Is this INSTANT vintage guitar-making technique a scam? ★ Acoustic Tuesday 184

[@donadolfo11]

It's also a question of one's own age, I found out. Being above 70 now, I simply have no longer long enough lifetime to play a guitar until it reaches its fullest potential. Thus starting a bit "time advanced" makes perfect sense to me. And that's why I just bought a Gibson Historic Southern Jumbo with an aged VTS top - and it simply sounds awesome! Highly recommended!

[@swansonjoe7121]

I don't understand why people would buy new instruments with worn down features. Kind of defeats the purpose of having a unique and personal guitar full of scratches and imperfections that YOU made. It's like ripped jeans

[@SixDifferentWays.]

quicker than waiting for 50 years. might just be me tho.

[@Runner862]

Stupid generation, thats why

[@heavenly4058]

@@SixDifferentWays.you can just do it yourself then and save yourself the money

[@silvertoy_]

Torrefied wood has always made perfect sense to me. I don’t go for the distressed look, though it’s obviously very popular and some look amazing, but I can’t imagine having to explain that one of the main things that give my guitar its character, is fake.

[@terrywood685]

Not a fan of guitars that are pre- distressed. In fact I try and keep mine in pristine condition. I don’t want any nicks or chips, I am sure they will come, but by accident not design.

[@julianhopley8074]

i agree. distressed is faddish not authentic at all.

[@chadwicks_guitar]

For me, the difference between true vintage and torrified/distressed is more philosophical. True vintage is like sitting with your grandpa and him telling you about he first saw grandma and knew he was going to marry her. Distressed is like hearing from your uncle how grandpa and grandma met. Same story, but one is way cooler and more authentic. Love the show and love the community. ~C-Dub

[@pameladiez4933]

😂👍🌟☕

[@oranchung]

Guitar #4 has a modern tone to me, the high-end stands out more and it sounds bright. The other 3 are rather close. And my guess is #3 to be the vintage guitar. (waiting for the correct answer, just can't skip any of the explanations before!! Great episode!!)

[@chriswoods2628]

I like the sound of toreffied guitars, but am definitely not a fan of the pre worn guitars. I prefer to wear mine out myself.

[@nedludd3641]

Good to see the Mandolin Orange guy in that distressed guitar clip - I love his work.

[@m.hughes2521]

I laid an '82 alder P-bass body on my roof all summer. The patina is amazing, New Orleans style. It's my #1 bass.

[@PaoloCaglioLMT]

So here is a question(s): how does a guitar age naturally? By keeping it outside (or inside) its case? In which environmental conditions (temperature/humidity; controlled/uncontrolled)? Which environmental conditions produce a "well aged guitar/wood" and which ones ruin it? By how much time do you play it? All of these factors combined?

[@MoonlightZoo]

As a touring musician who fly’s a lot, it makes total sense to have something on tour with you that your not worried about hurting the value of or damaging. They will never replace a real vintage instrument nor will they have mojo that is as authentic.. however these guitars get close enough and that makes a lot of people happy!

[@ericecklund676]

Guitar # 3 sounds very nice. I have a Martin D-18 Authentic Aged 1939 (39AA), and a CS-Bluegrass-2016 (BG16). Both Martin Dreads that have VTS (Torrefied) Adi tops and VTS Adi braces. Both of them also have a thin finish on them called Vintage Gloss. A thinner than normal finish on an Aged instrument might be a feature that you would want to add to your list. The 39AA looks like a 1939 D-18 either up close or far away. The BG16 looks more like a modern guitar, but sounds like a 1935 D-28.

[@troyoswald5683]

If its what you like , get it! Why are people so worried about what someone else likes!? Get it if you dig it! live and let live.

[@derekgladden5200]

I could hear it in #3, but the others were pretty convincing! I like vintage guitars, but when I’m buying one, I want it brand-spanking-new. I want to create my own history with that instrument.

[@colakeith1]

Not a fan of distressing, Although torrefaction tops is a great thing. But my question is, Don't the whole of that vintage guitar was put together at the same time and doesn't the aging of that instrument of the whole happen at the same time?The tone woods of the back and sides also give its character and subtle nuances that gives its tonal character in total. Torrefaction of the top and not the body doesn't seem right.. Just wondering if that makes sense.

