Are Relic Guitars DUMB?

[@carterruff3657]

I've been a luthier for nearly thirty years now. Any musical instrument is, at its core, a tool. Part of its functionality is to inspire the end user. This is more important for a guitar than it is for, say, a hammer, but it is undeniably part of a guitar's design purpose. If looking a little worn inspires the player, then it works. If looking pristine and new inspires another player, then fine. Just seek out what inspires you, and don't be a dink to folks whose taste differs from yours.

[@Hyperlink1337]

complacency in old age is unbecoming

[@spoonysmalls]

git em! ​@@Hyperlink1337

[@juan666q]

I agree on pretty much everything mentioned. Nice work. Most importantly, regardless of it being a relic or a vintage instrument, if it makes the owner happy and inspires them, what else could one ask for?

[@darvinclement8404]

They’re not my cup of tea, but if they’re yours rock on! Enjoy making music, that’s what it’s all about. Use gear that inspires you.

[@matthewf1979]

The feel and looks is why I love light to medium relic'd guitars. They play like old, well loved guitars and I don't have the stress over damaging the finish.

[@mikeomatic9905]

That's how I am. I don't personally want my guitar to look like it was dredged up from a lake. But I also treat my guitars fairly well, so light aging feels like how I imagine my guitar would be were I to play for a few decades.

[@robraaiii]

I hated the thought of relic guitars… Until I played vintage and a relic and felt just how comfortable they can be in all the right places. They are pretty sweet. However, I also like a shiny new body. I love all guitars these days. The GAS is real. 😅

[@bobolson5423]

I have a 2-year-old MJT Relic'd guitar. It has been a joy of conversation. People love it! Even when I tell them, they sometimes give me a weird look but still think it's cool. now, 2 years later, its aging itself! I looked at some pics when I got it compared to now and its way different! So I'm getting the best of both. I also never worry about a ding or scratch like i do with my other poly guitars. great video, Dylan

[@RyanMcQuen]

I am all for lighter finishes and guitars that will wear, but I want that aging to happen under my ownership, otherwise--to me--it is not honest.

[@EdA1]

Spot on! I have owned many vintage Gibsons and my current number one is an original 1953 goldtop heavily aged on its own from 70 years of being in existence… But I also own a Murphy Lab 1959 reissue flametop which I love as well. To your point I do not have 400,000 lying around to get a real ‘59, wish I did. But also to your point I just love the look and feel of vintage guitars so I have this Murphy Lab because I think they do a fantastic job with the aging. And yes, this is a comment just for those that CAN afford a custom shop Les Paul, there is a misconception that Murphy labs are way more than non-Murphys. I have had six or seven of them, they all come and go because I can only afford one at a time lol. Most dealers will do 20% off the advertised price. So that means that you can get into a Murphy Lab for about $500 more than a regular custom shop flametop. That’s for the ultralight aged, which has very little aging, but it has the Murphy nitro which is an important part of the beginning of the aging process. Very thin and hard lacquer like the originals so the guitar will come checked all over though there is very little wear. And for about $1000-$1500 more than a regular custom shop ‘59 you can get one that’s aged further with the wear, etc… I’m an art director by profession, very picky about how my guitars look, in addition of course to how they play and sound and I agree with you. There are some real horrible relic jobs out there but to me Gibson and many other companies are perfecting the technique and I think it’s a thing of beauty! BTW, I started buying reissues 30 years ago and was very much into the shiny and glossy thing and have no problem with anybody that still prefers that. But I do remember flipping out when I would get the tiniest little ding on my brand new $5000 1959 reissue! That is one other thing to mention about relic guitars, no worries about dinging it on your own! Great video!

[@leandroestradatv]

One of the best things about Relic guitars is that they're like that old guitar you always keep in the corner of the room, the one you don't worry about getting scratched or dinged. Since it's always out of the case and within reach, you end up playing it a lot more. You don't have to stress about keeping it shiny, and if it gets a little more worn, it only adds to its cool, vintage look.

[@rstuartcpa]

I was one who questioned the value of a relic’ed guitar. My main argument was that breaking in a guitar was personal and organic wear gives a guitar character. I couldn’t imagine that a relic’ed guitar could ever come close to an old guitar you’ve played for years. I was wrong about the latter. After buying and playing a Fender Vintera Road Worn '50s Telecaster I found that I was wrong about the value of a relic’ed guitar. I still hold that my twenty year old Fender Strat is perfect because of all the hours I’ve spent with it. Even the blemish spots where the housekeeper dropped it are ultimately comforting and precious.

[@jfrankcarr]

I built a Strat partscaster with a paulownia body that I painted with a thin nitro surf green finish. It has been "self relic-ing" since it dents and scratches so easily.

