If you're looking to add a bit of vintage charm to your guitar, or simply want to change its appearance, then relicing is a great option. Relicing involves replacing the existing binding and purfling on the guitar with new materials, which can give the instrument an entirely new look.
What does it mean - to relic a guitar?
The most common definition is to artificially age or distress an object - in this case, a guitar - to create a sense of history or to give it a well-worn look.
There are many reasons why someone might want to relic their guitar. Maybe you want your new guitar to look like it's been played for years and has the natural wear and tear to show for it. Or maybe you're looking for a more unique aesthetic for your instrument. Relic guitars can also be more valuable than non-relic guitars, so if you're looking to sell your guitar at some point, relicing it could increase its value.
How to relic - general rules
You should never start a recoating project without enough time to prepare. Take note of these stages before you start your project to ensure that it goes smoothly.
Preparation
The most important part of the process is the preparation stage. You'll need to remove all of the old binding and purfling from the guitar before you can start relicing it. This can be a delicate process, so take your time and be careful not to damage the wood.
once the binding and purfling have been removed, you'll need to sand down the guitar's surface to create a smooth base for the new materials. Be sure to use fine-grit sandpaper so that you don't damage the wood.
Applying the new materials
After the preparation stage is complete, you can finally start applying the new binding and purfling. You'll need to use an adhesive to attach the new materials to the guitar, so be sure to read the instructions carefully and follow them closely.
Once the new binding and purfling are in place, you can start relicing the guitar. There are many different ways to do this, so you'll need to experiment a bit to find the method that works best for you. You can use sandpaper, chemicals, or even power tools to create the desired effect.
Finishing up
After you're happy with the results of your relicing, you'll need to apply a new finish to the guitar. This will protect the wood and ensure that your relicing job lasts for years to come.
Relicing Telecaster is a great way to change the look of your guitar without spending a lot of money. With a little bit of time and effort, you can create a unique and stylish instrument that will stand out from the rest.
How do you relic a Telecaster body?
Telecaster guitars are some of the most popular instruments on the market and for good reason. They're versatile, durable, and easy to play. But if you're looking for a way to make your Telecaster stand out from the rest, then relicing it is a great option.
There are many different ways to relic a Telecaster, but one of the most popular methods is to use sandpaper. This method is relatively simple and doesn't require any special tools or materials. First, you'll need to remove the old binding and purfling from the guitar. You can do this by gently prying it off with a screwdriver or a putty knife. Once the binding and purfling have been removed, you'll need to sand down the entire guitar body.
Start with coarse-grit sandpaper and work your way up to a finer grit. Be sure to sand evenly so that the finish is uniform. Once the body has been sanded, you'll need to apply a new finish. There are many different finishes you can use, but lacquer is a good option. You can either spray or brush on the lacquer, depending on your preference.
Allow the lacquer to dry for 24 hours before proceeding to the next step. The next step is to add the new binding and purfling. You can purchase these materials at any guitar store or online. Once you have the materials, simply follow the instructions that come with them.
After the binding and purfling have been installed, you'll need to apply a new finish. Again, lacquer is a good option. Allow the finish to dry for 24 hours before proceeding to the final step.
The final step is to add the hardware. This includes the bridge, the tuning machines, and the pickguard. You can purchase these items at any guitar store or online. Once you have the hardware, simply follow the instructions that come with it. That's all there is to relicing a Telecaster! With this simple method, you can easily transform your guitar into a one-of-a-kind instrument.
Why Telecaster?
Relicing Telecaster is a great way to change the look of your guitar without spending a lot of money. With a little bit of time and effort, you can create a unique and stylish instrument that will stand out from the rest. Telecaster guitars are some of the most popular instruments on the market and for good reason. They're versatile, durable, and easy to play. But if you're looking for a way to make your Telecaster stand out from the rest, then relicing it is a great option.
Relicing is the process of artificially aging a guitar to give it a more vintage look. This can be done by adding wear and tear, such as scratches, dings, and chips. It's a great way to change the look of your guitar without spending a lot of money. And with a little bit of time and effort, you can create a unique and stylish instrument that will stand out from the rest.
So if you're looking for a way to add some personality to your Telecaster, then relicing it is a great option. Here's everything you need to know about how to relic your Telecaster.
