If you’re a guitar enthusiast, you might have heard of “reliced” guitars. These are instruments that have been intentionally aged to look and feel like they’ve been played for decades. While some may see it as a gimmick, others appreciate the unique character and history that comes with a reliced guitar. In this article, we’ll explore the world of reliced guitars, including the popular brands and models, the components that make them unique, and the various processes used to achieve the desired look and feel.
One of the most appealing aspects of reliced guitars is the nostalgia they evoke. They harken back to a time when guitars were made by hand and each one had its own unique quirks and imperfections. While some may argue that relicing is simply a way to artificially create this character, others see it as a way to pay homage to the instruments of the past. In the next section, we’ll take a closer look at what exactly makes a guitar “reliced” and the different techniques used to achieve this effect.
Key Takeaways
- Reliced guitars are intentionally aged to look and feel like they’ve been played for decades.
- They evoke a sense of nostalgia and pay homage to the instruments of the past.
- Relicing techniques vary and can include everything from sandpaper and wire brushes to chemical treatments and sun exposure.
Understanding Reliced Guitars
History and Evolution
Reliced guitars are not a new phenomenon. In fact, the practice of distressing instruments to give them a vintage appearance and feel dates back to the 1960s. At that time, it was common for guitarists to modify their instruments to achieve a more broken-in and well-worn look and sound.
Over time, the practice evolved into a specialized art form, with skilled craftsmen using a variety of techniques to create guitars that look and feel like they have been played for decades. Today, reliced guitars are highly sought after by collectors and musicians alike, and they can command premium prices.
Types of Reliced Guitars
There are several different types of reliced guitars, each with its own unique appearance and feel. Some guitars are distressed to look like they have been played for many years, with heavy wear and tear on the body, neck, and hardware. Other guitars are reliced to look like they have been stored in a damp basement or attic for decades, with rusted hardware, faded paint, and other signs of age.
Some reliced guitars are also designed to mimic the appearance of specific vintage instruments, such as the famous ’59 Les Paul or the ’50s Stratocaster. These guitars are carefully crafted to replicate the look and feel of the original instruments, right down to the smallest details.
The Art of Distressing
Creating a reliced guitar is a highly skilled and time-consuming process. Skilled craftsmen use a variety of techniques to distress the guitar, including sanding, scraping, and burning the finish, as well as adding dings, scratches, and other signs of wear and tear.
The goal is to create a guitar that looks and feels like it has been played for many years, with a natural and organic appearance that cannot be replicated by modern manufacturing techniques. The result is a guitar that has a unique character and personality, with a rich and complex tone that is impossible to achieve with a brand new instrument.
Popular Brands and Models
When it comes to reliced guitars, there are several popular brands and models that stand out from the rest. In this section, we will take a closer look at some of these brands and models and what makes them unique.
Fender and Its Custom Shop
Fender is one of the most well-known guitar brands in the world, and its Custom Shop is where you can find some of the finest reliced guitars on the market. The Fender Custom Shop has a team of master builders who are dedicated to creating guitars that look, feel, and sound like they have been played for decades.
One of the most popular models from the Fender Custom Shop is the ’50s Telecaster. This guitar features a nitrocellulose lacquer finish that has been aged to perfection, giving it a vintage look and feel. The ’50s Telecaster also comes equipped with hand-wound pickups that deliver that classic Telecaster twang.
Another popular model from the Fender Custom Shop is the ’60s Stratocaster. This guitar features a reliced finish that looks like it has been played for years, but with all the modern features you would expect from a new guitar. The ’60s Stratocaster also comes equipped with hand-wound pickups that deliver that classic Stratocaster sound.
Gibson’s Take on Relicing
Gibson is another well-known guitar brand that has its own take on relicing. The Gibson Custom Shop has a team of skilled artisans who are dedicated to creating guitars that look and feel like they have been played for years.
One of the most popular models from the Gibson Custom Shop is the Les Paul Standard. This guitar features a reliced finish that looks like it has been played for decades, but with all the modern features you would expect from a new guitar. The Les Paul Standard also comes equipped with Burstbucker pickups that deliver that classic Les Paul sound.
Another popular model from the Gibson Custom Shop is the SG Standard. This guitar features a reliced finish that looks like it has been played for years, but with all the modern features you would expect from a new guitar. The SG Standard also comes equipped with humbucker pickups that deliver that classic SG sound.
Novo Guitars and Their Unique Approach
Novo Guitars is a relatively new guitar brand that has its own unique approach to relicing. Instead of using traditional relicing techniques, Novo Guitars uses a process called “distressing” to create guitars that look and feel like they have been played for years.
One of the most popular models from Novo Guitars is the Serus J. This guitar features a distressed finish that looks like it has been played for decades, but with all the modern features you would expect from a new guitar. The Serus J also comes equipped with Lollar pickups that deliver that classic P-90 sound.
