It is odd and it really does put some people off. But the same person who wouldn't play a relic'd bass because he would feel like a poseur would have no problems playing a genuine old looking bass whose wear he did not put on himself (and not feel like a poseur). So its not the appearance of the relic, its not the fact that the wear wasn't put on by the player of the bass. It's something else. Its like the bass itself is the poseur; the authentic bass has something intrinsic that the relic'd bass does not. Clearly this is not the case. They are both just wood, paint, metal, sweat, smoke, etc.
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Relic Guitars and Basses
- Thread starter LazyGecko
- Start date
I'm so thankful for this thread. Now I know this guy on the internet thinks relics are neat and that guy doesn't! I'm definitely a better musician because of it. Thanks again!
It's interesting that some folks are willing to pay to have their new instruments relic'd, meanwhile people selling used instruments attempt to get as much as they can by touting that they were kept in smoke free, pet free homes and may have a slight ding by the input jack that doesn't come out in pictures and is barely noticeable and is otherwise in almost new condition.
If everyone liked mojo, nobody would refinish basses. Personally, I prefer non-relic'd finishes. However, a couple of years ago I did pick up a '64 Fender Jazz CS Relic used because it played and sounded so good that I didn't care what it looked like. When I went to have the bass set up, the repair shop was unable to adjust the bridge saddles due to the heavy relic job. You can't just slap a new part of a relic'd instrument without it looking totally out of place, so they had to buy a new bridge and relic it themselves, which added a small bit to the repair cost.
As to the OP's question, I think the criteria people use to decide value and an acceptable price-point for a purchase is the same no matter if the finish is relic'd or pristine. The bass has to appeal to you on some level before you'll even consider buying it. Relic'd or not is irrelevant.
As for the whole poseur thing; there are plenty of guys running around with coffee table basses who qualify for that title. A bass' finish doesn't determine if someone's a poseur; that's strictly up to the player.
-Alan
As to the OP's question, I think the criteria people use to decide value and an acceptable price-point for a purchase is the same no matter if the finish is relic'd or pristine. The bass has to appeal to you on some level before you'll even consider buying it. Relic'd or not is irrelevant.
As for the whole poseur thing; there are plenty of guys running around with coffee table basses who qualify for that title. A bass' finish doesn't determine if someone's a poseur; that's strictly up to the player.
-Alan
Yeah that's what happens when I try to ask a simple question like whether or not relic basses are good
That's what happens when you ask a question that's been asked a thousand times already.Yeah that's what happens when I try to ask a simple question like whether or not relic basses are good
Instead of telling me to "grow up" please see the TalkBass rules: http://www.talkbass.com/threads/updated-11-24-11-basses-forum-rules-please-read.138979/#post-7507147
Saying a relic finish bass is "fake finished" is BASHING ok. Do you understand that? I could say it s-l-o-w-e-r for you if that helps.
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