[@bradh.689]

I've got a 2018 Reimagined D41 Ambertone and a 2019 Aged Tone Bourgeois Vintage D with torrefied Adi Banjo Killer Bracing. The D41 sounds amazing and has that perfect Martin dread tone that you seek after. The Bourgeois is the D41 on "steroids"! Easily the loudest guitar I've ever played with a fantastic tone! I'm all in on Torrefaction and believe it does what they claim it does. However, I prefer my guitars to look great too and can't get onboard the "artifically aging" train. GREAT video!!

[@jhorsty]

Agree completely,I have a '91 D-41 that really nails The Martin Sound.I am only familiar with Bourgeois from Tony's reviews,but I am sure it is stellar as well.They really sound and look beautiful from what I have heard here. I appreciate the Torrefaction process in theory,but will pass on the Distressed look on a new instrument.

[@JPHolbrook]

Shot in the dark #3. To my ear it had better sustain and deeper tones. Andrew Marlin could probably make a shoelace on a popsicle stick sound incredible.

[@possm33]

hey guys, we have a good ear!!!!

[@karffiol]

@@possm33 I also picked #3 because of the attack (popping sound) of the notes, I am amazed that I was really able to pull that out, LOL

[@JackTheRabbitMusic]

I care as much about playing a "vintage" guitar as I care about using a "vintage" outhouse. I also won't pay an extra $1000-$2000 for a certain word or surname to appear on the headstock. 🐰🇺🇲🎸🎶✌

[@joeyoungs8426]

Agreed. For us it comes down to the individual instrument. It’s either love or pass.

[@BradMaestas]

I get it if you're getting up there in age and want an old guitar right away (without buying an actual old guitar) but at least for me, I am still firmly in the camp of getting the instrument new and putting patina on it naturally.

[@Melanatedaquarian]

Torrified tops are amazing! Though I can understand why someone would rather age their guitar themselves like someone young with plenty of yeas aheads of them to be able to actually enjoy the guitar once it reaches 10, 20, 50 years. Otherwise there are only pros for buying a torrified top; even considering the premium charged for this process - after all if offered a guitar that sounds very similar to a 60 year old guitar why not pay a bit more to buy a new instrument without the issues of dealing with a vintage instrument.

[@spikejones7450]

The streetmaster is awesome.

[@theshallowsea]

To my ears the 1 st is the vintage one ..but it could be the 3 ..Anyway the 1 st is the best in my book ,sounds really like an old Martin ; Thank you very much Tony for your fantastic channel ,I just came accross few days ago ! Great stuff !

[@deormanrobey892]

I don't like intentional "distressing" of instruments, but if a guitar has good playability and spot on intonation at a good price, I'd consider it in spite of fake "history".

[@texhaines9957]

I like some torrified tops (Martin "vintage tone system", Gibson aged tone, etc) but not distressing. Leave the guitar like "NEW old stock".

[@dennismcwhertersr.1768]

I selected #3. Tony as still a new guitar geek I do not like the old weather look on a new guitar. When I purchase a new guitar I want a new guitar and allow me age it. I actually have a vintage guitar, 1945 O-18. I just sent it to Martin to evaluate and repair it. It belonged to my grandfather who purchased it after his return from WW II so low it’s mine. Denni M. Proud TAC life member

[@MsDenver2]

I quiet like labels on guitar cases but I’m very fussy about my guitar , no marks but picked the best sounding 0m28 Martin in the shop.

[@sbolfing]

I think 4 guitars is a little hard - all sounded great - but can't tell if it's 2 or 3... I think torrefaction definitely impacts tone. Not sure I really care for "distressed" guitars - aging toner is OK and torrefaction adds an "aged" look anyway.

[@nedludd3641]

I wonder if this 'Love of The Beatles' thang is just a love of the exotic? I adore Simon & Garfunkel/Ry Cooder/The Eagles licks/riffs coz they are full of the promise of beautiful Americana to my European ear. I wonder if it's the same for Yanks listening to the Fab Four?

