Saw Roadworn in the title and clicked immediately. I picked up my 60's roadworn strat two years ago in a local shop, and having played many expensive and old strats, I can say with confidence it is by far the best strat I have ever played. I didn't plan on buying a guitar that day, I was just killing time, but I couldn't leave the store without it. It was a magic instrument and had to be mine. Spent every cent of my savings at the time (we musicians are known for our fantastic financial decisions) and over the time since then the guitar has broken in beautifully. The tex mex pickups sing and the sustain is unreal. I love watching other players pick it up because every time they are shocked at how natural it feels and that its a Mexican. If you are in the market for a relic or just a flat out awesome guitar, you should pick one up for sure. Love the video as always guys! cheers
That Fender interview with Clapton when he talks about moving from the LP and SG to the Strat, he made it over to the States and then began looking in pawn shops for the most beat up Strats because if they were beat up, it meant somebody played them and they were probably good
Max Kanone you can build your own with a little time & patience. I’ve got a playlist of about 30 videos on my channel detailing how to do it...for under $1,000
dsfadsfgafgf I love the self-depreciation, haha. I’m sure your Tele rocks. :) I wanted to do pure Nitro, and go for the best parts I could reasonably get, while saving money on labor.
Why can't Fender just make an affordable series with a nitro finish? I think that would satisfy the majority of people in the middle-ground of the relic'd vs. pristine spectrum. For example, I love the way a relic'd Fender looks, but the thought of buying one seems counterintuitive. Plus, I want to earn the wear myself. And as far as the nice feel of a worn in neck; sandpaper is really cheap.
They used too, I believe the Highway One series used to be finished in thin satin nitro. And probably their most affordable US made series at the time.
I'm talking even more affordable than American made, though. Especially since in Mexico and Far East countries EPA-type regulations on spraying nitrocellulose in mass factory production is probably a lot more lax than in the US.
I'm one of "those people" (as Ariel pointed out) who likes to keep his stuff looking as new as possible. I get the sanded neck thing but to me that is more about "customizing" a guitar to suit your play-ability preferences. What will be interesting to see in 40-50 years is the resale value on these relic guitars.... time will tell. I hear absolutely no difference in your playing no matter what guitar your guys are working your magic on. It all sounds great to me. Thanks for the video and have a great day.
A strat is such a simple instrument. you can blah blah all about some special thing. alder. single coils. maple. maybe some rosewood or similar timber. Maybe not. mexico. korea. Indonesia. america. it matters not really. long as its made passably well....and you have the skills and hands...it will do that beautiful thing a strat does.
I've recently stripped the poly finish from the body and of my 2005 American Standard Strat... the difference in resonance and responsiveness is massive! It's always been a so so guitar for me but since doing this it's come alive and I can't stop playing it!
I remember in the mid 90's when a mate of mine bought an old 1958 Les Paul TV Special that was so finish checked and the rear of the body was almost devoid of any colour at all. Just bare wood the whole back from belt buckle rash and most of the rear of the rear of the neck was stripped of original finish from playing and someone using a cappo over the years. The store owner had it listed for bugger all because it wasn't in great condition. These days people would clamber over their dying mother to own a guitar with playing history like that on it or at least set their mother on fire for a pre 'distressed' finish. If you like it buy it. If not then don't. :D
From my perspective, not as a full on guitar player, but as a photographer, I can definitely see the appeal of relic'd guitars. If I get a brand new camera for example, I end up treating it like a new born baby, which inevitably takes my focus away from actually taking pictures. However, when I take my 40 year old film camera out, I don't care about it getting more digs and scratches because it already looks like it's been through a war, which frees me up just to shoot. I now do exactly the same when I get a new bass guitar. I immediately give it some abuse, otherwise I just won't play it without having that fear in the back of my head that I'm going to hurt my new baby. At the end of the day, for me, they're tools that need to be used and if getting them pre-beaten up helps you use them, then that's fantastic! p.s. if you don't agree with me and like your guitars pristine, then that's cool too - Whatever makes you happy!
Stuart Carden good point. But its not that people want pristine guitars though. I for one like a naturally relic'd guitar cuz it has history. Even if its diy theres still a story. Manufactured relics just try to cash in on giving fake history and character to guitars
I totally see where you're coming from :) - I dunno though, fake or not I still find them appealing. Maybe it's because I can make up a back story in my head, even if it isn't true.
Truth on the camera comparison. I have a “Millennium Edition” Hasselblad 503CW that is completely mint like new, and I bought it new 23 years ago. But I’m terrified of anything happening to it when I use it, so it sits in my camera cabinet. I also have a 1955 Rolleiflex MX-EVS and I take it everywhere, it makes fantastic images. Trophy pieces of gear will never get used as much as you think it will. Get something that you can use as a tool, not a showpiece. You’ll get much more enjoyment from it. Guitars are the same, if you’re afraid of scratching it, you’ll never use it as you should.
Hello, Thanks for the video guys. Two Points: 1. The American Professional Strat featured in the video has a satin finish on the back of the neck. That could have been an interesting point for comparison to the sanded necks on relics and road worns. 2. Also the Professionals and the old Standards and the new American Original Series have rolled fret-board edges, making them feeling instantly old and comfortable compared to, say, a "Classic Series 60's MIM SE Matching Heastock Daphne Blue" that has sharp fret-board edges and a ton of clear coat on the back of the neck!!!
Totally get the relic thing myself, but I definitely prefer having a new looking guitar, and then having any aesthetic damage come through natural playing, feels a bit more organic to me! Amazing playing in that intro guys
Michael Walshe totally agree. To me the "factory relic" looks a bit fake... Always the same marks in the same places. The real relic, with the hits and scratches of an old guitar, tells you the story of the instrument.
