Blog: New Guitars--Pristine or Relic? Battle Royale!
- Thread starter Evan Skopp
- Start date
blueman335
Mojo's Minions
Re: Blog: New Guitars--Pristine or Relic? Battle Royale!
Without getting into a debate, and to simply answer the author's question: No, I would never want a relic, regardless of who's it was an attempt to copy. Just too fake. Make your own memories.
Without getting into a debate, and to simply answer the author's question: No, I would never want a relic, regardless of who's it was an attempt to copy. Just too fake. Make your own memories.
Rodney Gene
O.G.
Re: Blog: New Guitars--Pristine or Relic? Battle Royale!
There is cosmetic relicing and functional relicing. I like them both.
I have never played a nicer neck than my Nash Tele. Every professional musician friend I have has offered to buy this guitar from me after playing it. Bill Nash would not build me a 'non relic'. So I got the 'light' version.
I enjoy glitter finish, matte finish, poly, nitro, bare wood, relic whatever. If I like the way it looks and love the way it plays, I have no prejudice and can see the value in all of it.
Personally I am grateful for those who know how to do 'vintage' worn necks right. Just awesome and exciting necks to play.
I don't need to be 'the one' to put wear on my guitar before I buy it. My memories are in the music I make and the time I enjoy playing.
Honestly its another Vanilla vs. Chocolate conversation LOL. Personally I love chocolate but won't hate vanilla because of it.
Cheers and respect,
RG
There is cosmetic relicing and functional relicing. I like them both.
I have never played a nicer neck than my Nash Tele. Every professional musician friend I have has offered to buy this guitar from me after playing it. Bill Nash would not build me a 'non relic'. So I got the 'light' version.
I enjoy glitter finish, matte finish, poly, nitro, bare wood, relic whatever. If I like the way it looks and love the way it plays, I have no prejudice and can see the value in all of it.
Personally I am grateful for those who know how to do 'vintage' worn necks right. Just awesome and exciting necks to play.
I don't need to be 'the one' to put wear on my guitar before I buy it. My memories are in the music I make and the time I enjoy playing.
Honestly its another Vanilla vs. Chocolate conversation LOL. Personally I love chocolate but won't hate vanilla because of it.
Cheers and respect,
RG
Rodney Gene
O.G.
Re: Blog: New Guitars--Pristine or Relic? Battle Royale!
Its also interesting to note (to me) that this conversation does not exist on stage, in the studio or in an audition. It has no real-life relevance in producing results or creating music...and yet it is such a hot subject from behind the screen.
Of course in some cases at least we can get a laugh out of it! Ha... ouch.
Cheers and respect,
RG
View attachment 48265
Its also interesting to note (to me) that this conversation does not exist on stage, in the studio or in an audition. It has no real-life relevance in producing results or creating music...and yet it is such a hot subject from behind the screen.
Of course in some cases at least we can get a laugh out of it! Ha... ouch.
Cheers and respect,
RG
View attachment 48265
JordanM82
New member
Re: Blog: New Guitars--Pristine or Relic? Battle Royale!
6 in one, half dozen in the other... I could care less whether the guitar is relic'd or not. If I like the feel, the tone, if the instrument inspires me, then I will like it and play it. If people want to call me a poser for playing one, frankly I don't give a crap.
6 in one, half dozen in the other... I could care less whether the guitar is relic'd or not. If I like the feel, the tone, if the instrument inspires me, then I will like it and play it. If people want to call me a poser for playing one, frankly I don't give a crap.
GuitarStv
Sock Market Trader
Rockstar216
New member
Re: Blog: New Guitars--Pristine or Relic? Battle Royale!
For me it all comes down to playability. Would I play a relic sure would I pay top dollar for one depends. If I had to chose between two guitars which both play and feel the same but one was relic and one was new ill choose the new one.
For me it all comes down to playability. Would I play a relic sure would I pay top dollar for one depends. If I had to chose between two guitars which both play and feel the same but one was relic and one was new ill choose the new one.
Rodney Gene
O.G.
Re: Blog: New Guitars--Pristine or Relic? Battle Royale!
Some of these builders like Nacho are insanely passionate about this. They are so good at duplicating the vintage feel of an instrument that they consistently sell out of $4K guitars long before they are even finished. Gotta get on the list or wait for one to come available.
http://www.texmexguitars.com/portfolio-items/nachoguitar-lola/
Cheers, RG
Except that it costs considerably more to do a relic finish than a decent finish of any kind. All relic guitars are labor intensive (aging hardware is labor intensive also) Some of the very best ones Suhr, Nash, Swade, Nacho, Big Tex etc, can get up to $3k-$5k and the majority of relic builders don't offer finished guitars, only relics.
Some of these builders like Nacho are insanely passionate about this. They are so good at duplicating the vintage feel of an instrument that they consistently sell out of $4K guitars long before they are even finished. Gotta get on the list or wait for one to come available.
http://www.texmexguitars.com/portfolio-items/nachoguitar-lola/
Cheers, RG
blueman335
Mojo's Minions
Re: Blog: New Guitars--Pristine or Relic? Battle Royale!