[@pickersgrip]

Fascinating to see the macro images of a vintage top compared to the torrefied top. Pretty darn close!

[@timthetoolpool]

I've got my distressed guitar right next to my pair of Abercrombie jeans from 2002. Best way to get away from requiring outside sources is to learn chords and then just keep playing songs you like. Experimenting with different variations is another good thing to do. There's no rush and placing expectations on yourself is just going to make you want to quit. Sometimes I will take a break for a week or two and when I come back, I find that some things just click. It's magical.

[@martinbrault7791]

Distressed or not, it's up to everyone to choose their aesthetic, just as we choose the woods of a guitar or the scale length. To each their own.

[@troyoswald5683]

Yes Martin! Everyone can pick what they like! if you like it , get it. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Why do people care what someone else likes?

[@dannymeegan8478]

I've got an Atkin J43. It's an "Aged" finish. No bangs and scratches but the binding is yellowed and the lacquer is chequered/cracked. This finish requires very little finish and in theory, makes the guitar sound more open. He does a "mirror" finish too which I haven't had an opportunity to pay yet but my J43 sounds bloody great and I think it looks good too!

[@joeyoungs8426]

In a way I’m lucky like some here. I’m old and by default so are my instruments. Though they have likely aged more gracefully than I. To some mine ARE vintage and to me they’re just old and played in. I have a very old luthier built acoustic with a cedar top that many builders weren’t doing back then and it sounds stunning. I love old guitars but it’s me that wants to get them there.

[@michaelmccrary5037]

Torrefaction makes the top sound better. I would buy a torrefied guitar, especially since I'm 74 and don't want to wait 20 years for the sound to age. Not a fan of distressing. By the way, in my experience, Adirondack tops take much longer to play/age in. Sitka sounds better sooner. But there are exceptions. I bought a Rockbridge dreadnaught in 2017 (Adirondack and Indian Rosewood) that sounded pretty good from the beginning. I bought a Bourgeois JOM in 1994 (Adirondack and Indian Rosewood) that took 10 years to break in. I love both of these guitars; they just responded differently. I'd be interested to hear what others think. Also, I think Adirondack mostly adds volume, not tone. I find that Sitka tops sound sweeter to me.

[@BobPerrone]

nah - it's new, I want it to look new so I can enjoy the luthier's work.

[@nicolen.9642]

I agree. This vintage thing is a fad.

[@TahtahmesDiary]

And when it looks older I want that to be because of me tbh

[@johnviolette5511]

torrefied or natural? meh. not for me unless the price is the same.

[@pameladiez4933]

I don't know.i just like what feels right and perfect to me.i haven't thought about torrified or distressed yet.thanks tony.i love your show.😁👍🌟☕

[@ecman1986]

Five years ago I contacted the Pre War Guitar company and asked them if they could make a guitar that sounded like my 34' D-28. They said they could and did build a guitar for me that is identical in all around sound.The guitar is distress level 2 and has a Martin 35' era sunburst top.

[@guitarzana688]

Shot in the dark #1 but just a guess as they sound very similar. I agree that I will do my own aging by the way I play.😋

[@enumclaw79]

I like the way the gibson customshop historics look - the rubbed-out finish means they look old, without being dinged up; like a stonewashed pair of jeans not ripped jeans.

[@mando603]

I just bought a Martin Streetmaster DSS15 M. It’s my first Martin but hopefully not my last. I love the look of it, it’s made in Pa. and it sounds amazing. Can’t say I really thought much about it. It caught my eye and my ear so I bought it.

[@karffiol]

I think it is #3... there was something special to the attack (popping sound) which makes me think it is older... looking forward to the answer!

[@karffiol]

now I know my ears can detect real vintage, what a lovely day!

[@plankspanker1969]

I appreciate beautiful new guitars, but I find if something is too perfect, it tends to inhibit my creativity. Making things up needs to be messy, and worrying about smudges , scratches, and dings puts my brain in a different place. I think a worn instrument feels more comfortable and real, and I don’t worry about the instrument, I think about playing. Getting a new guitar is a bit like buying a new Jeep and being afraid to go 4-wheeling.