Exactly! I can't imagine the awkward moment with a relic guitar when someone asks "oh how did that happen?" and you have to turn around and either lie or tell them that you bought it like that for the price (or even more expensive!) of a newer looking one
Yeah, earning that wear will make a much better story, when you tell them "yeah I smacked it into a wall cos I'm careless". The majority of the stories of wear on guitars isn't interesting. My old strat looks great, lots of honest wear.....caused by putting it in the back seat of my car and it falling off.
What guys like Ariel actually want is the neck from the guitar I made from parts....roasted maple, absolutely zero finish. It feels better than any "worn in" neck, cos there's nothing there to wear. I also love the Pao Ferro being a cheap replacement for Rosewood....back a few years, it was the special wood reserved for stuff like the SRV sig
Any video with Ariel and Pete has to be watched. Love hearing these two chaps play laid-back blues etc. Rab is the heavier guitar guru. Capt Lee should know that these guys are a great asset to the channel.
Absolutely love my Roadworn 60's Strat with Rosewood - the neck feels incredibly comfortable with no finish. Going to also take the lacquer off my Tele's neck.
When a guitar is worn, it makes me ‘dare to dig in’ a lot more. I own a pristine Les Paul that sounds amazing, but my worn (not reliced) EJ strat just makes me play a lot more inspired.
I bought a road worn bout 10yrs ago because I do about 300 gigs a year and wanted something that it didn’t matter if it got a few extra dings. It’s since become my number 1 Strat I love it, it’s also worn even more now and looks Uber cool so it’s a win all round for me
I’ve got a 2008/2009 Olympic White RW 60s Strat and I love it. It’s had some mods done before I got it and my old man did a killer set up and has helped me dial in the specifics to get it tuned up right for my playing. It was definitely loved before it came into my life which I really appreciate. Now that it’s mine, I’ll never let it go. However, I can’t say I won’t spring for a Master Built Strat at some point in the future.
I knocked over my PRS SE by accident while vacuuming. Both tone knobs broke but the rest of the guitar didn’t get a scratch because it was still in the stand. Replaced the tone knobs with a slightly different pattern and it’s all good. Love my one and only guitar!
Not convinced my Relic 'Sounds' much different to say my American Vintage but I definitely 'feel' a difference.. Just grateful to have them.... Each to there own I guess. I Still don't sound like these two though fml.
Have a 1989 Strat Plus and a CS1960 Relic which I bought about 8 years ago. The poly coat on my '89 has gone from white to a dark cream colour but nothing has worn. It's dented & chipped but not worn. It's a great guitar but the poly just feels like it's killing the resonance. The CS1960 is something else. Super skinny neck for some reason but it sounds glorious and just feels so much more resonant. I sat in a shop and tried everything from MIMs to masterbuilds and that's the one I chose. I didn't care if it was relic'd or not. I just wanted the last Strat I would ever need to buy but generally, the relic'd ones were the ones that I preferred the feel of. I have been rediculed for spending so much on a battered looking guitar but I am grateful for your video! I feel vindicated!! :-) It wouldn't work to have a relic'd PRS though. As you say, poly doesn't wear so it would just look and feel all wrong...
I’ve only ever played one relic’d guitar. It was a brand new 2000 ESP vintage plus. It was (hands down) the nicest playing guitar I’ve ever touch. I’ve been dreaming about finding something similar for the past 20 years.
Relics play better. My issue however, with them is that the reason they play better (from my perspective) is that the lacquer is gone. Relics require so many man hours of labour and that equates to a more expensive guitar and they happen to be artificially beat up, it can look good or bad. For me though I'd prefer if they just skipped the lacquering all together and sold that, save on man hours (lower price) and you can beat it up.
Love this episode. I do not like lacquered necks, which is what has led me to oiled necks (Music Man, Carvin/Kiesel), but I do like the look of a pristine guitar. Relic'ed is cool in its own way.
brandon caleb I had lessons from both of them for a whole week on the guitar-breaks holiday back in November . Such a great experience. You should check those holidays out.
Thats IT!!! I am learning that whole intro lead, both parts there's a huuuuge bunch of tasty finger lickin licks for yer fingers for lick library in my mind 😊
I have a 2017 model Road Worn 50’s Strat I put a set of Pure Vintage 59’s in (same pickups in the American Original 50’s) and an American Original 50’s Strat. I hate to say it, but even though the American Original is a really great guitar, the RW is better in almost every way (to ME). I know this is a tiny sample size, but it at least shows me just how awesome the RW’s can be. It’s super light and really loud acoustically. And plugged in it’s just a tone monster. Plenty of bite but holds it articulation when over driven. The pure vintage 59’s play a part as well, they are great. So, it plays great, sounds great, and feels great. What else do you need?
Just got a Vintera Road Worn 60s (Lake Placid Blue) today and after playing it for a couple of hours I am completely in love with it already, amazing guitar for the money (ok, nearly 1k GBP isn't exactly cheap, but can American Custom Shop models be circa 4x better than this?, no way José). It feels amazing in the hand, sounds great straight in to amp and through pedals, and looks genuinly 'vintage' in the flesh (they may have used a template for the relicing, but it's done really well). I can't fault it, great job Fender Mexico.
i've never gotten a chance to play a $2000+ relic'd guitar but my friend has a super naturally relic'd heavy gig'd Fender strat and it feels like one of the smoothest playing guitars i have ever held, I just love it. The neck just has these two blackened wear marks down the back side and it feels like all those hands playing all those gigs for 20+ years it's a great feeling.
It's a look, feel, and sounding sort of thing. I've had a various assortment of guitars, but nothing beats just a good old aged Fender Strat. The wood resonates a certain way, and it feels more like satin rather than playing what feels like a hunk of plastic. It's like wearing an old pair of shoes. It's just friggin' lovely.
