '81 Paul and '94-'95 MIJ Strat are naturally relic'ed ... the latter given a dime-sized spot of character when I dropped it down the marble steps of my apartment building after a show (it was in the gig bag, and it stayed in tune).

[@denembro]

If relic guitars weren’t selling, they would stop making them, so there must be a big market for relic guitars. I own one, and it’s my favorite of all my other non relic guitars.

[@44dognut]

I reliced my squier affinity, took the poly off the neck and sprayed with a tinted amber nitro. Feels nice, looks cool and is cheap

[@brushstroke3733]

My old co-worker used to buy $600 "destroyed" jeans. I always thought it impractical to pay that much for something worn out when you could get something brand new to wear in yourself for 1/10 the cost. But to each their own - variety is necessary.

[@ehiracheta]

I used to not really like the concept of relics...but one day shopping for a strat I was playing a Journeyman CS strat...and the playability blew me away so I had to buy it. As a PRS owner that uses his PRS guitars...I am VERY familiar with the stress involved when playing/gigging making an effort to prevent damage. I had not anticipated the added bonus of that stress element being totally absent with relic guitars....all of a sudden it just made all kinds of sense!

[@JackRoadkill]

I hated relics until I played one. You can argue about the look until the cows come home but there's no denying they feel and play much more nicely than non-relics.

[@dancompton1728]

I like the Journeyman relics. It's kind of a happy medium for me.

[@cardbored_]

I'd take one over any of those poly finished guitars that feel like there's a 1" thick layer of plastic separating you from the guitar.

[@RedLion88]

Yep. I have one. Check out the Nash Light relics as well. Great instruments and 1/2 of the price.

[@pharmerdavid1432]

Mark Knopfler's red 1961 strat is still in pristine condition, even though he obviously played the crap out of it over the years. When you love and respect your instrument, you take good care of it. If you want to sand your neck, or smooth it out in some other way, go for it - that is not the same as "relic" work imho - it's making the guitar more playable. All the other relic stuff is just for looks. It's like getting a minty new car, and beating it up all over, just so you don't have to worry about that first scratch...............?

[@1968joseph1]

Someone needs to invent the breakaway headstock.

[@frankenstein4106]

I bought used Eastman SB55/v and SB59/v guitars, both are relic'd. The main reason I bought them is they came with Lollar pickups and either Faber or Gotoh hardware, and they both have fat, chunky necks. And the look, playability, and sound is fantastic!!

[@kylemoran4343]

The funny thing to me is, if you look at most of the "Big Time Pros" (Eric Clapton, James Burton, Jeff Beck, George Harrison RIP, Mark Knopfler, Chet Atkins RIP, etc.) they're guitars are/were always pristine and like new. No dirty finger prints down the board, no scratches or paint missing. But, everybody likes what they like, and I'm good with that. RIP Eddie, Stevie, & Rory Cheers !

[@jassieblue]

Conclusion = old people like new looking guitars 😜 The younger guitar heroes like John mayer are not afraid of relic guitars 😁

[@gtarman8d]

Honestly, dinging a brand new 6k guitar trying to put it onto a wall hanger would crush me. If it were already beat up a bit I wouldn’t have to feel as bad 😂

[@solan417]

For me I lean towards fender relics for a few reasons all the normal stuff has a C shape neck and I like chucky necks which tend to come with relics. The first nice guitar I ever held was a Peavey EVH wolfgang that was personally given to my cousin by Eddie and the neck was unfinished and felt amazing and I've taken the finish off all my guitars (except my martin). So relics are the way to go for me.

[@JeffSealePhD]

Once i realized I could get a Dakota Red over Black finish in heavy relic, I came around. :)

[@charlesbolton8471]

I would love to have a hardtail Strat in Black Sparkle over Inca Silver medium relic with gold hardware and a gold anodized pick guard.

[@gpapa31]

Guys, OMG what model is that relic sunburst Strat @7:35?!??

[@gregrandallbtsr03]

I enjoy all guitars. I enjoy lots of different music. Just be happy with what you like. BTW, is there a small mountain near So. Pines that Jonathan could sit on the top of and we could come to him as the all knowing guitar guru? Just an idea.

[@davidcotton6999]

Love you guys! Love my relic guitars! Personally would never buy NOS or guitars that look brand new. Have 3 Fender CS,relics and will be looking for a 4th. What I like most is the look and then also the feel of relic guitars. Also I like them even more after I've really played them a lot and they get even more reliced!

[@rahchinate]

I’ve just wondered how they hold up over time? Especially the ones that get played day in and day out. After ten years will the finish completely fall off?