[@VeniceKing1]

Great video Dylan! Love that you acknowledged Gibson prices also. I love the look of relic, but just ordered a custom NOS Strat, excited to see it age as I put the hours in!

[@mikeomatic9905]

Just make sure you "accidentally" bang it on the side of the table when you get it, so then you don't feel bad about adding a bunch more dents!

[@1m3rc4d0]

I think Rhett Shull hit the nail on the head when he compared relic guitars to a worn baseball glove. I would buy one for the feel rather than the looks of it. I like the satin look of an older guitar that lost its original polish but not too crazy about dents and things like that. I would say let those happen naturally.

[@CorbCorbin]

I think it’s dumb, because they cost so much. I will never pay more than $3000 for a guitar. I’ve played quite a few Relic’d Guitars, and it was no different than trying out new or used ones. I don’t mind a guitar being beaten up. But, I’d rather play one that someone actually used, that feels great, and is far cheaper. I hate it, because it’s feeding the more expensive guitars, because most are bought by people with a lot of disposable income. I’ve played Relic’d ones, custom shop and vintage guitars. My main guitar had its 25th anniversary last year, and it feels better than any I’ve yet to play, since a friend bought it, and after I asked him to sell it to me for two years, he finally did. It’s a 98’ Fender American Standard Strat. All stock, snd had sat in a case, in the back of a shop for at least a decade, before he found it in 2009. The action was perfect, like it was setup for someone new. It looked new. I paid $700 for it. They went for $1,000 easy, mint as it was, at the time, but the guy didn’t even know he had it. I’ve played so many expensive Strats, whether Custom, Relic’s or just vintage or an S Style made by an expensive luthier. Not one has made me think “oh, I see where the extra $3000-10000 is. When it’s a certain year, that’s just a collectible now, I get why they’re so expensive. When it’s a year that can easily be found, because there are quite literally many hundreds of thousands of guitars in warehouses, that will never be seen, let alone played, maybe ever. I’ve seen it at many shops. The same guitars were on the walls of a few, from the mid 90’s, through them closing some time after 2010ish. They always had more in the back. And they make more constantly. What’s wrong with all those unsold guitars, from the last two decades, that aren’t worth more, because they aren’t limited, or custom ones? Why not sell them for half price, instead of just sitting on them, and having them on consignment, whether selling or not, all over the world?

[@mikeomatic9905]

I like a handful of dents and dings on a relic, so I don't care when I add my own first dent or ding!

[@AlonRozenblit]

This is it. It's all in the neck, the best relics don't look played in, they FEEL played in

[@stringlocker]

Stevie Ray Vaughan's guitar looked awesome. Actually I think that's where it all started this Relic thing. Just buy a Strat and wait 30 years

[@GreenpointRemembers]

I relic my guitars by playing them.

[@guitarcd]

Alternate reason to own a relic instrument: I originally had the bias of "poseurs play relics" but years ago I asked my friend Tim Lerch why he preferred using Custom Shop relic'd telecasters, and he said "It's like a pair of old jeans, I could spend ten to fifteen doing nothing but playing, leaning up against the wall, and spilling beer on one telecaster to make it finally feel broken in.. or I can get one right now that feels that way off the rack." The funny thing to me was, as Tim got more famous in guitar communities, people with the same bias would say "You can tell this guy earned those dings..." etc. ...basically false confirmation bias of earning the scars rather than preferring a pre-aged instrument. I personally don't care as much about the looks of an instrument as I do sound and feel, and my three favorite stage instruments are two Nash relics (both the best Strat and Tele style instruments I've ever played, including trying out vintage ones) and an ES-335 that I got an unbelievable deal on because the previous owner attempted to relic it himself. (looks terrible, plays and sounds amazing)

[@mikeomatic9905]

I got a Nash Strat earlier this year, and it kind of spoiled me for everything else! If anyone tells me it's just an overpriced partscaster I will fight them.

[@jonbeatlesfan]

I think there’s a simple argument to be made for certain relic’d instruments like the Road Worn models that is often overlooked. People can completely leave aesthetics out of the calculus and just look at the components, features and lacquers that you can get for nowhere near the price of a custom shop or vintage instrument. I’m mainly talking about nitrocellulose lacquer and vintage neck radii/neck profiles. The Road Work series is ~$1000 +,- $100 and gives people nitrocellulose that would otherwise cost $1800+ for an AVRI or an American Original, to say nothing of the cost of a custom shop. The aesthetic argument is kinda silly and shallow on both ends of the spectrum - regardless of whether you hate being a faux relic “poser” or think the vintage look is cooler than the sound or feel. Relic jobs are better examined in terms of components, features, and lacquers.