When I bought my Wilko Johnson sig tele which is a Mexican tele with poly finish, as soon as I got it home I took some 1200grit wet and dry paper and dry sanded the neck just to smooth the finish a bit and it feels almost as smooth as my original 1974 telecaster, which is a proper road dog. I don't mind relic jobs but it depends on the guitar, my gretsch 5120 pinstriped limited edition it's pristine except for the back of the neck where I have sanded the neck slightly to take away the stickyness.
I like that you mentioned what it takes for a pristine guitar to become a natural 'relic.' If you look up the footage of Buddy Guy playing the song 'Money' from the movie Festival Express, you'll see a good example of natural wear. The footage is from 1970, and his Strat is probably from '54-'57, meaning that he's playing a 15-year-old instrument, which was completely pristine when it was brand new. But by the time that footage was shot, you can see that it already looked like a 'heavy relic'! It already looked in 1970 exactly how vintage 50's Strats look now, nearly 50 years later. So most of that wear and tear was from the first 10-20 years of the instrument's life. I have a twenty-year-old American Strat (1998) that I play as hard as I can, every day, for hours-- and it barely even has light scuffing on it. (Though it's only been mine for four years) It's a testament to: A) How thin and easily-worn the lacquer was on 1950's guitars, B) The durability of more modern guitar finishes, and C) Buddy Guy. All things considered, let's just say that earning the right to say your guitar was naturally worn out, by your own playing, takes a LOT of commitment in this day and age, as ever.
I own a roadworn 60s. I thought they were stupid at the time, then I played it and instantly bought it. It's my number 1 go to guitar. They wear really easy. I've had it since 2009.
I'm just a fan of wearing a guitar down myself over time; there's something a lot cooler about knowing that the wear on it was put in by me over years and years of playing and that mine is uniquely worn down by my playing. Nothing against a relic though, I'd take one in a heartbeat.
So I was the sort that loves a shiny new looking guitar - pristine, ya know. My primary axe for about 10 years was a 2006 Ibanez RG370DX. The finish on that thing is indestructible - I left the case open accidentally after a gig and it fell and that was the first ding in year 7. Then I bought a Suhr Modern Satin, and now I've lost count of the dings on that thing - to the extent that I'm Zen when it comes to the next one. Even when the soft case I was carrying it in fell on the street and the body actually got a dent. The Satin finish has turned into a gloss where my right arm rests, and where a pickguard would be. So, frankly, today, I've completely stopped caring about the new shiny sort of look. In fact, I've actually started digging the worn look.
I bought a Customshop heavy relic 63 Telecaster and adore it. The feel when playing it is just so different. Sadly, i havent touched any other of my mexican Fender guitars for a year now.
I don't think I'd ever buy a relic'd guitar, regardless of whether I could afford it, they just don't do it for me. But watching and listening to these two, I'm glad they're available so they can play them like they play them.
Relicing and Aging works and looks good only on Nitrocellulose Finishes (as found on the roadworn and custom shop instruments). I love the effect. But most modern finishes are Poly-Urethane, on which dings and blemishes look really bad. Though "poly" finishes are more durable than "nitro" finishes, damage does eventually happen, and it looks like crap, without any gain in "visual character." For that reason, one needs to protect a "Poly"-finish MORE than a "nitro"-finish. And that turns the intended effect completely upside down. Thanks for the video!
Personally I love them. I have a relic parts caster with an Mjt charcoal frost body, and a warmoth neck. I got a lighter relic so I can beat it up myself as I play. It’s got Clapton pickups with the mid boost and it sounds killer! If they’re not for you that’s fine but it’s awesome for me
Last summer, I got a FSR road worn tele with a humbucker in the neck position. I had been hunting a "Keef-style" tele with nitro finish for a long time but the only options were around custom shop prices. I jumped on the road worn as soon as it came out. For 1200 euros, that was unmissable. This guitar is fantastic. Ash body, birdseye smooth soft V maple neck, nitro finish, amazing pickups (Custom Nocaster in the bridge, Seymour Duncan '59 in ther neck), brass saddles, etc. It's just so good. I don't mind the fake dings. This guitar is great, plays fantastic and looks awesome.
Nope, it is the FENDER Special Edition Road Worn Hot Rod Tele - 3-color sunburst... www.wembleymusiccentre.com/fender-special-edition-road-worn-hot-rod-telecaster-electric-guitar-3-tone-sunburst.html
Fender Special Edition Road Worn Hot Rod Telecaster - 3 Tone Sunburst This Fender Telecaster is an extremely limited model, restricted to well under 200 produced worldwide, this U.S. made Tele is a seriously desirable electric guitar. However, it's not just the small amount of numbers that makes this desirable to collectors and players alike; it's the small but significant features that makes it stand out from the crowd. With a pure ash body more commonly found on natural finished bodied telecasters, it's got highly distinct treble and less warmth than Fender's more standardly used alder. These tonal features work perfectly well for classic 50s/60s style rock 'n' roll, and that's precisely what this guitar is designed for. Fitted with a completely unique out-of-the-box pick-up configuration, the special edition road work Telecaster is geared to make an audience boogie. A Seymour Duncan '59 humbucker in the neck is hot, yet full bodied and growls with a ferious roar, whilst a Custom Nocaster Vintage Single-Coil in the bridge produces unmistakable South U.S. twangy tone - great for fingerpicking. A soft "V" style neck feels comfortable under the hand and creates a great angle under the wrist for styles such as bluesy/rock n roll 3rd and 4th hammer ons, as well as lovely positioning for intricate fingerstyle.
I think the Road Worn guitars look great. I think they have absolutely nailed the spec and level of distress. I haven't got a P90 axe in my stable yet, so I'm hoping to add a RW '60s Jazzmaster. The '60s Strat in OW is stunning with that mint 'guard, too.
i bought a broken 7/1966 body that was Olympic white years back. I paired it up with a highly flamed TG 11/1958 maple neck and finished it in urethane Mary Kaye Blonde so it will be perfect forever. the guitars i build for myself to gig a very heavy reliced and super comfortable to play and i whined all my own A2 pickups for all my guitars. so i have both of the best worlds.