[@nedludd3641]

How old are 5-string banjos? Which banjo companies are worth a look? Gibson?

[@tenaslind9533]

love that Iris!!!!

[@papawheelie1592]

I like to keep my guitars as pristine as I can and nicks and scratches ruin my day. I've seen too many innocent beautiful guitars hacked up by attempts to relic by amatuers. However, if the factories can do great jobs at it, why not. What ever floats your boat.

[@acousticvibesmusicinc.531]

AWESOME Channel!! We really enjoy all your videos

[@justinray9895]

One of the best episodes in a long time tone! Thanks for the post

[@LottimusMaximus]

Insta-vintage is great :) I’m a fan :) broken in feel, but reliable and straight.

[@HayesTech]

Has any of the torified tops been tested for long term issues yet. That's my worries. What's it going to be like 50 or 60 years from now.

[@1olddoggie]

I have wondered thst too!

[@jackderby22]

Unfortunately I won’t be around to find out. Lol.

[@HayesTech]

@@jackderby22 I agree. What about 20 or 30 years.. I have a 1965 Epiphone Texan FT79N and if that top had been treated that way, would it still be a usable guitar today? I'm all for testing new stuff... Lol... I have a channel doing just that, but without long term testing results for everyone to have, we wouldn't know if that 2 to 3 thousand dollars or more guitar will last like a non torified one. That's The reason I'll let my guitars age naturally for now. Or just purchase a good used guitar.

[@jackderby22]

@@HayesTech Yeah, I’m not worried. And If I can get another 20 of guitar playing years in, I’ll be happy! 😊... That said, I have owned 3 torrefied guitars, my first in 2017. No issues to report so far... In fact, I’m less concerned with them being as susceptible to changes in temperature and humidity as my non torrefied tops... The one thing to be concerned with is many may not like the tone with the torrefied tops... They are dryer, clear and crisp in tone... Not as lush as a non-torrefied. Some people may not like that... Me, I’m on my second Pre-War so you know what I like. Bottom line, buy a guitar that you like today, and enjoy it today!!

[@HayesTech]

@@jackderby22 I completely agree about getting what you like. And I'm hoping this does hold out like normal tops. Another sound layer to choose from. But I'll wait for now.

[@toregister8615]

I prefer aging my own guitars. I'm already vintage in age, so I guess my guitars are now too. I bought a Martin 00-15 about 20 years ago and haven't stopped playing it. I have several other nice acoustics, but the hog is my preference these days. Great video!

[@peterbroderson6080]

I am a guitar collector with 30 ish antique, 30 ish Vintage pre 1970 and 30 ish modern. I can appreciate the tortifing-sp, but just like holes in new clothing for style, not for me. Thanks for your many hints to improve.

[@Djentasaur]

the problem with distressed guitars is that we would all like to have naturally aged guitars but the finishes and paints they use are pretty much indestructable, especially with cheaper options. in about the 1970s companies started using plastic (polyurethane) and slabbed it on quite thick, yet before that they had used thin lacquers which age to the player, it would take lifetimes to get a nice distress look to a urethane guitar now, so people tend to artificially distress their instruments because their desired look wont ever be achieved and lacquered guitars are just too pricy.

[@codyshirley1334]

I chose number 3 but only because it sounded different than the others I wouldn't have been able to on an individual basis

[@seal41243]

I have a Yamaha LL-TA, love the torrified top. Sounds so warm and full. As regards the aged look. I love the aged look, but I also have the desire to age that myself, the problem is, the only way u can age a guitar to get that vintage look is if it has a nitro finish. Most guitars now have a poly finish which won't age the same. So the most cost effective way to get a nitro finish is these aged/Road worn guitars. So Unless u can afford a gibson, or a customs shop, u are limited in how you can achieve the true vintage look

[@seal41243]

Recently purchased a fender classic series 60's Jazz Bass with a lacquer finish, awesome guitar with a fresh nitro finish for you to age yourself 🤓

[@larryfouch6113]

I like the relicing for the artistic aspect. I just don't understand why people get so mean about it! Everyone has their own taste and they still build perfect new guitars.