[@Frankie_Holt]

As a resident of Muscle Shoals , I approve your shirt

[@RickyVonPooper]

Agree on all parts. I think relics are cool. They look cool and I can dig the worn in feeling. I inherited my dads 60s Southern Jumbo that is naturally relic'd from years of playing and it feels so good in the hands and inspires me to play it knowing my dad played it for so many years.

[@monsterram6617]

Relic'd guitars are great because you never have to worry about dings, dents, and scratches like you do when you get a brand new guitar.

[@jaket11800]

I’ve got one of the evh relics in the aged white finish and the way it feels in my hands is indescribable. It has never once fought my left hand, it’s just like “we’re going here now? Alright that’s cool, I’ve been there before.” I put new pickups in it with a pickguard, tone control, and 3 way switch but the feel was never in question.

[@PewciSlayer]

Best argument you can make to defend relic’d guitars: people still buy ripped jeans.

[@jameswilson6374]

Stupid people buy ripped jeans bro!

[@silver_]

I don't hate them just not my cup of tea to be honest, I've played some custom shop relic'd guitars and they feel great I get the feel appeal for sure, I just personally like my instruments to become part of my story rather than them appearing to already have one if that makes sense? Plus I love modding my guitars so having something so expensive and perfected from factory steals away from my experience of finding that perfect sound and feel for myself. My main guitar is a PRS SE Tremonti I got back when I was 15 and nothing I've played tops it for me I've changed the pickups the entire internal wiring layout even added a piezo kit for some tonal variety. The funny thing is I ordered a totally different guitar one of the PRS SE Semi-Hollow models I got sent this guitar in error but I like to think of that being the universe saying; "yo that one you ordered ain't it for ya, take this instead!"

[@JosephCompton66]

I love my cs double esquire. I got light relic, and super happy. The neck is the real win, feels like it has been played. I couldn’t afford a 51 Double esquire, but I could have fender make me one for a price I could afford.

[@michaelmenkesOZSKIB]

Just because it takes skill to fake your fraudulent valor doesn’t make relicing not the luthier’s equivalent of a forgery. It’s a joke that they will triple the price of the guitar to make it look like a joke. Sorry, it’s wood. It’s a tool. It’s a response to a market that makes a badly abused vintage guitar worth $6000 instead of $15,000 for one in good condition. So it’s a replica of a $6000 guitar for $6000. It’s fraud. Nothing else.

[@user-qg5ki5lg6s]

For me, not being a collector, when choosing a guitar, I close my eyes, feel the neck, first play it not plugged in listening for it’s natural sustain and tone, then play it through a clean amp. If everything feels right and sounds right to my hands and ears..I like it. The finish is secondary to me. That said, I do prefer “like new”guitars and try to keep them that way..no problem with well worn ones tho, relic’d or just old.

[@timmcdonald9877]

I’m 59, started playing guitar at 50. I will never relic a guitar on my own b/c I won’t live long enough. So, there….if you’re inspired then that’s all that matters!!! Thank you Dylan!!

[@phillippitts6294]

I don’t hate them, I just don’t want one.

[@clayton5584]

That was my first thought.

[@dylanadamsguitar]

Nothing wrong with that! Plenty of people out there do despise them though lol, hence the title

[@Zundfolge]

I happen to like the aesthetic of relic guitars. And much for the same reason I like "rat rods". You can park a rat rod in a Walmart parking lot and not worry about it, likewise you can gig a relic guitar without worrying about it. But I do think some of the anti-relic people have a little bit of a point when it comes to the "stolen valor" aspect of relics. If you have a relic because you want people to think your axe is a vintage (and thus more valuable) guitar or that you are a "seasoned pro" player, that's kinda silly and worth a bit of derision.

[@davidedwards7172]

The thing that gets me more is people wanting vintage because it’s vintage or “ I want a PAF pickups”. The short vintage argument is that most people who want a vintage item are wanting it because that what X artist used. My argument back is remember that when X artist bought/used item it wasn’t vintage then. The PAF stuff gets crazy because of all of the different combinations of magnetics and turn counts. Btw thank you for being specific. The mags in PAF were whatever came on the truck and the turn could were whatever someone felt like at that moment. Tubes I can get because those, yeah they truly don’t make em like they used to.

[@smokestacklightning]

I remember buying a Strat with the new 5 way switch; no more match book cover jamming the pickup selector. I like to build/ assemble my own guitars- neck, frets, pickups, pots, pegs, bridge, wood, finish etc. some are 30 years old now. Lately I swap out the necks for a new Warmoth one rather than refurbishing. I guess I’m old so there’s no real value to an old instrument unless it’s my own or a friends or family members, familiar gear that I’ve been around for decades. Yeah, you’re probably getting played.