It might sound ridiculous but I would love to have a nicely reliced squier classic vibe 60's strat in candy apple red, I just really love those guitars and I like the look of a relic too😊
if you're feeling bold try stripping the finish off one and respraying it in nitro yourself. If it's gonna be a relic you don't have to worry so much about any imperfections
I play guitar for a living and I absolutely love the Road Worn series. I have the 50s Telecaster and the 60s Stratocaster. The only thing about them that I hate are those hot Tex Mex Pickups. On my Telecaster I put a set of Fender Original 52 pickups and it sounds perfect. I haven't decided what pickups to put in the Strat. I like very low output pickups so I'm checking the market.
Got a road worn strat, put in the Clapton boost. I really like the light relic on it. It’s a screamer. With the Tex mex oem pickups. Worth the price. Being dinged and scratched I don’t mind taking it to play out. Have a 96 mim poly finish strat- not a scratch on . Kinda am happy that it’s still pristine. Blah and blah.
I like a guitar that speaks to me. My Telecaster sees some wear almost every time I take it out of the house (nitro), and it speaks to me in its very own way. My most used guitar is a well-used but mostly scratchless Am Deluxe Stratocaster, and it also speaks me with a voice of its own. I like each guitar I own to have its own idiosyncrasies, and to me the wear on lacquer and neck/frets just is one out of many ways in which each of my guitars can be its own thing. Some will have it, and some won't. They're all good.
I have a 50´s and a 60´s Roadworn Strat and after upgrading the tremblocks and the pickups they are really great guitars. The stock tex mex pickups are horrible. I had my guitar tech dress the higher frets a little flatter in the middle so the 7,25" radius is not an issue while bending even with a slightly lower action. I also sanded down the necks of two other guitars because the lacquerless necks feel so much better.
Great vid and debate, amazing playing, i love both new and reliced but find a relic neck grippy and sticky for some reason, but nitro for body is best .
YOU BUILDING A CNC KIT**WORTH ABOUT $ 500**FENDER CUSTOM SHOP USES SAME CNC PARTS WILL COST THOUSANDS. .PRICE DEPENDS ON WHO PUTS IT TOGETHER.. **DR KEL
I think it comes down to feel. I'll never be a touring musician, but the guitar has to feel good. I like a pretty guitar, but a guitar that has had the strings played off of it year after year just feels good. I was in the recently in the market for a new guitar and spent a few minutes playing new Strats and Teles, and put them down because of how the necks felt. If I had bought either of them online, which I was considering to get a particular color combination, I would have been sending it back.
the finish on the neck of that guitar is so thick and sticky, that I put the guitar down after 40 seconds of playing it. But, I guess Eric likes that type of finish.
Haha before it panned to Ariel I was thinking the Capn was sounding damn good. No offense Capn. You’re pretty good but Ariel is in that other world of goodness. Those guitars sound like butter! That Princeton Reverb is awesome. My living room favorite amp.
Saw Roadworn in the title and clicked immediately. I picked up my 60's roadworn strat two years ago in a local shop, and having played many expensive and old strats, I can say with confidence it is by far the best strat I have ever played. I didn't plan on buying a guitar that day, I was just killing time, but I couldn't leave the store without it. It was a magic instrument and had to be mine. Spent every cent of my savings at the time (we musicians are known for our fantastic financial decisions) and over the time since then the guitar has broken in beautifully. The tex mex pickups sing and the sustain is unreal. I love watching other players pick it up because every time they are shocked at how natural it feels and that its a Mexican. If you are in the market for a relic or just a flat out awesome guitar, you should pick one up for sure.
Love the video as always guys! cheers
Ever tried a Highway One and if so how do they compare? Thanks
That Fender interview with Clapton when he talks about moving from the LP and SG to the Strat, he made it over to the States and then began looking in pawn shops for the most beat up Strats because if they were beat up, it meant somebody played them and they were probably good
Here's the problem with good reliced guitars:
I can't afford them.
Max Kanone you can build your own with a little time & patience. I’ve got a playlist of about 30 videos on my channel detailing how to do it...for under $1,000
Nathan Sink Well, I'm going to have a look. Thanks, mate! Going for a American Pro Tele this year.
Max Kanone right on! Best of luck. 👍🏻
dsfadsfgafgf I love the self-depreciation, haha. I’m sure your Tele rocks. :) I wanted to do pure Nitro, and go for the best parts I could reasonably get, while saving money on labor.
who wants to pay that kind of money for a guitar that looks damaged anyways?
I know it's a strat vid, but i was hoping Pete's purple relic'd Tele would make guest appearance. Great playing, guys!
It actually did, given it's in the background ;b
Anderton's has established strategic guitar superiority over the other channels. Such a tremendous lineup of players.
Why can't Fender just make an affordable series with a nitro finish? I think that would satisfy the majority of people in the middle-ground of the relic'd vs. pristine spectrum. For example, I love the way a relic'd Fender looks, but the thought of buying one seems counterintuitive. Plus, I want to earn the wear myself. And as far as the nice feel of a worn in neck; sandpaper is really cheap.
They used too, I believe the Highway One series used to be finished in thin satin nitro. And probably their most affordable US made series at the time.
I'm talking even more affordable than American made, though. Especially since in Mexico and Far East countries EPA-type regulations on spraying nitrocellulose in mass factory production is probably a lot more lax than in the US.
Eric Johnson Stratocaster is the affordable guitar....
Greg Toolson «50’s and 60’s lacquer» made in Mexico guitars has nitro finishes. Just look for the ones with the word lacquer in the product name.
I know I’m late but the roadworn strats and stuff are nitro contrary to what Pete said
Happy days ...Ariel and Pete 👊
Hands down....Andertons has got THE best demo videos with THE finest examples of playing out there. Period.
