Thanks
Many people don’t play by the bridge. I would venture that “most” don’t. I rarely see vintage instruments with players wear there, usually only knicks/bumps and string wear from pulling strings through the back of the bridge.
Chrome on vintage instruments almost never dulls like steel wool dulls. It typically scratches and pits. And metal on vintage instruments rarely ages the same.... usually neck plates, control plates, bridge plates, and bridge covers stay a lot shinier than bridges and tuner ears.
Very few vintage instruments have cigarette burns
I’m pretty “overly attentive” when it comes to aging these. I have bought and sold hundreds of vintage instruments and have pics of thousands. When I age something I start with a “story”.... who played it, where did they play it, how, what was the playing position, etc etc. For instance, someone who played punk or rock every night in a smoky bar will have an instrument that ages very differently than someone who played jazz 4 times a month. And the rock player probably would play with the strap position lower. Possibly with a pick, but not necessarily. Belt buckle rash would likely be greater than with a jazz player, and often there would be more bridge tarnishing and wear due to sweat.
Of course every player and instrument is different .
Here are some more pics ....