[@mortonwilson795]

You mentioned the prices Gibson charge for Murphy Lab . . . the 'heavier' the relic the more it costs. I think they must be laughing all the way to bank. Just seems silly to me to mess up a perfectly good newly made guitar that's come from the Custom Shop. I have a few guitars I bought in the '70s that have 'aged' - my '68 Custom had already had 2 owners when I bought it in '74 so it was a bit knocked about - so be it. Other instruments I have bought along the way are still in good nick, the odd bump here and there. I do own a handful of 'budget' Epiphones I bought with the express purpose of modding - I'm experimenting with pick-ups mainly (Monty's, Lollars, Bar Knuckles and a few classic brands) - they have 'good bones' but I'm not a fan of Poly finishes but there ya go - these are for studio use and you can't hear the finish when you are listening on whatever you listen to, right? 😅

[@HeadbangersLocal]

Great video. I agree with everything you said . I have a few relic’d guitars and I love them. 🤘🏻

[@officialWWM]

I have a relic Strat. It’s a 1969 and it’s been relicted by 50 years of abuse. Being dragged all over Australia and NewZealand and has probably seen almost ever stage in the country. It’s awesome, feels amazing to play and the best thing is, if you knock it over, it doesn’t really matter :)

[@archstanton3763]

I quite like a nice relic’d guitar, some are like works of art. I also like shiny new one. I just love guitars always have !

[@dylanadamsguitar]

That’s the spirit!

[@Terry-e6l9e]

Pretentious as hell. Wear it in and earn it.

[@A_A_ron-Phillips]

Exactly!

[@jameswilson6374]

You are 100% right! You got to pay yer dues man!

[@areallyboredguy5825]

The main relicing I like are rolled fretboard edges. Novo guitars now... those are just about the only relic jobs I like.

[@BassRacerx]

my main bass i got used and it was well worn/used and when i gigged with it and it was such a relief not stressing too much about dings/scratches. a few years later i got a brand new bass guitar that was flawless and immaculate. its very stressfull traveling with that bass guitar because it is so beautiful I am constantly worried about getting a mark on it!! I would be willing to pay more money for a lightly reliced guitar just so that it is not as "precious"

[@5se7en]

This is the way I see it. There are some people that take extremely good care of their instruments that no matter what they do it won't ever look aged, but they may still want a guitar that represents the time and hard work that they've put into playing their instrument of choice. I make guitars and I don't charge extra for relicing a guitar because it saves me from having to make a "perfect guitar." That being said people don't want guitars that don't say they spent a lot of money on it.

[@Matt-1d]

Still not for me, but to each their own. I’d much rather play guitars than argue about guitars.

[@wolfgangritter9277]

Sorry, but I don't get it. I can buy a nicely made guitar for 2000 €. Why would I spent another 500 or 1000 € MORE for a relic look? My main guitars all have some dings and dongs and frankly, I hate all of them. My main gitar has a very slight nick at the back of the neck around the 2nd fret. I can't recall what happened, IIRC I turned around and accidentally hit the edge of a case with the neck. Anyway, it doesn't hinder my playing in any way, but I can feel it whenever I play. I'd prefer to have a neck without this small nick. I get the idea of customizing your guitar for your wants and needs. I slightly sanded down the very shiny lacquer on the necks of several guitars for having a smoother grip. But I will not get the idea of having some "artfully" done chips and nicks and dings and dongs just to make it LOOK "vintage". If someone is willing to pay for that because he/she likes it - okay. Do as you like. But I will never spent MORE money for a guitar just to have that vintage look.

[@rogerhaase4651]

I think it's nice how you are making a peaceful argument. While I would prefer a shiny new guitar over a heavy relic, I like the look and broken-in feel of a tasteful lightly aged guitar.

[@scottcurry4116]

I don’t dislike relic guitars at all. I do think sometimes the makers go a bit extreme for my taste, but as long as someone loves the guitar, that’s fine with me. It’s all about inspiration. If you find a guitar, amp, pedal that inspires you to play, that is the real goal. Thanks Dylan.

[@CustomTele52RI]

I have a beautiful 2021 Gibson Les Paul. I love it but I baby it and try not to scratch it. I also have a relic'd Strat (Danocaster '63 double-cut) and I will play that no matter what. So guess which one I play more? 🤔

[@old_man_fran]

I just see relic as another colour. I wouldn't HATE a lime green guitar, I just wouldn't like it very much. But I do love a rolled fretboard.

[@jhneilson]

One thing I like about relic guitars is that I am much less worried about scratches and dings. While I always take care of my guitars, I don't feel like I need to baby one that's already relic'd.

[@jordinhocharles]

For me the whole point of a relic guitar being cool is the story behind the wear and tear… you lose that when it’s done in one week on purpose just to look cool.