[@tenaslind9533]

Finally got back to Tony's Tuesday show!!!! Wahoo! T

[@mib7483]

I am not a fan of the distressed look on new guitars either.

[@ThePonDePon]

I bought 2 martin guitars on the same day, a used custom d15 style d18 and a solid top little martin both sitka spruce, when I first got them they were the same color, I take my little martin everywhere and I'm ashamed to admit it but I've had unlucky days where my little martin is in my car on a hot day and I try my best to cover it and I lower the tension to prevent the bridge from popping off but still sits in the heat, over time I noticed my little martin has gotten a little closer to a honey color compared to my d18 and the tone of it has significantly improved, please don't take this as leave your guitar in your hot car, this was just a happy accident that I wouldn't try to replicate

[@drzainnas]

God bless you Tony for being nice and playing acoustic 👍😀

[@TidesOnEarth]

So what’s the difference between Taylor’s torrefaction vs. Martin?

[@markdearborn1828]

I don't want one of the distressed instruments but torrefied is fine with me. I will build anything the client wants within reason and my abilities.

[@mortwally3510]

Great video very educational thanks for clearing one thing up for me I always thought that Toerified Wood was a STD 👍🎸🎼🇺🇸🇱🇹

[@Lucas_0368]

#3 because of my experience with aged BRW there's no way to copy that, the full tone and deep sound that only old (aged ON TIME) BRW has is unique. I really like vintage guitars but I prefer guitars that look new if it's new and I really love the german/italian/european spruce sound on acoustic guitars, the mellower and deep sound that comes with a picea abies guitar soundboard really catches me, so I like vintage guitars, but only true vintage guitars, if I'm buying a new custom shop guitar that probably won't be an old new guitar.

[@imannonymous7707]

you want to know how i make an acoustic guitar sound old .. .i play the hell out of it and keep it properly humidified

[@jacsvihus]

Yep that is they way I do it too. Works for me and my guitars. We both improve.

[@imannonymous7707]

@@jacsvihus hell yea jeff .

[@BradleyMcTaggart]

Hey Tony, I recently bought my first guitar with a torrefied Adirondack top - a Kevin Kopp K-35. I love it. Having owned a couple of other guitars that I bought new with Adirondack tops that hadn’t been torrefied (another Kopp included) I can confidently say that there’s a big difference in tone out of the box. Having said that, there’s something very cool about breaking in a new guitar yourself. A feeling that you’ve earned that tone. I’m split on the aesthetic distressing of new guitars. I love the idea of a weathered finish that’s thinner and has checking, but I want to add my own play wear to a guitar. If I could buy a new Pre-War Guitars instrument I’d go with their level one distressing.

[@coreyevans835]

-I'm personally a fan of getting new instruments that look new and put my own wear and tear on it. -I need to play more torrefied tops to have an opinion, and there's so many exciting new models out there that I don't know if I want a Martin/Gibson copy, (though I'd love to have a 12 fret Waterloo!) -Somehow I guessed right! :) #3 lacked brightness in the top end, but all four were so close! And I preferred #1's tone. Really makes you question if vintage instruments are worth it...

[@Richard_Lush]

I think torrified tops are definitely the future but instead of aging the guitar just use way less lacquer on the body as Gibson does with their Historic models. I personally don’t like or need the aging on an acoustic. I do like it on electrics though. Back to the lacquer comment, it gives the guitar way more resonance to my ears. My CS 36 AJ hums when people talk loudly 😄

[@Hai.tinh.583]

The 2 first guitars have more going on in the sound compared to the last 2 ones. but 3 last guitars sound very similar. He said there's only 1 vintage guitar so I would choose the first one. It sounds a bit different and has that fullness and round in each note. I could be wrong though, it could be the second one. I'm not a fan or distress my guitar to completely look like it's been abused. I mostly play fingerstyle so it's not right for me to create that much distress myself. It does look cool on some players. I do like some distress on my finish or make it look a bit old. It makes me feel comfortable playing it and I play more instead of looking at its beauty.