When did Fender start making relic guitars?
Before the Relic Series debuted in 1995, guitars were artificially aged and worn to help fix damaged antique instruments to match the appearance of the rest of the original or create forgeries. Fender's Relic Series was the first mass-produced line of guitars that were intentionally distressed to look like vintage instruments. The wear and tear on these guitars are simulated through a variety of methods including paint chipping, lacquer checking, and hand-aged hardware.
Fender started up the relic line because of the high demand for vintage instruments. In order to meet this demand, Fender created a line of guitars that would look and feel like they had been played for decades. The Relic Series was an instant success and is still going strong today. If you're looking for a guitar with a vintage character, then a relic guitar is a great option.
When did relic guitars become popular?
During the 1990s, when Keith Richards urged two Fender Custom Shop employees to create a pair of bespoke guitars and age them artificially, they became well-known as "relic" guitars. The first commercially available relic guitar was the Fender Custom Shop Relic Stratocaster, which was released in 1995. Since then, the popularity of relic guitars has grown exponentially.
Nowadays, there are many different companies that offer relic guitars. Whether you're looking for a vintage-style guitar or something with a more modern character, there's sure to be a relic guitar that's perfect for you.
What's the difference between a relic and a reissue?
The main difference between a relic and a reissue is that a relic is an intentionally distressed guitar while a reissue is an exact replica of a vintage instrument. Reissues are usually made with new materials and manufacturing techniques, but they are designed to look and feel like the original.
Relics, on the other hand, are made to look like they've been played for years. The wear and tear on these guitars are simulated through a variety of methods including paint chipping, lacquer checking, and hand-aged hardware.
Although relics are intended to look like vintage instruments, they are usually made with new materials and manufacturing techniques. This means that they often have better playability and tone than their vintage counterparts. So, if you're looking for a guitar with a vintage character but modern playability and tone, then a relic is a great option.
Why are reliced guitars so expensive?
There are a few reasons why reliced guitars are so expensive. First, the process of relicing a guitar is very time-consuming and requires a lot of skill. Second, the materials required to Relic a guitar can be quite costly. Finally, the demand for Relic guitars is very high, which drives up the price.
Moreover, the price for a relic guitar depends on how well the relicing is done. A poorly done relic job will result in a guitar that looks cheap and fake. On the other hand, a well-done relic job can make a guitar look like it's been played for years and is worth much more than a non-relic guitar.
In general, the price for a Relic guitar ranges from $500 to $5000. However, there are some Relic guitars that have sold for as much as $10,000.
Are relic guitars worth the money?
This is a difficult question to answer because it depends on your personal preferences. Some people feel that Relic guitars are overpriced and not worth the money. Others feel that the prices are justified because of the time and effort that goes into making a Relic guitar.
If you're interested in purchasing a Relic guitar, it's important to do your research and make sure you're getting a quality instrument. There are many different Relic guitar makers out there, and some are better than others. Be sure to read reviews and compare prices before making your purchase.
Relic guitars can be a great investment, but they're not for everyone. It's important to decide if a Relic guitar is right for you before spending the money on one.
Can you make any other guitar vintage?
Yes, you can make any other guitar vintage by relicing it. The vintage style is very popular because it gives the guitar a unique look and feel. Relicing is a process where the guitar is distressed to look like it's been played for years. This can be done through a variety of methods including paint chipping, lacquer checking, and hand-aged hardware.
Although any guitar can be reliced, it's important to note that not all guitars will look good once they're reliced. It's important to choose a guitar that has the right character for the vintage style. In general, telecaster and Stratocaster-style guitars are the best candidates for relicing. This is because they have a classic look that works well with the vintage style. However, there are many other types of guitars that can be reliced successfully.
If you're interested in relicing a guitar, it's important to do your research and choose a reputable guitar builder. There are many different Relic guitar makers out there, and some are better than others. Be sure to read reviews and compare prices before making your purchase.
Bottom line
Relic guitars can be a great investment, but they're not for everyone. It's important to decide if a Relic guitar is right for you before spending the money on one. If you're interested in purchasing a Relic guitar, it's important to do your research and make sure you're getting a quality instrument. There are many different Relic guitar makers out there, and some are better than others. Be sure to read reviews and compare prices before making your purchase.