[@adamgray8009]

Another great video Dylan! I agree with all your thoughts. I have a variety of relic and no relic guitars and I love them all for various reasons. A guitar doesn't have to be reliced to be special or have "mojo" whatever that means. To me reliced guitars first off feel great. I agree with the whole worn in jeans analogy. Yes, this x 1000. I have a ML Les Paul and a 12 year old Custom Shop Les Paul that worn in and the ML just feels better in my hand. Softened edges and a non sticky neck just feel better. And while I'm not 100% certain of this, I think there's something to finish checking of a nitro guitar that allows them to become a more resonant instrument and sound more alive plugged in. Relic guitars all seem to have that super resonant feel in the left hand. Supposedly the cracks allow for more resonant vibrations to propagate throughout the guitar and I think there's some truth to this. Finally I just love being able to gig with my relic guitars and not worry about a ding here or there. Who could tell? I also must admit that I do like the look of a really good relic job. Like a *really* goon one. It's kinda cool they are all a little different in some way than the others.

[@paul_7085]

First off, I do think reliced guitars are a bit silly ...but, I am an old person and have had time to beat up the 330 I bought when I was in high school. If I was younger I can see the appeal. Beat up looks cool, and can (maybe) play a little better. There are two other benefits to the relic thing: 1. My beat up 330's resale value is MUCH higher than it would have been. 2. I got a new, pristine Les Paul a few years ago and I baby it. Once it gets the first scratch I can relax a bit.

[@TK-fk4po]

I used to really like heavy relic guitars (I have relic’d strat - not super convincing but it’s ok and still cool) but have moved to more subtle aging with less big scratches and wear marks, especially on traditional guitar brands. For new brands, I like them new looking. But it’s just my preference! Why do ppl get angry about it? Get upset about politics or something that actually matters!

[@mikeomatic9905]

One point I also don't hear people mention much -- modern improvements with vintage looks. I have a Nash Mustang bass, and despite it looking like it's from the 70s, it's got modern-sized (and well-shaped) frets, and is probably better-made than most Mustangs of the era.

[@bobolson5423]

MJT is a fantastic place to have this work done. I'm about to get another

[@MrEpsilonEagle]

At first I didn't like relic guitars, until I tried one (about 20 years ago!). Now I own 2 Fender Telecaster relics and they are my favorite guitars.

[@darwinsaye]

I’d like to see companies just start offering “easily relic-able” guitar models. I personally have no interest in buying a new guitar with faked aging. I’ll always know it came that way brand new. But how about offering guitars with a very thin finish instead of a massively thick polyurethane? And all nickel plated hardware instead of chrome? Nickel will look aged due to oxidation within a year. And a thin finish will easily become reliced naturally in no time. It’s so simple, but it’s weird that no one seems to have considered doing it.

[@TommyDaleCooper]

I like a light relic’d fender, but a real nice shiny Gibson. Idk why

[@olddogguitars23]

I prefer new that looks new but also believe people can like what they like. It’s why there are so many flavors of ice cream. Not everything is for everyone!

[@bflo5210]

Like another comment said.... its all about the neck... most relic'd guitars come with a nice rolled edge on the fretboard & the neck is basically bare wood, so it feels "broken in" its hard to take sandpaper to a brand new guitar neck ,but I've done it & it helps a lot IMO.... i love a nice light aged/relic'd guitar, but i love my shiny new ones too!

[@yellowtruckproductions7502]

If you really think that it's a matter of preference, how is strongly disliking relic guitars, "dumb?" It looks like you are saying that people who don't like them just don't know what all goes in to making them. But many people (including me) know it takes extra work and still don't like them. Back in the day, a poorly maintained guitar was worth less. I have a 64 SG Jr with cracked indifferently repaired body and a checked cherry finish, the result of someone else's carelessness and long term exposure to the climate. It was something thrown in on a trade back in about 1990 when how it looked made it worth less. Anyway, If I bought a new cherry SG, I'd want it to be shiny and "cherry" and beautiful.

[@nickrouse8426]

The counter to "some people like vintage guitars" is that in the eyes of a naysayer, the relic guitar is a "fake vintage guitar." The playability is the main reason you would want it done. A lot of players love the feel of the worn-in neck and fretboard.

[@druwk]

I like both! 😊 I have owned some Vintage guitars over the years, when they were just “expensive”. All of them “players” grade aka beat up. I didn’t put the miles on them, but loved the feel of the finish worn off the neck, the checking and fade in the finish. I have a couple of new guitars that are clean. -- The main thing about any guitar is does it play and sound good? After that, I just don’t want to be too precious.

[@Pavlusek74]

Old jeans and worn-in sneakers are the BEST! Sometimes you need a guitar to match. Remember faded jeans were controversial when they first came out?

[@AlonRozenblit]

Vintage Guitars (the brand) DO NOT do a good relic job, some even look truly ridiculous. Don't get me wrong, I love them. But I own a "relic" Icon strat that tries to look like Clapton's Blackie, and the fretboard, for instance, looks terrible. However, it sounds great and it FEELS so good to play that satin neck, that I don't care what it looks like.