[@manchicheng23]

even better, the guitar will be super resonant

[@ThatBrendonGuy]

Some of my guitars are covered in dings and scratches and wear and tear, but all of it is because of me using it, and none of it was on purpose. I like it, because those are what make it my guitar and nobody else's, but I just can't get behind the idea of somebody else doing it and on purpose. But that's me...

[@danielroth4497]

If you buy a used guitar with dings snd scratches you won’t know whether they were intentional or not. And either way, you won’t be the one who put the wear on it. So isn’t it really just a matter of mindset?

[@ThatBrendonGuy]

@@danielroth4497 I don't buy used gear unless it's in pretty good condition. A little ding or scratch or two isn't necessarily a deal breaker if someone wants to offload something that ultimately wasn't right for them, I'd be open to giving it a new home, but I don't want anybody's leftovers after it's been played to hell, and I definitely don't want anything that's been made to look like it's been played to hell but hasn't. Of course, that would change if it was something that belonged to somebody famous that I respect, but I wouldnt be buying it for it to be mine, I'd be buying it to be who's it was. But again, that's me.

[@tommyhtz9051]

I have a Gibson SG 3 in "Worn White" from I believe 2007. The finish is literally a very thin coat of latex paint that's lightly worn on the edges and translucent to the wood grain. Through hours of playing and loving abuse over the years, I believe this finish has allowed this guitar to naturally relic itself at an accelerated rate. I love it! And yes. I think the finish has a lot (more than you'ed think) to do with the tone. I believe it makes it a bit smoother and warmer. Mick Ronson had the finish of his LP sanded to bare wood as he believed it increased his sustain.

[@peterrebhahn1113]

For me, the difficulty with new relics, as opposed to actual relics that wear their scars honorably because they came about from years of use, is the issue of authenticity. Yes, I know a certain guitar company has given the word ‘authentic’ a bad flavor but this isn’t about them or that kind of authenticity. Relicked guitars carry a whiff, or maybe more than just a whiff, of the inauthentic about them. Thus, their popularity in a pursuit that is ostensibly about authentic self-expression seems a bit odd. But, as my late father used to say, “Pete, it takes all kinds to make a world and we got ‘em.”

[@ryangunwitch-black]

You should maybe play authentic, then. Lol (I'm kidding)

[@yankeepeters2270]

I love ‘em. The only problem is, they’re a hard sell to a spouse that doesn’t understand the relic “ thing”. It’s like “ Why is it three times more than those shiny ones over there, that aren’t fucked up?” The struggle continues..

[@friedrudibega6384]

I'd just not take her guitar shopping. What she doesn't know or understand won't hurt her. She'll hurt you if she finds out, though.

[@Kevngodfrey]

No truer statement has been spoken! Lol

[@rstuartcpa]

You know how your spouse asks you “are you ever tired of being wrong?” Well, this is one of those times.

[@lsilvaj]

your spouse is way smarter than you.

[@jvin248]

Pull up architecture and home design magazine pictures of 'distressed' or 'French provincial' furniture and she'll get it.

[@cautiousoptimist1926]

There is wear that comes from having been loved and played well, and wear that comes from having been abused and neglected. The relics almost always look like the latter to me.

[@ileutur6863]

Have you ever been on tour?

[@rstuartcpa]

After cringing through most of the video, I found one, and only one, valid reason for a relic, playability. But a new guitar made with the right materials should be at least that good and even get better with time. Will your worn out relic get better with time or has it reach it’s peck of playability and decline into junk? Time will tell, but I’m not betting on a relic to get better. For me, it’s the journey and not the destination. A relic is a destination where you’re been robbed of the journey.

[@kylemoran4343]

Bravo ! Excellent way of putting it !!! I totally agree with your statement. Ya only get so many trips around the sun. Who wants to miss out on the journey of a life time ?

[@theconvert1208]

I would go a stitch farther and say it's about the journey. Relic isn't a destination--it's something that might happen, but it isn't the point.

[@charlesbolton8471]

How much time to think it will take to tell? Fender has been making Relics for over 25 years now (and the Mexican Road Worn for over 10). It seems to me that if they were getting worse over time Fender would be making fewer of them, but they are doing the opposite.

[@rstuartcpa]

@@charlesbolton8471 time is relative, agreed? My 2004 anniversary strat is just starting to show organic age. It seems to be getting better and better, guess I don’t need to worry about a relic because I’m working on my own. But every ding, scratch, crack is mine. I can’t imagine any other way.