[@TheTrollMastah]

I actually love torrified tops, I have a newer Gibson J55 reissue with a torrified Adirondack top and it sounds absolutely gorgeous. I’m not one for the distressing/aging, but I do like a super thin nitro finish along with them

[@drzainnas]

I am an old school guy and believe to leave the nature does it's own job and even it takes the time because every second is with it and this how God made trees but still I do respect other people opinions and the technology, whatever makes things easier god bless you my good friend, from ENGLAND UK👍🙏🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿😀

[@bubbajeph]

The Beatles changed everything. Paul on acoustic and George mastering lead guitar. I remember them coming to the USA. I tried to learn the guitar with a acoustic from Western Auto purchased with grass cutting money. My dad said it burned well because it was junk. My oldest brother started on the cornet and on to 1st chair state tuba. I took up the trumpet where I play TAPS for funerals. Retired today and have a nice Taylor to finally learn on. 1st Amazing Grace then Beatles acoustic. On to other country, folk and rock of my time 1960-1970s.

[@joew.482]

Is that a Lost Dog Street Band sticker on your laptop?

[@ZandvlietGuitarCompany]

Looks like it,, cool

[@waynethedruggist]

My wear and tear, their torrefication

[@Jess_Jones]

I guessed number 2 also. Pre-war is great. The dream is a slope version 🤤 I personally love the aged look so long as it doesn’t hurt the life of the instrument, I don’t wanna have to get work done on the tuners or support only after having it for five years or so. Hope that makes sense.

[@---rv3ys]

I heard of this new guitar company in France, it's called Poseuere. They make reliced guitars and pre-distressed jeans (the ultimate cool combo).

[@ASM881]

Best comment ever.

[@sisgaia]

My guess would be guitar #3. To me, distressing a guitar adds zero value. I don't even want my guitars to be stressed through aging.

[@patrickvanh4601]

Great show Tony! 🎸

[@ChasVS391]

Tone effects are OK, distressed finish NO WAY!

[@blueshowlar]

I agree. Distressed finishes suck. Have a good one!

[@QuangNguyen-nh2oc]

Can't tell which one is the vintage at all. Love torrefied tops - went in Guitar Center, found a used Recording King w/ torrefied top for $350 (w/ pickups), loved the sound (had that high end sparkle), and bought the guitar (already owned Martin's, a Lowden, a Larrivee, a Taylor, ...). Would not pay more money for the distressed look, though wouldn't mind a light one, but willing to pay more for a satin finish over gloss.

[@guitarlusteuphoria4507]

I tried a Taylor 717e with a torrified top. Sounded good. But the looks were bleh. I'll keep my J-45 thank you.

[@bobblowhard8823]

Guessing which of the four guitars is the true vintage one: I swear they all sounded exactly the same to me.... which is actually a good thing. I can keep my Jasmine and my Squier, and to me they will sound like a true vintage Martin, Taylor, or Guild.

[@enonknives5449]

All four guitars sounded great, and I would be happy with any of them. My guess was #4 as the vintage. Frankly, I don't care if torrification works or not. I would rather get a non-torrified top, knowing that the sound will improve over time. I doubt that will happen with a torrified top. Artificial "aging" or "relicking" is just dumb. (Buying new jeans with holes in the knees is a sign of brain damage.)

[@dietersdawgs]

yep....he even contradicts himself.....he likes a torrified top but doesn't want it predistressed.....truth is most people can't play well enough or hear well enough to really say "wow that torrified top is sooooooooooooooooooooooo much better"....yeah, whatever lol!

[@briarmeadow]

Torrefaction - nice. It still comes down to sound. I played both before buying my D28, which sounded heads and tails above the more expensive torrefied option that was available. I didn't hear the question asked, does aging the tops give you great sound NOW at the expense of longevity of the instrument? I don't know the answer to this. Distressing ? Not a fan. That's like buying "new" torn and holed jeans. Not a fan of those either. Fake is fake. Need something that looks used? Go buy used and save the money. Enjoy your channel - need to sign up for your Acoustic challenge this winter . . . . and see what it's all about. . thanks.