[@GandolphTheGreyBeard]

"the feel like they have stories within them" Yes, fictional stories because they aren't worn, old guitars. They're brand new and beat up at the factory. To be more blunt/crass; it is a lie. But, hey, buy what you want/like. We all have differing opinions and tastes.

[@A_A_ron-Phillips]

Well stated. Plus they charge you more for the lie… It’s so stupid. “A fool and his money are soon parted.”

[@ileutur6863]

Playing in a blues bar is not much of a real story either

[@JonHerseyMusic]

Thanks Dylan. I feel like this is an unpopular take and requires some spine to get out there and make the case. Much appreciated!

[@buzzfretwear2906]

A few years back I scored a great deal on a used K-Line relic Truxton (Tele). Up to that point I didn't really have an argument one way or the other for or against relic guitars, but I will admit to falling a bit into the "poser, who are you trying to fool" camp. Anyway, I bought the K-Line because it was a great deal. I didn't care about the relic finish because honestly I don't give a crap what people might assume about me for playing whatever guitar I choose. So while I bought the guitar because of its good price and I knew it was a quality instrument, what I didn't expect was how good the relicing made it FEEL. It does feel like a comfortable, well broken in instrument and I absolutely love playing it. So yeah Dylan, I absolutely agree - it's the feel and the experience of playing it, not the looks. It's kind of like wearing that one pair of underwear you've had for five years and the elastic is all blown out, but there's some intangible comfort about them and you just can't bring yourself to throw them out. Okay, bad analogy but you know what I'm sayin' 😁

[@iagobroxado]

Can't understand why PRS won't give you that guitar right away...

[@smc8144]

Kind of funny how some guys hate relic guitars but they won’t buy jeans unless they are pre washed, stone washed, or even have worn threads and possibly holes in them. lol. Something about that feel right.

[@JCroozy]

Relic guitars are the best idea someone ever had. You can drop a guitar on to the ground the day before the customer have it and it doesn't matter.😂 In addition it gives you a dangerous and cool look. 😅 No ofense intended, just kidding. 😊

[@zer0tzer0]

You didn't mention who is to blame for them. It's Keith Richards! Before Keef, relicing was just to hide repairs in old guitars, so that the repaired part would blend in, and not stick out like a sore thumb! However, Fender too Kieth Richards some guitars to try out. But Kieth says, "They look too new. Bash them up a bit." That's where it all started. Keith Richards needed some new guitars, but he didn't want them to look it. After that everyone jumped on the band wagon trying to get their own brand new Malcolm & Micawber.

[@jameswilson6374]

I have a 25 year old strat that was and still is my go to old work horse instrument. I bought it new and slowly but surely wore it in my self and it is now a treasured instrument that I know inside and out! You just can't buy that kind of mojo from a factory imho!

[@jameswilson6374]

SRV started the whole relic thing, I wonder how many wannabes saw his performances with that kick ads strat, however buying a reliced guitar won't make you a better guitarist! You have to earn your chops!🎸

[@altemose_prime]

I accidentally reliced one of my guitar.

[@gringogreen4719]

Take EVERY guitar like you would a person. One at a time and give me a chance. Some relics look better than others and some guitars will play better than others. Buy the gear you think is sexy, reliced or not. You will be much happier with THAT guitar 😉👍✨

[@dunnosmapdi]

I don't feel it's necessarily dumb to pay for something beat up. And I can appreciate the work (and added expense) involved in doing so nicely. But all we establish with that is why I'd have to pay a premium for a guitar I want nothing to do with. At the core, you want something beat up. You seek an aesthetic. I don't really like a case-queen guitar myself. But (no judgment implied to you or anyone else) I'm phony-averse. The vibe I'd get playing one is I'd FEEL like a poser. I'd feel like I'm putting on a costume - not being real. I'd feel like I'm fronting. My main guitar is buckle-rashed to hell and I love it that way. I love that every nick, chip, peel, and ding on the thing is life lived. I cherish that. You can't buy that feeling, and I can't imagine faking it. Hard pass.

[@EdgeofBreakup]

Yep.

[@lazvt8469]

As a lefty I have to buy everything I want to play...so...I've bought a ton of guitars...but can't keep them all. So, I prefer a lightly relic'd new/used since a nick/scratch here and there is NOT going to impact its resale value like it would a 'pristine' guitar. Heavy relic'd is a turn off for me... but light to med is cool. I'm pushing 63....have grown to appreciate relic'd a bit.

[@waynehicks1969]

There is no tonewood debate, just because someone chooses not to accept a fact does not constitute a debate. It IS stupid to pay extra for a beat up looking guitar. Antiquing has been around for a LOOONNG time. Antiqued items are not worth more than non- antiqued items, except for when they are used to commit fraud. Also, stupid people don't understand that they are stupid.

