My name is Brett. I have had this fascination with well-worn instruments for the last ten years. I don't know what it is about them, whether it’s the Mystical Mojo of SRV's Strat or the Powering Grooves of Jaco's Jazz bass. Most people cannot get their guitars to look like that, no matter how much they play it. Those instruments are from decades of hard use and heavy touring.

Growing increasingly upset with the price of vintage and well-worn instruments, I decided to take it upon myself to learn how to age these instruments into what you see today. Many people don't understand the allure of these instruments, but those that do will appreciate the work I do to them.

Since each instrument is aged differently -- from mild to wild -- the cost is also going to be different. That said, here is some basic pricing for guitars and basses.

Some things to remember: These prices are for the aging process only. These do not include return shipping or the cost of the instrument. All payments are due before work is started. Return shipping will be calculated when the instrument is completed. If I am aging an existing instrument of yours, obviously, shipping of the instrument to me is also not included. Any extras are at the buyer’s expense (i.e. pickguard changes, pickups, etc). We can discuss custom options at time of sale.

Custom Instruments: Please call me or email me for details. I am now offering custom built to order basses and guitars.

Poly Finished Instruments: Poly instruments can only be done with light wear, They can not be done with heavy wear.
Instruments with rosewood fretboards $225
Instruments with maple fretboards $300

Nitro Lacquer Finished Instruments: Your choice from light to heavy wear.
Instruments with rosewood fretboards $350
Instruments with maple fretboards $425

Instrument Bodys Only:
Poly Finishes $150
Nitro Lacquer Finishes $250

Instrument Necks Only:
Instrument necks will range from $75-125, depending on fretboard

Misc Instrument Parts:
Plastics by themselves (i.e., pickguards) $40
Metals by themselves (i.e., bridges, tuners) $70

Thanks for stopping by.
Brett
www.vintagedguitars.com

http://www.vintagedguitars.com/pictures/HighwayP/DSC_0002.JPG
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http://www.vintagedguitars.com/pictures/PbassWhite/DSC_0002.JPG
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Last project recently done. A Fender Highway One strat. Its not a bass but oh well..

Updated proper pictures :)

http://www.vintagedguitars.com/Blondie/DSC_0001.JPG
http://www.vintagedguitars.com/Blondie/DSC_0002.JPG

new one finished today..


http://www.ibanezpodxt.com/Sunny/DSC_0021.JPG
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Brett,
I stopped into Cambridge Music while I was out and spotted this vintage guitar. Your latest project is pretty close - nicely done.

http://www.cambridgemusic.com/browse.cfm/6,7218.html

They had a great '70's P-bass trans butterscotch that showed nice even wear down to the wood. They don't have pictures of that one yet but it would be a fine model for you as well.

thanks Dangnewt pictures saved.

Pickguard done for Jared92
http://www.ibanezpodxt.com/Misc/Jared/DSC_0001.JPG
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Well just finishing up a couple Highway One relics for customers.

First is a Pbass that the customer wanted like one I did previously. The second is a Tele about to commence, and the third is a Strat. Thought it was funny to take a picture of my Reliced Highway One Strat next to a brand new Highway One Strat.

http://www.ibanezpodxt.com/Misc/020108/DSC_0001.JPG
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Customers response to the work I did on his telecaster which can be seen on my site.

Hello Brett,

I got my tele today and what a great valentines present. This tele plays sweet and the work you did on the neck is amazing! I cant thank you enough for the fine art and detail that you put into this project. Your work is greatly appreciated. I really enjoyed you sending the the photos and keeping me up to date with the progress. I am really surprised that you are not working for the Fender Custom shop. I have to say this tele looks better than any Fender Custom Shop that I have ever seen. Your attention to detail is amazing. Thanks again and I will keep in touch with you. It has been a pleasure.

Thanks again

Chris Durow

im now officially 100% offering custom basses with or without the vintaged treatment.. I can do shiny too :)

http://www.vintagedguitars.com/pictures/Flame/DSC_0019.JPG

Candy Apple Red is now also available on custom instruments as well as the other vintage colors listed on my site.

What type of technique do you use for the relicing of the body?

to many to list.

http://www.ibanezpodxt.com/Daphne/11/DSC_0001.JPG

well officially all Custom basses will come stock with Nordstrand pickups :)

Brett,
I stopped into Cambridge Music while I was out and spotted this vintage guitar. Your latest project is pretty close - nicely done.

http://www.cambridgemusic.com/browse.cfm/6,7218.html

They had a great '70's P-bass trans butterscotch that showed nice even wear down to the wood. They don't have pictures of that one yet but it would be a fine model for you as well.

Boy that brings me back! When I was growing up in Newton in the late 70s I would go to Cambridge Music and they would have racks of old Strats, Les Pauls, Jazz basses, etc and amps to match for cheap. Even into the 80s they had nice stuff. Last time I was there, it was mostly newer asian stuff for the cost of the old gear back in the day.

For a while in the 80s they had Andy West's Alembic for sale but it was above my college budget.

Edwin

http://www.vintagedguitars.com/pictures/Sadowsky/DSC_0008.JPG

http://www.vintagedguitars.com/pictures/Seafoam/DSC_0023.JPG

pretty cool idear, ill give ya that!

plus, you do well with the age work! looks nice! That shiny is pretty cool!

Ok its Tax Refund Time, Anyone who orders something from now until April 30th will recieve $200 off a custom bass.

Custom Basses are normally $1500 with HSC with this Talkbass exclusive price it will be $1300 with HSC.

Standard Custom Basses Include:
Alder or Ash bodys
Maple or Rosewood necks
Your Choice of pickguard color
Nordstrand Pickups stock
Gotoh Reverse Vintage Tuners
Vintage Slotted Saddle Bridge
Your choice of colors listed on my site
Your choice of vintaged treatment from mild to wild.

I love the work ur doing Bret, I agree that there is something really alluring about a well worn Bass. Unfortunately I have a new arctic white Fender Jazz, which I don't think suits the look as much as other colours/finishes. However if I ever have the money or a Bass i think would suit the look I would be really interested in ur services.

Sorry I don't have any business for you but its great 2 know u r doing this kind of work and I will mention ur site 2 all my Bass playing friends :bassist:

thank you.. :)

pics?