*ender Road Worn guitars (Page 2 of 2)

Just a simple little story about the so-called "worn" or "relic" guitars that some companies put out. The guy that does the set-ups on my guitars (cannot divulge a name... sorry) used to work with Hamer and USA Dean guitars in the 70's and 80's and he told me of a story where he was at Tom Murphy's place when he received a shipment of LP's from Gibson. Let's first dispell the stories that Murph "hand-picked" these guitars.... bs ! Gibson used to ship him random batches of LP's that Tom would like either drag around the shop or in his driveway or wherever to beat 'em up. What a gig to have...... That was the ones that he "aged" as far as he knew but he was unsure of the process for the ones that he actually finished. It's just kind of comical that people think it's a real special process... we all have the tools (rope, vehicle and a driveway or gravel road). Granted, some processes are a little more elaborate but I just thought some of you might enjoy that story. And as far as I know, TM didn't renew his contract with Gibson. But if anyone wants a custom relic job or extreme road worn ax, send 'em to me and I can do it cheaper! Just kidding... I think it's a shame to beat up a beautiful instrument.

A friend of mine purchased a Murphy Les Paul last year and if memory serves me correct, it was between $6000-$7000. Unbelievable... especially since it played no better than an average LP Studio ! Don't get me wrong, I absolutely LOVE Les Pauls, but I don't fall for the hype. Like the PLEKing being something special for all new Pauls. The machine is only as good as the set-up man. And if you believe the computer does all the necessaty changing for every guitar.... you're fooling yourself. Play a guitar Plek'd by John Suhr, then a new plek'd LP off the rack..... who you kidding? Again, I love Les Pauls... they're one of the best and most favored guitars in history. But one must be a little smarter than the marketing major ! I've got more stories but cannot put 'em out everywhere, for some were told in confidentiality and I respect that. I'm not bad-mouthing Gibson, all the big ones do it. It's all about the hype. How about Fender's "road worn" series? Big ad program after a what, 20,30% across the board increase. Did Fender's suppliers raise their prices? I'm sure they did. They all need more money these days.... Fender was supposed to be the affordable guitar in its inception, but the man doesn't run that show no more ! Okay, I'm done rambling... I need to spend more time playing ......

I'm not a big fan of aging/relicing thing, but here's Tom Murphy talking about how he does it. It's a little more involved than dragging it around his shop.

http://www.gibson.com/en-us/Lifestyle/V … Distressi/

I didn't imply that it was the method used every time. I believe it's true and that it happened but again I state that I am sure there is a much more humane (and professional) way to age the guitars... especially when doing the paint. Tom gets paid to do a job that people want and pay for, so however he does it is basically a moot point for us who don't understand the whole concept of buying and paying super high money for a guitar that may or may not even warrant playing long enough to get worn in. Hats off to Tom, I wish I had his talents and I definitely wish I made the cake he does for what he does. He came up with something that no one had really done before. I was simply telling a tale.... a true tale I believe..... for what it's worth. I just don't grasp the concept.... but to each his own. BTW: I aready relic'd my newest LP.... and I was p/o'd, but I can't play it in  bubble.

I saw some photos and they look like someone just took a belt sander to thier necks and the arm rest on the body. Fretboard totally does not look like natural wear.

- Nic from Detroit... posting on JB's Forum since 6-2-2006
Ask me about my handwound Great Lakes Guitar Pickups
Since 2010, Bonamassa fans have taken advantage of my JB friend discount = my cost + shipping.

To me, relic guitars are like having a fake scar on your face. It implies a good story, but in fact doesn't mean anything. If the relic work brought something to tone and action then maybe. But for me, relics are posers. It doesn't mean that some of them aren't good guitars, they're just a lie.

Just my opinion,
Larry

Some may miss the point. Not all of us buy Custom Shop aged guitars because of how they look. The playabilty and resonance means more to me than the finish. Just so happens that the one I fell for was a Closet Classic. And I would happily keep it over and above other guitars I have that cost more and look better but just don't play as well or sound as good. Don't judge a guitar by the cover