[@A_A_ron-Phillips]

Exactly!

[@ileutur6863]

You're right. Wood does nothing.

[@sconni666]

I get a guitar, I play the shit out of it for a year, it’s pretty much broken in. Any dings will be done by my own clumsiness.

[@STSGuitar16]

If a relic'd guitar is good enough for Derek Trucks (he mainly plays a Gibson custom shop replica of Duane's SG, iirc) and countless other greats who use custom shop replicas of real vintage guitars, it's good enough for me. Plus, most modern guitars are made in such a way that a lot of them will never get to that level of wear anyway. For most people, the closest they will ever get to owning their dream vintage guitar is a relic'd guitar, and there is nothing wrong with that at all. EDIT: I wrote this comment before I watched the whole video, so it was interesting to hear you hit on the points I thought about lol

[@dylanadamsguitar]

Exactly 👏🏻

[@STSGuitar16]

@@dylanadamsguitar Man I don't know how many times I have tried explaining this exact thing to people on reddit, but most of the time it's like trying to talk to a brick wall lol (I guess that's par for the course when it comes to reddit, though....r/guitar can be awful at times). It's mainly the anti-"boomer bends" crowd that can't seem to grasp the concept. Some people just love the looks and vibes of an old guitar and want to own a guitar as close to a '59 LP as they can possibly get, so I'm not sure why so many people can't understand it. It makes absolute perfect sense to me.

[@mikeomatic9905]

@@STSGuitar16 People just like to be contrarian. It gives them a voice, I suppose. No one is allowed to geek out over things they love.

[@lachlanplache7148]

Guys, everyone is overthinking this. I like relic guitars because they look sick as hell. Sue me.

[@cuetlachtlieztli7122]

I tell every student who is in the market for a guitar, to get the guitar that makes them want to play. I know very few casual guitarists who really care about the difference between humbuckers and single coils, etc. They just need to be inspired to play. All of that tone shit will come later. Especially with beginners and intermediate players.

[@bg9419]

That Novo needs recessed relief spots on the pickup side of the wrap around bridge so the string barrels can hide "inside" the bridge.

[@dylanadamsguitar]

It does. I’m doing the stringing technique where you cut off old string ball ends, and feed the new strings through them before putting them through the bridge. It makes it so the strings don’t kink at the part where the wrap starts, which has the side effect of the ball ends sticking out of the front of the bridge. If I strung it normally then they’d be recessed

[@jessemayra]

Some of us like rat rods…some of us like the art…coming from a furniture finisher background ,relic’d is a legitimate “finish option”…why not also in guitars ?

[@woncameron24]

Good stuff Dylan. Totally agree.

[@ShredCo]

I just bought a vintage Fender Strat for $500

[@leeasbury7273]

I love worn in guitar's! My #1 is a 1994 PRS CE24 and the neck is amazing...because its worn in! Who cares how it got that way!? As long as it plays great 9

[@Johnjingleheimerschmidtt]

Just jumping in to boost the ol’ algorithm. I bought the course and I can’t wait to jump in this week. Make a video on tonewood to boost views and sell courses. Let’s make Dylan rich! 😂

[@hisproperty1438]

G'day Dylan, I've watched your video, but you haven't convinced me. I've always treated my guitars well, and taken care of them, as best I could. Even my used, scratched up guitars. I find the process of relicking a freshly painted guitar as vandallism, and the thought of paying extra for that just turns me off. As you've said, it's all a very deep subject. I also disagree with some of the things you've said. I can see the arguments for & against New vs Used vs Relicked. Again, some I agree with, and some I disagree with. But, to list everything out would take too much time. And, ultimately, a waste of time. We're all different, and we all like different things - it's nothing to get bent out of shape about. The easiest way I can put it is like this. I know that Jimi Hendrix played new guitars, SRV played worn guitars, Linday Buckingham's guitar(s) always looks pristine, Angus' SGs looked nice but were rotting away on the inside, and Mark Knopfler's National Steel still shines, even though it's almost 90 years old. I can't pick between the skills that these people have, or the music they've made. I guess this is the point for me - I don't have the skill to tell if an instrument has music in it, and how to get it out. I'll get attracted to one guitar over others on a shop wall, and its looks have a lot to do with it. There have been times when I've lusted after vintage guitars that I've tried, but I know that the feeling of them had more to do with their upkeep than their age or looks. Thanks for a great video. Andrew

[@ekw555]

I've never been able to figure out why people find it necessary to adamantly defend their opinions and tear down the opposing opinion. for MANY years I have said (mostly as a joke) "it's enough for me to know that I am always right; I don't feel a need to convince everyone else that they're wrong." 😀 I *do* wish that people could be wrong a little more quietly, though. 🤣 I am not qualified to debate if owning a relic'd guitar makes someone a "poser", as I own four (non-relic'd) guitars and still can't actually play guitar . . . -I do own Dylan's standard tuning slide course, and his signature slide, but I fall outside the group of "active students". I guess I am more of a "channel supporter".