I'm one of "those people" (as Ariel pointed out) who likes to keep his stuff looking as new as possible. I get the sanded neck thing but to me that is more about "customizing" a guitar to suit your play-ability preferences. What will be interesting to see in 40-50 years is the resale value on these relic guitars.... time will tell. I hear absolutely no difference in your playing no matter what guitar your guys are working your magic on. It all sounds great to me. Thanks for the video and have a great day.
anything with Danish Pete and Ariel is worth the watch.
A strat is such a simple instrument. you can blah blah all about some special thing. alder. single coils. maple. maybe some rosewood or similar timber. Maybe not. mexico. korea. Indonesia. america. it matters not really. long as its made passably well....and you have the skills and hands...it will do that beautiful thing a strat does.
they need to intonate and hold their tune when whammed...
You’re funny....
I've recently stripped the poly finish from the body and of my 2005 American Standard Strat... the difference in resonance and responsiveness is massive! It's always been a so so guitar for me but since doing this it's come alive and I can't stop playing it!
I remember in the mid 90's when a mate of mine bought an old 1958 Les Paul TV Special that was so finish checked and the rear of the body was almost devoid of any colour at all. Just bare wood the whole back from belt buckle rash and most of the rear of the rear of the neck was stripped of original finish from playing and someone using a cappo over the years. The store owner had it listed for bugger all because it wasn't in great condition. These days people would clamber over their dying mother to own a guitar with playing history like that on it or at least set their mother on fire for a pre 'distressed' finish. If you like it buy it. If not then don't. :D
From my perspective, not as a full on guitar player, but as a photographer, I can definitely see the appeal of relic'd guitars. If I get a brand new camera for example, I end up treating it like a new born baby, which inevitably takes my focus away from actually taking pictures. However, when I take my 40 year old film camera out, I don't care about it getting more digs and scratches because it already looks like it's been through a war, which frees me up just to shoot.
I now do exactly the same when I get a new bass guitar. I immediately give it some abuse, otherwise I just won't play it without having that fear in the back of my head that I'm going to hurt my new baby. At the end of the day, for me, they're tools that need to be used and if getting them pre-beaten up helps you use them, then that's fantastic!
p.s. if you don't agree with me and like your guitars pristine, then that's cool too - Whatever makes you happy!
Stuart Carden good point. But its not that people want pristine guitars though. I for one like a naturally relic'd guitar cuz it has history. Even if its diy theres still a story. Manufactured relics just try to cash in on giving fake history and character to guitars
I totally see where you're coming from :) - I dunno though, fake or not I still find them appealing. Maybe it's because I can make up a back story in my head, even if it isn't true.
Stuart Carden the only thing I fear for when playing my guitar is breaking the strings, so there will always be a "treat nicely" mindset going on
Sensible! As a bass player I don't have to worry too much but if a string did go it would probably kill me lol
Truth on the camera comparison. I have a “Millennium Edition” Hasselblad 503CW that is completely mint like new, and I bought it new 23 years ago. But I’m terrified of anything happening to it when I use it, so it sits in my camera cabinet. I also have a 1955 Rolleiflex MX-EVS and I take it everywhere, it makes fantastic images. Trophy pieces of gear will never get used as much as you think it will. Get something that you can use as a tool, not a showpiece. You’ll get much more enjoyment from it. Guitars are the same, if you’re afraid of scratching it, you’ll never use it as you should.
Hello,
Thanks for the video guys. Two Points:
1. The American Professional Strat featured in the video has a satin finish on the back of the neck. That could have been an interesting point for comparison to the sanded necks on relics and road worns.
2. Also the Professionals and the old Standards and the new American Original Series have rolled fret-board edges, making them feeling instantly old and comfortable compared to, say, a "Classic Series 60's MIM SE Matching Heastock Daphne Blue" that has sharp fret-board edges and a ton of clear coat on the back of the neck!!!
Really really really would like a video where Pete tells us stories about his early playing/touring days. Be a dead easy captain meets episode!
Totally get the relic thing myself, but I definitely prefer having a new looking guitar, and then having any aesthetic damage come through natural playing, feels a bit more organic to me! Amazing playing in that intro guys
Michael Walshe totally agree. To me the "factory relic" looks a bit fake... Always the same marks in the same places. The real relic, with the hits and scratches of an old guitar, tells you the story of the instrument.
Exactly! I can't imagine the awkward moment with a relic guitar when someone asks "oh how did that happen?" and you have to turn around and either lie or tell them that you bought it like that for the price (or even more expensive!) of a newer looking one
Yeah, earning that wear will make a much better story, when you tell them "yeah I smacked it into a wall cos I'm careless". The majority of the stories of wear on guitars isn't interesting. My old strat looks great, lots of honest wear.....caused by putting it in the back seat of my car and it falling off.
Ahaha yeah admittedly the stories aren't always the most exciting, but I think there is a bit more charm to it myself
What guys like Ariel actually want is the neck from the guitar I made from parts....roasted maple, absolutely zero finish. It feels better than any "worn in" neck, cos there's nothing there to wear. I also love the Pao Ferro being a cheap replacement for Rosewood....back a few years, it was the special wood reserved for stuff like the SRV sig
I just picked up a 67 heavy relic Strat in vintage white. My first relic guitar. I love it.
I've said it before, but will say it again: watching these two play/demo always inspires me to go pick up my guitar.
These two are so good!
Anderson’s has some of the best presenters/musicians on UA-cam.
probably my favorite intro jam I've seen on here. Lovely job boys.
Lacquered vs Knackered
TheVimFuego 😂😂😂
We need some more episodes of Jamderton's!
I believe Australians are now relicing their cricket balls with Vegemite toast crumbs.
As an Australian I can confirm this to be true
You win... well done :-)
Priceless!