Another popular model from Novo Guitars is the Mirage. This guitar features a distressed finish that looks like it has been played for years, but with all the modern features you would expect from a new guitar. The Mirage also comes equipped with humbucker pickups that deliver that classic rock sound.
Components of Reliced Guitars
When it comes to reliced guitars, the components used in their construction play a crucial role in achieving the desired appearance and feel. In this section, we will discuss the two main components of reliced guitars: Necks and Bodies, and Hardware: Screws and Knobs.
Necks and Bodies
The neck and body of a guitar are the most prominent parts of the instrument, and they can have a significant impact on the overall look of a reliced guitar. Here are some of the key aspects of reliced necks and bodies:
- Necks: Reliced necks are often designed to look worn and aged, with visible wear on the fretboard, headstock, and back of the neck. Some reliced necks also have a slight curve or bow to them, which can give them a more authentic vintage feel.
- Bodies: Reliced guitar bodies are typically made from alder, which is a lightweight wood that is easy to work with. The body is often finished with a thin layer of nitrocellulose lacquer, which can crack and wear over time to create an aged appearance. Some reliced bodies also feature dings, scratches, and other signs of wear and tear.
Hardware: Screws and Knobs
The hardware used in a reliced guitar can also have a significant impact on its appearance and feel. Here are some of the key aspects of reliced hardware:
- Screws: Reliced guitars often feature aged screws, which can be achieved through a variety of methods, including chemical treatments and sandblasting. The screws used in a reliced guitar can also be mismatched or replaced with vintage-style screws to create a more authentic look.
- Knobs: Reliced guitar knobs are often aged to match the rest of the hardware and give the guitar a more vintage feel. Some reliced knobs also feature visible wear and tear, such as cracks or chips.
Relicing Processes
If you’re a guitar enthusiast, you’re probably familiar with the term “relic.” This refers to the process of artificially aging a guitar to give it a vintage, worn-in look. There are several methods used to achieve this effect, and in this section, we’ll explore some of the most common ones.
Nitrocellulose Lacquer and Wear
One of the key components of a reliced guitar is the finish. Nitrocellulose lacquer is a popular choice for achieving an aged look. This type of finish is known for its ability to wear over time, which gives it a unique, vintage appearance.
To achieve this effect, some guitar manufacturers will apply a thin layer of nitrocellulose lacquer to the guitar and then sand it down in specific areas to create wear patterns. This process can be time-consuming and requires a skilled hand to get the desired effect.
Scratches and Dings: The Art of Damage
Another important aspect of a reliced guitar is the scratches and dings. These imperfections give the guitar character and make it look like it’s been played for years. To achieve this effect, some guitar manufacturers will use various tools to create scratches and dings in specific areas of the guitar.
This process can be done by hand using tools like screwdrivers, hammers, and chisels. Alternatively, some manufacturers will use machines to create these imperfections. Regardless of the method used, the goal is to create a guitar that looks like it’s been through the rigors of touring.
Heavy Relic and Journeyman Relic Processes
There are two main types of relicing processes: heavy relic and journeyman relic. Heavy relic guitars are designed to look like they’ve been through years of heavy use. These guitars will have significant wear and tear, scratches, dings, and even rust in some cases.
Journeyman relic guitars, on the other hand, are designed to look like they’ve been played for years but have been well-maintained. These guitars will have some wear and tear, but it won’t be as extensive as a heavy relic guitar.
Using Razor Blades and Vinegar
One of the more unique methods used to relic guitars involves the use of razor blades and vinegar. This process involves scraping the finish off the guitar with a razor blade and then applying vinegar to the exposed wood. The vinegar reacts with the wood, creating a unique, aged look.
This process can be time-consuming and requires a steady hand. However, the results can be stunning and give the guitar a one-of-a-kind appearance.
Specific Models and Their Characteristics
NOS and Closet Classic
If you’re looking for a guitar that looks brand new, then a NOS or Closet Classic model might be right for you. NOS stands for “New Old Stock,” which means that the guitar was made and finished a long time ago but was never sold. A Closet Classic, on the other hand, is a guitar that has been made to look like it has been stored away and untouched for years.
Fender offers a variety of NOS and Closet Classic models, including the Telecaster and Stratocaster. These guitars typically have a glossy finish and clean, unblemished hardware. They are perfect for players who want a vintage look without any of the wear and tear.
Telecaster and Bass Models
Fender’s Telecaster and Bass models are some of the most iconic guitars in history. The Telecaster, in particular, has been used by countless musicians in a variety of genres. These guitars are known for their simple, yet versatile design and bright, twangy sound.