[@Jimmy4Thumbs]

Perhaps someone has already mentioned it, but a relic-ed guitar doesn't lose value with the subsequent UNINTENTIONAL dings and wear it will experience as you play it over time. Guitars that must remain shiny-new will drop in value or require costly repear. And I don't care for relic-ed guitars. I like shiny-new and suffer every time some wear happens!

[@nicholasaragon4126]

The way I see it, I already have 20 guitars that aren't relic-ed. Why do people get all butt-hurt if I get one that is? Super dumb. If you don't like it, don't get one and shut up. If you don't like the way my 1 relic-ed guitar looks, than look at something else.

[@ej1_drew]

i hate when my shoes look too new 😅

[@neilfordan]

I generally don’t like relic’d guitars but yeah i kinda don’t like the ultra shiny new as well coz it sometimes look cheap. Middle ground road-worn/journeymen style for me. I just don’t like it to look artificially destroyed. But if you give me a nice john frusciante relic strat, sure i’ll take it 😄

[@DudleySchmedlap-s6i]

Let's face it . . . the way a guitar looks has nothing to do with its playability or tone. If "cool factor" is important to you, go ahead and relic it. But HOW it is relicted is important. To me, most reliced guitars are phony because they put scuffs in places where the player's contact with the guitar body does not exist. I don't buy into the myth that relicing a guitar adds anything to the final product, which is playability and tone. It's all in your head. But hey, if it makes YOUR head feel better with a factory relic, go for it . . . but you're only fooling yourself.

[@mcvigs4186]

I like the good relics. There are a lot of bad ones, especially the ones that use the same templates. Even some of the custom shop ones look terrible. But it’s all subjective. If you like it and it plays well, buy it, imo.

[@bg8fairpoint610]

I like a vintage guitar even acoustic because it's seasoned I like a vintage guitar if it's electric if it's got a unique sound both have a romance story to be told about the life they've lived you might not even know the story but you can fill it in like a choose your own adventure a guitar that was artfully beat up in a factory lacks all of those. If somebody wants one go get it my thought goes immediately to hit somebody trying to act a part that they are not

[@SteveVoros]

It is dumb to hate reliced guitars. However, it's not dumb to hate dumbly reliced guitars. For example, people who take a sander to a polyurethane finish.

[@stringlocker]

Wildwood guitars thin skin Reliced - ready the best idea yet

[@dieterbierman9803]

I appreciate the skill of proper "relicing", but I prefer it 'd be used on restoration projects (of guitars or church doors, whatever) and such..... Your arguments haven't convinced me at all. To me all these arguments essentially still come down to appearance/image, which is "dumb" in itself. But hey, same could be said about branded clothes etc, so no hate here.

[@mikeomatic9905]

I mean, there's a reason there are hundreds of guitar manufacturers. If it was just about playability and build, then we wouldn't have a thousand different styles and colors of guitars. To ignore that aesthetics play a big part of guitar for a whole lot of people is just ignorant. EVH's tape on his guitars was purely aesthetic, so was that dumb too?

[@dieterbierman9803]

@@mikeomatic9905 yeah, you're right. Maybe I'm a bit ignorant. But I lso don't like jeans with factory fixed holes in.

[@mikeomatic9905]

@ I don't like pre-worn jeans either, but that's because the holes tend to just get bigger and eventually make them unwearable. Some dents or finish wear in a guitar body will never make that guitar unplayable.

[@tadmorrison]

Relic treatment on guitars is, to me, like the name on a headstock, the flame of a top, fancy purfling, limited editions, artist endorsed/designed guitars, etc. Those things aren't important to me. What matters is the way the instrument feels and sounds.

[@tadmorrison]

What a guitar looks like is way way way less an issue

[@nachyomoney3598]

It is really hard to play a guitar long enough to turn it into a relic. Exactly, that is why buying a shortcut to score all those "i'm a real troubadour who has been paying my dues, out here on the grind" to earn this beat up guitar is nothing but a poser-ish, cancer, and a cringe thing to do. It is the same thing as kids who used to pretend they skated or rode BMX in high school, so they would go to the mall and buy some Vans and take sand paper to them and tell people they can kickflip, lol. You can buy an American Vintage series Fender with a nitrocellulose finish and put your own miles on it.

[@officialWWM]

The same people who complain about relic guitars probably hit the stage wearing brand new jeans with rips in them and worn out knees 😂 Also, those Novo guitars are ugly as hell!