Lol
So long as Fender don't start hiding things down their trousers when they relic, I don't mind.
smoking the wacky tabaccy and listening to Andertons jams is the best time ever
I wanna see a video where Pete shows all his guitars and tells stories about them all
Any video with Ariel and Pete has to be watched. Love hearing these two chaps play laid-back blues etc. Rab is the heavier guitar guru. Capt Lee should know that these guys are a great asset to the channel.
You know, Danish Pete would made a fishing rod with one string sound as good as a 5000€ custom shop strat !
I exchanged my 2015 Gibson Les Paul standard for a roadworn strat (white) and ill never regret it
Money wise I lost but quality wise I win by miles
I have a 2015 les paul studio and I'm really thinking about making the same change.
Lansley Boy daaamn, you lose a lot of money bro
Yeah but I got the les Paul on Black Friday so not incredibly much
Why wouldn’t you just sell the les paul, buy the strat, and have extra money? That was a TERRIBLE decision
Absolutely love my Roadworn 60's Strat with Rosewood - the neck feels incredibly comfortable with no finish. Going to also take the lacquer off my Tele's neck.
LOVE Relic!!!
When a guitar is worn, it makes me ‘dare to dig in’ a lot more. I own a pristine Les Paul that sounds amazing, but my worn (not reliced) EJ strat just makes me play a lot more inspired.
I bought a road worn bout 10yrs ago because I do about 300 gigs a year and wanted something that it didn’t matter if it got a few extra dings. It’s since become my number 1 Strat I love it, it’s also worn even more now and looks Uber cool so it’s a win all round for me
Ariel, Gasmwagon. Those lines man.
I’ve got a 2008/2009 Olympic White RW 60s Strat and I love it. It’s had some mods done before I got it and my old man did a killer set up and has helped me dial in the specifics to get it tuned up right for my playing. It was definitely loved before it came into my life which I really appreciate. Now that it’s mine, I’ll never let it go. However, I can’t say I won’t spring for a Master Built Strat at some point in the future.
I knocked over my PRS SE by accident while vacuuming. Both tone knobs broke but the rest of the guitar didn’t get a scratch because it was still in the stand. Replaced the tone knobs with a slightly different pattern and it’s all good. Love my one and only guitar!
Not convinced my Relic 'Sounds' much different to say my American Vintage but I definitely 'feel' a difference.. Just grateful to have them....
Each to there own I guess.
I Still don't sound like these two though fml.
Have a 1989 Strat Plus and a CS1960 Relic which I bought about 8 years ago. The poly coat on my '89 has gone from white to a dark cream colour but nothing has worn. It's dented & chipped but not worn. It's a great guitar but the poly just feels like it's killing the resonance. The CS1960 is something else. Super skinny neck for some reason but it sounds glorious and just feels so much more resonant. I sat in a shop and tried everything from MIMs to masterbuilds and that's the one I chose. I didn't care if it was relic'd or not. I just wanted the last Strat I would ever need to buy but generally, the relic'd ones were the ones that I preferred the feel of. I have been rediculed for spending so much on a battered looking guitar but I am grateful for your video! I feel vindicated!! :-)
It wouldn't work to have a relic'd PRS though. As you say, poly doesn't wear so it would just look and feel all wrong...
These guys are just too good, if I was wearing a hat I'd take it off to Ariel and Pete - awesome sounds, sensible shirts. Good work!
Wow, just wow on the jam!
You're so good dudes! And you're so simple! So bluesy, so groovy! Thanks for your videos. Love it! Cédric from Lille (F)
I’ve only ever played one relic’d guitar. It was a brand new 2000 ESP vintage plus. It was (hands down) the nicest playing guitar I’ve ever touch. I’ve been dreaming about finding something similar for the past 20 years.
I love reliced! I've sanded my neck and have enjoyed it more because of it!
Relics play better. My issue however, with them is that the reason they play better (from my perspective) is that the lacquer is gone. Relics require so many man hours of labour and that equates to a more expensive guitar and they happen to be artificially beat up, it can look good or bad. For me though I'd prefer if they just skipped the lacquering all together and sold that, save on man hours (lower price) and you can beat it up.
Love this episode. I do not like lacquered necks, which is what has led me to oiled necks (Music Man, Carvin/Kiesel), but I do like the look of a pristine guitar. Relic'ed is cool in its own way.
Perfect timing for my lunch break. Cheers guys!
Pete- are they the Chris Buck signatures in your blue strat? Interesting to know what you make of them.
"Love is a verb". 😂😂😂
Hi Bill, Share the love. :)
It don't mean two words
It ain't a thing
i have one of these in the sunburst and it’s absolutely amazing
I see a new video with Strat in the title and I hit like. I have an insatiable appetite.
Lessons with Ariel and Pete. Make it happen
brandon caleb I had lessons from both of them for a whole week on the guitar-breaks holiday back in November . Such a great experience. You should check those holidays out.
Thats IT!!! I am learning that whole intro lead, both parts there's a huuuuge bunch of tasty finger lickin licks for yer fingers for lick library in my mind 😊
I have a 2017 model Road Worn 50’s Strat I put a set of Pure Vintage 59’s in (same pickups in the American Original 50’s) and an American Original 50’s Strat. I hate to say it, but even though the American Original is a really great guitar, the RW is better in almost every way (to ME). I know this is a tiny sample size, but it at least shows me just how awesome the RW’s can be. It’s super light and really loud acoustically. And plugged in it’s just a tone monster. Plenty of bite but holds it articulation when over driven. The pure vintage 59’s play a part as well, they are great. So, it plays great, sounds great, and feels great. What else do you need?