[@cvfoster1]

I am a fan of fortified tops and believe the science is their to support it. I am not a fan of distressing new instruments. Like you, I want the wear on the guitar to be mine.

[@kwm380]

I don't want a distressed guitar for myself, but if I went to see a pro play at a concert, I think it would be cool to see them play either vintage or distressed, and I wouldn't know the difference.

[@chetterry4506]

I had no opinion either way until I bought a Bourgeois Country Boy with the baked top. I was like...whoa. Seemed to have a resonance that I'd not found in a spanky new guitar. And I liked it. So much so I ordered a Pre-War 000 and then a Pre-War Herringbone. I have other acoustics but these GMO guitars are a breed apart. Doesn't hurt that they are relatively small bench DNA as well I'm sure. I did not go for the super distressed look but may believe that induced checking could be beneficial. Hey - if it feels good - do it.

[@richardmills5326]

just bought my first acoustic recording king torrified

[@FlyPilatusB4]

Number 3... gives more low end harmonics? Or just my hype?

[@MrJoeydano]

Guitar 1 sounded a little better to me but what do I know ! I personally hate Reliced guitars but express torrefaction meaning Crystallizing bye baking is a great way to get the sound from the wood, why would you want to beat up a guitar to make it look old ? Only use and time can truly Relic a guitar 👍

[@esericc70]

My impression on "relic" has been skewed by bad electric relics, chipping paint and scratching, denting and sanding, looks neat from a distance but to me feels odd when playing, i have access to a real vintage worn guitar and when you feel it there is a certain smooth roughness to it, certain spots have a rough feel and pick and finger wear are in relation to strings and pick guard, the top horn from neck bending, sweat and oils from your hands and body make a big difference in it's wear I think. I have not seen or encountered acoustic new vintage or "relic" projects much yet but I'm skeptical. sound wise? Torrifaction? oh yeah love the sound, but made to look like its been rode hard and put away wet unnaturally? not so much LOL... Maybe LOL my jury is still pondering really.

[@davidpetersen8909]

Only one good way to "relic" Any guitar, and it be good (also poly) And it is to take down the finish as thin as possible, without removing it All. And then playing your guitar a lot

[@dylanrohr1272]

they all sound great, but I'm guessing #4

[@richardmarshall5221]

How do you feel about Shaw retiring from the Blackhawks? Sucks Eh!?

[@jackderby22]

I'll add two more key ingredients; Feel and Price... The feel of these pre-aged guitars is like wearing an old pair of blue jeans.. Super comfortable and you don't have to worry about that first ding/scratch. I would love to buy a real pre-war martin until I see the price tag that comes along with it... Yes, I'm a fan of these pre-distressed guitars if done right... Just like I'm a fan of pre-washed blue jeans... I just received my second Pre-War guitar co. guitar and they now have a 2 year back log... So apparently I'm not the only one! That said, I love all guitars.. Old, beat up looking or new and shiny.. At the end of the day, tone and feel is what wins my hard earned cash...

[@walterlacayo6503]

I love this channel

[@wallyfrench86]

Does the torrefied instrument right out of the box get better with age

[@genipaisley4340]

Nailed it, number 3 it is! Definitely NOT a fan of distressing. I want a new guitar to look new. I like to keep a guitar looking new. I enjoyed your explanation of Torrefaction and the photos really demonstrate the effect. I am considering a guitar with a torrefied top for my next purchase. I think you may have pushed me a little in that direction.

[@randypressley4145]

I'm going to guess guitar number 2. Purely a guess! Beautiful tone with all four!

[@raymackey8031]

Hey Tony..I love your playing…I think torrefaction is a step in the right direction… I’ll never be able to afford a true ‘37 Martin…but I’m impressed with the new tops…no banging it up.. I can handle that. I’m almost 80… I just like the best sound I can afford. I also build some and it helps MY guitars sound better 🤣👍😎

[@joannm5682]

wow I got it..number 3 TY! my ears are getting better TY! as far as aging...at the age of 70 I will let mother nature take her course,,, naturally .. I don't buy pre slashed jeans either :-) Thanks for Jo's story....