[@theconvert1208]

@Charles Bolton If you take Fender and Squier together, do you really think that more than 5% are relics?

[@benlogan430]

I enjoy relics! I call em used guitars and the blemished ones are cheaper by a lot. My Fender standard tele took a digger and the person who owned it sold it. I’m assuming because it was now chipped and dented or relict? If the neck and frets are fine I don’t mind a bit nakered finish or some body dings.

[@aaw47]

good vid. I've never owned a relic but am really thinking about a fender custom shop. not sure how I'll feel playing in front of my non-guitar playing friends with a brand "new" relic. it does remind me of the ripped jeans thing. but the guitar I want looks like it's pretty much only available relic'd, and it does look really cool...

[@markomijailovic3916]

My feelings have changed in the past couple months about relics... love the look! Hope to get my hands on one soon. Curious how the neck feels worn down. Almost makes me want to take sandpaper to my tele...if i was to buy one, i want the artist to copy the SRVs worn down strats or the Hendrix fired out strat. Something original but inspired by iconic-legendary guitars and setups. Cheers friends!!

[@LeanBackMac]

I remember the first road worns. I wanted the Blonde Tele so badly. Still love the look of them. some are better than others though.

[@BasswipeNC]

Blond Teles are growing on me. They are SO classic.

[@LeanBackMac]

@@BasswipeNC My first guitar teacher had a blonde tele so I have a soft spot for them. a tele and goldtop are on my list. just so classic and classy!

[@babagadoush1]

I’d be interested m knowing the average build time from start to finish (labor hours) that go into each of the typical relic models (heavy, journeyman, etc)

[@dashcamcalifornia5003]

Been playing the heck out of my classic vibes tele hoping to wear it down and give it a relic look. It's going to take a long time. Part of me wants to just sand it but I know that's not the exact answer.

[@jvanb231]

I like both.

[@Kevngodfrey]

Nailed it when you said “it’s someone’s work”. I like the look of the newer relics but the older ones just looked faked and not genuinely worn in (or out). Like you said about new finishes also. Being worried about that first ding. Big reason I wont buy a PRS. I’d be like Nigel “don’t touch it!”. I had a tele that I treated like trash. No case and would either lean on the amp on stage or just lay it down. It had a natural relic to it and loved it but like a dummy I sold it for something else.

[@CasinoGuitars]

Right on to that as well! Great shares there and it really does just come down to what we love individually. Sincere thanks for sharing kevin!

[@theconvert1208]

Don't worry about the 1st ding. The 1st ding is YOUR ding. That's what makes the guitar genuinely yours is the wear you put on it. You can keep a case queen if you want, or beat the hell out of it. I think the basic rejection of factory relics is authenticity. Make your guitar authentically yours!

[@edfuller9111]

I have a custom Pelham blue paint job on my Lamborghini. I took a razor blade to it. The checking is awesome. Next I’m going to pour sulfuric acid on the hood.

[@MrJireh09]

I bought a 2016 journey man tele custom shop .........damm i love that guitar , and even if at first didnt like the looks, now i can put it down........i dont know......that girl has some magic 🙂

[@Goodiebar18]

What if you like both? I have a PRS Artist package in blue fade unbelievable looking thing never want to play it....that being said I still like to play guitar so that’s why I have a few relic Fender CS and a couple VOS Gibson CS guitars lying around that way I can be lazy and never clean them and at the same time beat the shit out of them and they’re still mint , I think both serve a purpose

[@sizzlemann]

I love relics for gigging! Don't have to worry about damage if I bump into another player on those tight stages. It adds to the value and customization. And you're right, you want to play it more because you're not worried about dinging it up. But some relics are $$$. So now I just buy used guitars on the cheap. Works just as well.

[@erichutchinson5150]

I like the reliced guitars better and i own quite a few of them. Nice thing is they are better playing and sounding guitars and you dont worry if you get a ding in them. Its all good!

[@yestoES355]

I was STRONGLY in the anti relic side until I played a custom shop 62 journey man relic. I Left the store with the guitar and it’s the best tele I’ve played so far. Also I’m 20 so I think most people within my age don’t “get it” until they play one.

[@minorcek]

The thing is, I'm not sure many 20 year Olds have been playing long enough to get it....then again, I didn't even seriously get into gear until after I'd played 18 years at age 28 Just takes time, practice and a special relationship personal relationship with guitar itself to fully appreciate it

[@kombik7189]

Maybe someone else has already said this, but maybe you want the feel, look and sound of a beat-to-hell vintage guitar but not all the maintenance issues. While losing your fave relic through theft or damage is distressing, losing a 50s, 60s or even 70s guitar in the same situation is terrifying.