Just got a Vintera Road Worn 60s (Lake Placid Blue) today and after playing it for a couple of hours I am completely in love with it already, amazing guitar for the money (ok, nearly 1k GBP isn't exactly cheap, but can American Custom Shop models be circa 4x better than this?, no way José). It feels amazing in the hand, sounds great straight in to amp and through pedals, and looks genuinly 'vintage' in the flesh (they may have used a template for the relicing, but it's done really well). I can't fault it, great job Fender Mexico.
i've never gotten a chance to play a $2000+ relic'd guitar but my friend has a super naturally relic'd heavy gig'd Fender strat and it feels like one of the smoothest playing guitars i have ever held, I just love it. The neck just has these two blackened wear marks down the back side and it feels like all those hands playing all those gigs for 20+ years it's a great feeling.
That purple strat's tone is pure love
I could watch these too jam all day
You gotta love the look of a nice reliced Fender, I just don't think I'd ever buy one...
You can never go wrong with these guys. Unbelievable! Wait what were they selling?
It's a look, feel, and sounding sort of thing. I've had a various assortment of guitars, but nothing beats just a good old aged Fender Strat. The wood resonates a certain way, and it feels more like satin rather than playing what feels like a hunk of plastic. It's like wearing an old pair of shoes. It's just friggin' lovely.
I LOVE heavy relic’d strats! Especially if you do the relicing yourself!
Here I'm an Australian watching the beginning of you guys talking bout Vegemite and Marmite. Interesting convo
When I bought my Wilko Johnson sig tele which is a Mexican tele with poly finish, as soon as I got it home I took some 1200grit wet and dry paper and dry sanded the neck just to smooth the finish a bit and it feels almost as smooth as my original 1974 telecaster, which is a proper road dog. I don't mind relic jobs but it depends on the guitar, my gretsch 5120 pinstriped limited edition it's pristine except for the back of the neck where I have sanded the neck slightly to take away the stickyness.
I like that you mentioned what it takes for a pristine guitar to become a natural 'relic.'
If you look up the footage of Buddy Guy playing the song 'Money' from the movie Festival Express, you'll see a good example of natural wear. The footage is from 1970, and his Strat is probably from '54-'57, meaning that he's playing a 15-year-old instrument, which was completely pristine when it was brand new. But by the time that footage was shot, you can see that it already looked like a 'heavy relic'! It already looked in 1970 exactly how vintage 50's Strats look now, nearly 50 years later. So most of that wear and tear was from the first 10-20 years of the instrument's life.
I have a twenty-year-old American Strat (1998) that I play as hard as I can, every day, for hours-- and it barely even has light scuffing on it. (Though it's only been mine for four years) It's a testament to: A) How thin and easily-worn the lacquer was on 1950's guitars, B) The durability of more modern guitar finishes, and C) Buddy Guy. All things considered, let's just say that earning the right to say your guitar was naturally worn out, by your own playing, takes a LOT of commitment in this day and age, as ever.
I own a roadworn 60s. I thought they were stupid at the time, then I played it and instantly bought it. It's my number 1 go to guitar. They wear really easy. I've had it since 2009.
I'm just a fan of wearing a guitar down myself over time; there's something a lot cooler about knowing that the wear on it was put in by me over years and years of playing and that mine is uniquely worn down by my playing. Nothing against a relic though, I'd take one in a heartbeat.
Pete’s tele is becoming a staple of the UA-cam guitar community
So I was the sort that loves a shiny new looking guitar - pristine, ya know.
My primary axe for about 10 years was a 2006 Ibanez RG370DX. The finish on that thing is indestructible - I left the case open accidentally after a gig and it fell and that was the first ding in year 7.
Then I bought a Suhr Modern Satin, and now I've lost count of the dings on that thing - to the extent that I'm Zen when it comes to the next one. Even when the soft case I was carrying it in fell on the street and the body actually got a dent. The Satin finish has turned into a gloss where my right arm rests, and where a pickguard would be.
So, frankly, today, I've completely stopped caring about the new shiny sort of look. In fact, I've actually started digging the worn look.
I bought a Customshop heavy relic 63 Telecaster and adore it. The feel when playing it is just so different.
Sadly, i havent touched any other of my mexican Fender guitars for a year now.
I don't think I'd ever buy a relic'd guitar, regardless of whether I could afford it, they just don't do it for me. But watching and listening to these two, I'm glad they're available so they can play them like they play them.
Ariel's playing fantastically magical
That purple strat is gooorgeous
shame its not georges
Pete's blue one with the gold scratch plate actually made strange sounds come out of me it was so gorgeous!
Mihnea Zoican Yep man that's THE ONE!
Intro jam was pretty and badass at the same time
Relicing and Aging works and looks good only on Nitrocellulose Finishes (as found on the roadworn and custom shop instruments). I love the effect.
But most modern finishes are Poly-Urethane, on which dings and blemishes look really bad. Though "poly" finishes are more durable than "nitro" finishes, damage does eventually happen, and it looks like crap, without any gain in "visual character." For that reason, one needs to protect a "Poly"-finish MORE than a "nitro"-finish. And that turns the intended effect completely upside down. Thanks for the video!
These intros give me life
Personally I love them. I have a relic parts caster with an Mjt charcoal frost body, and a warmoth neck. I got a lighter relic so I can beat it up myself as I play. It’s got Clapton pickups with the mid boost and it sounds killer! If they’re not for you that’s fine but it’s awesome for me
Beautiful playing Ariel!
Not bad, Pete.
;-)
Last summer, I got a FSR road worn tele with a humbucker in the neck position. I had been hunting a "Keef-style" tele with nitro finish for a long time but the only options were around custom shop prices. I jumped on the road worn as soon as it came out. For 1200 euros, that was unmissable. This guitar is fantastic. Ash body, birdseye smooth soft V maple neck, nitro finish, amazing pickups (Custom Nocaster in the bridge, Seymour Duncan '59 in ther neck), brass saddles, etc. It's just so good. I don't mind the fake dings. This guitar is great, plays fantastic and looks awesome.
byebyebeano is it he black guitar?