Fender offers a variety of Telecaster and Bass models, including the American Original ’50s Telecaster and the American Professional II Precision Bass. These guitars typically have a classic look and feel, with vintage-style hardware and finishes.
Sunburst and Green Finishes
If you’re looking for a guitar with a unique finish, then you might want to consider a sunburst or green model. Sunburst finishes are characterized by a gradient of colors, typically ranging from dark around the edges to lighter in the center. Green finishes, on the other hand, can range from a bright, almost neon green to a more subdued, forest green.
Fender offers a variety of sunburst and green models, including the Road Worn ’60s Stratocaster and the American Original ’50s Stratocaster. These guitars typically have a vintage look and feel, with aged hardware and finishes.
The Appeal of Reliced Guitars
If you’re a guitar player, you’ve likely heard of reliced guitars. A reliced guitar is a guitar that has been intentionally aged to look like it has been played for decades. While some people may wonder why anyone would want a guitar that looks beat up, there are actually several reasons why reliced guitars are so popular.
Vintage Appeal
One of the main appeals of reliced guitars is their vintage appeal. Vintage guitars are highly sought after by guitar players and collectors alike, but they can also be incredibly expensive. Reliced guitars offer a more affordable way to get that vintage look and feel without breaking the bank. A well-done relic job can make a guitar look like it has been played for decades, giving it a unique character and history that can’t be replicated with a brand new guitar.
Playability and Feel
Another reason why people love reliced guitars is because of their playability and feel. Relicing a guitar involves more than just beating it up – it also involves carefully sanding and buffing the neck and frets to give the guitar a worn-in feel. This can make the guitar easier to play and more comfortable for long gigs or recording sessions. Additionally, the process of relicing a guitar can also involve tweaking the setup to make it play better, so you’re not just getting a cool-looking guitar – you’re getting a guitar that plays and feels great too.
Attention to Detail
Finally, one of the reasons why reliced guitars are so appealing is because of the attention to detail that goes into the relicing process. A good relic job isn’t just about adding some dings and scratches – it’s about recreating the look and feel of a guitar that has been played for years. This means paying attention to details like buckle rash, finish checking, and wear on the hardware. A well-done relic job can make a guitar look like it has been through the wringer, but still make it look and feel great to play.
Criticism and Controversy
Reliced guitars have been the subject of criticism and controversy since their inception. Some musicians and collectors argue that artificially aging a guitar is a form of deception, while others believe that it adds character and value to an instrument.
One of the main criticisms of reliced guitars is that they are not authentic. Some argue that artificially aging a guitar is misleading to buyers who may not be aware that the guitar is not actually vintage. Additionally, some feel that relicing takes away from the true history and uniqueness of vintage guitars.
Another controversy surrounding reliced guitars is the pricing. Reliced guitars can often be more expensive than their non-reliced counterparts, which some argue is unjustified. Critics claim that the process of relicing is simply a way for manufacturers to charge more money for a guitar that is not actually vintage.
Despite the criticism, many musicians and collectors appreciate the unique look and feel of reliced guitars. Some argue that the aging process gives the guitar a more comfortable and familiar feel, making it easier to play and connect with. Additionally, some musicians believe that reliced guitars have a certain “mojo” that cannot be replicated in a brand new instrument.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a reliced guitar?
A reliced guitar is a guitar that has been intentionally aged to look and feel like it has been played for many years. This process includes distressing the finish, hardware, and other parts of the guitar to create a worn and vintage appearance.
Why are reliced guitars so expensive?
Reliced guitars are often more expensive than new guitars because they require a significant amount of time and skill to create. The process of relicing a guitar involves a lot of manual labor and attention to detail, which can drive up the cost of the guitar. Additionally, the demand for reliced guitars is often high, which can also contribute to their higher price point.
What is a relic electric guitar?
A relic electric guitar is an electric guitar that has been artificially aged to look and feel like it has been played for many years. This process involves distressing the finish, hardware, and other parts of the guitar to create a worn and vintage appearance.
Why do people buy reliced guitars?
People buy reliced guitars for a variety of reasons. Some guitarists prefer the look and feel of a vintage guitar, but may not be able to afford an actual vintage instrument. Others may simply prefer the aesthetic of a reliced guitar. Additionally, some guitarists believe that a reliced guitar may have a different tone or feel compared to a new guitar.
How much does a relic guitar cost?
The cost of a relic guitar can vary widely depending on the make and model of the guitar, as well as the level of relicing that has been done. Some reliced guitars can cost as little as a few hundred dollars, while others can cost tens of thousands of dollars.
Where can I find relic guitars for sale?
Reliced guitars can be found for sale at a variety of music stores and online retailers. Some guitar manufacturers also offer reliced versions of their guitars. It is important to do your research and buy from a reputable seller to ensure that you are getting a high-quality instrument.