[@tonywhetham8165]

Of all relic stuff, finish checking is, by far, the most attractive to me. I'm picky about who I let play my guitars. If I had a relic guitar I wouldn't be that way. I'd be a better person.

[@theconvert1208]

Like anyone, you could choose to be a better person now, anyways. Just saying’.

[@tonywhetham8165]

@@theconvert1208 My comment is made in jest. Jest sayin’.

[@javierservigon]

To me relics are like driving a rental car, you can beat the crap out of it with no consequence.

[@romanoforsale]

Relics look cool, but I think I would still like a nice new shiny guitar. It's like you guys said, it's a matter of taste and preference.

[@gorlagOv]

I have had my Fender American Original since November and the finish on the neck is already almost off from just playing it, it’s great. They don’t need to do anything to it.

[@jassieblue]

I doubt that.

[@gorlagOv]

@@jassieblue playing everyday 30 min to an hour everyday, sometimes more. It use to be sticky when, I got it, now it’s very smooth in playing positions, In a year my bet is, spots will be gone. It’s a very thin lacquer finish. My hand is rough. The board has much more lacquer coated than the back of the neck. They are great guitars.

[@pieve5516]

Love relics. Avoids getting pissed when you inevitably ding your perfect guitar.

[@Danielrunion]

You can get a non - relic Novo. There just isn’t a ton of demand for them. But they absolutely do sell them if the customer doesn’t want a relic.

[@johnnewton1830]

Nice, I have actually been wondering that. Thanks.

[@johnnewton1830]

@@TJjjjjjjjjjj Well now I'm confused. One of you says they do and one says they don't. I LIKE seeing the grain through the finish and would be cool to feel the grain I just don't want them to then additionally ding it up and put big wear marks on it. Could just be that Novo is not for me. I have looked at his Revolta line. Different level of instrument but still had the cool vibe and come "new".

[@CasinoGuitars]

Thanks for that info Dan! Thanks for correcting us We dig Novo

[@Danielrunion]

@@CasinoGuitars Yea man. You need one. I own 3 and can't wait to buy another. They will do a non-relic, but like someone earlier mentioned it kind of defeats the purpose of what they do. Almost. The finish is still extremely thin which gives them an awesome feel.

[@Danielrunion]

@@johnnewton1830 They will do that. The finish will be thin and you will be able to see and feel the grain, but they won't relic it if you don't want them to. I've seen a number of them go out like that.

[@bobbystrunk87]

Personally I like a “light” relic guitar myself...where the finish is worn some and maybe a couple dings and scratches here and there. In other words “a good condition player grade “ type relic. Never was a huge fan of deep and heavy relics

[@erickmo1188]

(In my opinion) Relics are awesome because of the broken in feel and the fact that they allow the player to really dig in and worry about the music, not whether they might ding their precious guitar. I have never thought of having a relic and being a guy that passes it off as a 50 or 60 year old road warrior. Instead I like that I can play my heart out on the thing and not kill the mood when a button or zipper from my jacket tearing some finish off.

[@amberwoodstudio]

I find that the appearance of your instruments helps with the branding of your band. Things like wooden hoops on your drum kit or relicing your guitar, vintage EV style mic’s makes me think you may be a roots style band. Clean new gear and big drum kits makes me sense more or a prog style band. Personally I love relics. I have a 30year old Taylor and it’s naturally relic’d from using it and it just gets better and better

[@robertprice5039]

My favorite guitar, my Gretsch Broadkaster lives in its case, while my G5655T Chinese Gretsch gets played daily. The G5655T is not a relic, but a B-Stock so I do mine if it gets a scratch or two.

[@darenanderson1960]

I don’t care for relic guitars, but I can appreciate why some people do. And some of the points in this video seem like good reasons (I hate it , but is true that since it is already covered in dings and scratches, you can play with less caution and worry). The idea that they play better than a non-relic guitars seems ridiculous.

[@vishyoutubevideos]

I used to hate on relics until I got one (not an expensive one). Now my dream is a relic Fender Strat or Tele in aged sonic blue.

[@2000SkyView]

I drove into a car dealer the other day with my 25 year old vehicle and I asked, "If I buy one of these nice 2021 models can you make it look like my 25 year old car? I'll pay extra!" Talk about a confused look on the sales persons face 😃 about the same as when I look new over priced relic custom shop guitars. I guess I never understood the over priced new torn blue jeans either.

[@bob733333]

What's wrong with getting a nitro finish and creating honest wear from actually playing it?