Nope, it is the FENDER Special Edition Road Worn Hot Rod Tele - 3-color sunburst... www.wembleymusiccentre.com/fender-special-edition-road-worn-hot-rod-telecaster-electric-guitar-3-tone-sunburst.html
Fender Special Edition Road Worn Hot Rod Telecaster - 3 Tone Sunburst
This Fender Telecaster is an extremely limited model, restricted to well under 200 produced worldwide, this U.S. made Tele is a seriously desirable electric guitar. However, it's not just the small amount of numbers that makes this desirable to collectors and players alike; it's the small but significant features that makes it stand out from the crowd.
With a pure ash body more commonly found on natural finished bodied telecasters, it's got highly distinct treble and less warmth than Fender's more standardly used alder. These tonal features work perfectly well for classic 50s/60s style rock 'n' roll, and that's precisely what this guitar is designed for.
Fitted with a completely unique out-of-the-box pick-up configuration, the special edition road work Telecaster is geared to make an audience boogie. A Seymour Duncan '59 humbucker in the neck is hot, yet full bodied and growls with a ferious roar, whilst a Custom Nocaster Vintage Single-Coil in the bridge produces unmistakable South U.S. twangy tone - great for fingerpicking.
A soft "V" style neck feels comfortable under the hand and creates a great angle under the wrist for styles such as bluesy/rock n roll 3rd and 4th hammer ons, as well as lovely positioning for intricate fingerstyle.
I loved your blue Guitar! 💙
I like nos nitro. I have an American original strat from 2017 that is really wearing/breaking in nicely.
I think the Road Worn guitars look great. I think they have absolutely nailed the spec and level of distress. I haven't got a P90 axe in my stable yet, so I'm hoping to add a RW '60s Jazzmaster. The '60s Strat in OW is stunning with that mint 'guard, too.
i bought a broken 7/1966 body that was Olympic white years back. I paired it up with a highly flamed TG 11/1958 maple neck and finished it in urethane Mary Kaye Blonde so it will be perfect forever. the guitars i build for myself to gig a very heavy reliced and super comfortable to play and i whined all my own A2 pickups for all my guitars. so i have both of the best worlds.
It might sound ridiculous but I would love to have a nicely reliced squier classic vibe 60's strat in candy apple red, I just really love those guitars and I like the look of a relic too😊
if you're feeling bold try stripping the finish off one and respraying it in nitro yourself. If it's gonna be a relic you don't have to worry so much about any imperfections
Great stuff guys!
I play guitar for a living and I absolutely love the Road Worn series. I have the 50s Telecaster and the 60s Stratocaster. The only thing about them that I hate are those hot Tex Mex Pickups. On my Telecaster I put a set of Fender Original 52 pickups and it sounds perfect. I haven't decided what pickups to put in the Strat. I like very low output pickups so I'm checking the market.
Got a road worn strat, put in the Clapton boost. I really like the light relic on it. It’s a screamer. With the Tex mex oem pickups. Worth the price. Being dinged and scratched I don’t mind taking it to play out. Have a 96 mim poly finish strat- not a scratch on . Kinda am happy that it’s still pristine. Blah and blah.
I like a guitar that speaks to me. My Telecaster sees some wear almost every time I take it out of the house (nitro), and it speaks to me in its very own way.
My most used guitar is a well-used but mostly scratchless Am Deluxe Stratocaster, and it also speaks me with a voice of its own.
I like each guitar I own to have its own idiosyncrasies, and to me the wear on lacquer and neck/frets just is one out of many ways in which each of my guitars can be its own thing. Some will have it, and some won't. They're all good.
I have a 50´s and a 60´s Roadworn Strat and after upgrading the tremblocks and the pickups they are really great guitars. The stock tex mex pickups are horrible. I had my guitar tech dress the higher frets a little flatter in the middle so the 7,25" radius is not an issue while bending even with a slightly lower action. I also sanded down the necks of two other guitars because the lacquerless necks feel so much better.
Great vid and debate, amazing playing, i love both new and reliced but find a relic neck grippy and sticky for some reason, but nitro for body is best .
I loved the slow dancing in a copyright strike in the intro
Pete read that message on his watch like a pro when he was showing off the neck on that 90’s Strat.
Yep! I love heavy relic, roadworn etc!
"Custom shop strat... you can't beat one"
Well, clearly you can by the looks of it! :-P
When I see a video of Pete and Ariel... Insta like!
23:12 You're right Pete! This whole time I thought I had clicked on the John Mayer sig PRS video again! Darn! ;)
One of my favorite jams!
$500 or $5000...whatever bakes your noodle
YOU BUILDING A CNC KIT**WORTH ABOUT $ 500**FENDER CUSTOM SHOP USES SAME CNC PARTS WILL COST THOUSANDS. .PRICE DEPENDS ON WHO PUTS IT TOGETHER.. **DR KEL
I like the texture when the lacquered paint guitar reflects light.
I think it comes down to feel. I'll never be a touring musician, but the guitar has to feel good. I like a pretty guitar, but a guitar that has had the strings played off of it year after year just feels good. I was in the recently in the market for a new guitar and spent a few minutes playing new Strats and Teles, and put them down because of how the necks felt. If I had bought either of them online, which I was considering to get a particular color combination, I would have been sending it back.
How about old Eric Johnson vs new Thinline Eric Johnson
Has he been on a diet. Didn't look as if he had to.
Good idea
the finish on the neck of that guitar is so thick and sticky, that I put the guitar down after 40 seconds of playing it. But, I guess Eric likes that type of finish.
Haha before it panned to Ariel I was thinking the Capn was sounding damn good. No offense Capn. You’re pretty good but Ariel is in that other world of goodness. Those guitars sound like butter! That Princeton Reverb is awesome. My living room favorite amp.