Suddenly all those Mfg 2nds don't have to be sold at or below cost...they're off to the relic department! And considering the money they used to lose on 2nds, I think they come out ahead cash-wise with relics. Manufacturers like relics, and it has everything to do with profit. The only problem with the plan is that they haven't been able to convince the majority of players that new beat-up guitars are desirable. Wouldn't manufacturers of cars, appliances, TV's, etc love to sell their 'scratch and dent' inventory at a higher price, instead of a lower one? Who's the chumps, huh? How proud would you be to pull up in a new car and be able to say to your neighbor: "I just drove this baby off the lot. A fender's dented, a bumper's falling off, the underside is already rusting, and one tire's flat. Cost me a couple grand extra for the 'vintage' look, but it's worth every penny."
Suddenly all those Mfg 2nds don't have to be sold at or below cost...they're off to the relic department! And considering the money they used to lose on 2nds, I think they come out ahead cash-wise with relics. Manufacturers like relics, and it has everything to do with profit. The only problem with the plan is that they haven't been able to convince the majority of players that new beat-up guitars are desirable. Wouldn't manufacturers of cars, appliances, TV's, etc love to sell their 'scratch and dent' inventory at a higher price, instead of a lower one? Who's the chumps, huh? How proud would you be to pull up in a new car and be able to say to your neighbor: "I just drove this baby off the lot. A fender's dented, a bumper's falling off, the underside is already rusting, and one tire's flat. Cost me a couple grand extra for the 'vintage' look, but it's worth every penny."
Rodney Gene
O.G.
Re: Blog: New Guitars--Pristine or Relic? Battle Royale!
Curious post. Are you referring to Fender or Gibson? In either case it would be inaccurate (maybe Fender Road Worn MIM). Who else in the relic game has '2nds? Ibanez? These are all small boutique builders who are very specific and consistent in the woods and parts they use. My Nash as an example is one-piece Ash 4#s. Whether you like the process or not is one thing, but these are integral companies and builders.
Also curious, how does a banged up new car analogy relate to the feel and functionality of a vintage guitar replica? Cheers and respect, RG
Curious post. Are you referring to Fender or Gibson? In either case it would be inaccurate (maybe Fender Road Worn MIM). Who else in the relic game has '2nds? Ibanez? These are all small boutique builders who are very specific and consistent in the woods and parts they use. My Nash as an example is one-piece Ash 4#s. Whether you like the process or not is one thing, but these are integral companies and builders.
Also curious, how does a banged up new car analogy relate to the feel and functionality of a vintage guitar replica? Cheers and respect, RG
Dr.K
Formerly Active Member
Re: Blog: New Guitars--Pristine or Relic? Battle Royale!
You're very welcome to your opinion and you may have a point but I still stand by mine. The people who pay 4k for a relic are the blues lawyers. Our own Wah Wah here made his by playing it. The link you provided looks to me like a body someone took some 120 grit sand paper to and threw out in the snow for a couple of weeks to raise the grain. I just don't like relics and I don't think I ever will. I do agree with Blueman on his analogy.
You're very welcome to your opinion and you may have a point but I still stand by mine. The people who pay 4k for a relic are the blues lawyers. Our own Wah Wah here made his by playing it. The link you provided looks to me like a body someone took some 120 grit sand paper to and threw out in the snow for a couple of weeks to raise the grain. I just don't like relics and I don't think I ever will. I do agree with Blueman on his analogy.
Rodney Gene
O.G.
Re: Blog: New Guitars--Pristine or Relic? Battle Royale!
Sure, I understand.
Though it isn't about opinion in regards to finish. It just takes more effort, more labor and more cost to relic a finish. There is no debate about it, its just a labor intensive process.
As for the 'blues lawyer' remark, its silly. I don't understand the intent of the remark unless it was strictly to diminish? I am not a Lawyer nor do I play Blues. Neither do many of my peers, my teachers, mentors etc. Without listing the countless gigging professionals who use vintage replicas as part of their gear arsenal simply because they are excellent instruments, all gear has value to some players. Your non-interest shouldn't be a point of disrespect. Cheers and respect, RG
Sure, I understand.
Though it isn't about opinion in regards to finish. It just takes more effort, more labor and more cost to relic a finish. There is no debate about it, its just a labor intensive process.
As for the 'blues lawyer' remark, its silly. I don't understand the intent of the remark unless it was strictly to diminish? I am not a Lawyer nor do I play Blues. Neither do many of my peers, my teachers, mentors etc. Without listing the countless gigging professionals who use vintage replicas as part of their gear arsenal simply because they are excellent instruments, all gear has value to some players. Your non-interest shouldn't be a point of disrespect. Cheers and respect, RG
Myaccount876
Amira-Maker
Re: Blog: New Guitars--Pristine or Relic? Battle Royale!
Relics to me are fine as long as it is:
a) Realistic/believable
b) Not intended to add "street cred" to the player
Sadly a is often missing, and guitarists who want to look cool by looking "vintage" are just annoying.
Relics to me are fine as long as it is:
a) Realistic/believable
b) Not intended to add "street cred" to the player
Sadly a is often missing, and guitarists who want to look cool by looking "vintage" are just annoying.
tubecrunch
New member
Re: Blog: New Guitars--Pristine or Relic? Battle Royale!
Back of the neck- yes. Everywhere else- no.
Back of the neck- yes. Everywhere else- no.
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