Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
Join free Log in
Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.
Relic Thoughts
- Thread starter register2
- Start date
- Dec 11, 2008
- 192
- 2
- Disclosures
- Endorsing Artist: Warwick Basses & Framus guitars, Pigtronix, Aguilar Amps, Orange Amps,
I don't have any "reliced" instrument. But to me it's just a way to get the "feel" of a vintage instrument, which is pretty awesome to me, without spending 10K.
Some guys might look at this vid and think, hey that girl is really good and others might say "hey thats a dude" and be distracted by the person being a proficient bassist. I personally wouldn't dress in a skirt (maybe a Kilt) and post on youtube and I would never damage a perfectly good instrument in an attempt to make it look used, what ever floats your boat I guess.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ReDe5hfmmw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ReDe5hfmmw
I've no problem with people relic'ing their instruments, but I personally would never do it. It's kinda like cutting holes in your jeans...
The only point I will make is that sometimes your views will change about this type of thing. I have a NOS Nocaster that is in NOS condition except for the "halo" effect I'm putting on the pick guard from playing. I have to admit I kinda wish the guitar had a little wear look to it. I would never pay someone to "beat it up" for me but I wish it had that aged look.
I once owned a USA JO and fretted over beating it up by gigging in bars etc. I sold it for that reason. Now my thinking has changed and I like the "relic" look so gigging with it would seem natural to me. Go figure.
I once owned a USA JO and fretted over beating it up by gigging in bars etc. I sold it for that reason. Now my thinking has changed and I like the "relic" look so gigging with it would seem natural to me. Go figure.
To me this subject is not difficult to understand, it is a symptom of our times (such as they are), by which I mean instant gratification. If you really want a "relic" instrument with that particular sound go and buy one, if you can't afford it ......wait and save the money. Because a new "reliced" instrument is simply a fake. It's a fake because either the sound is wrong for the appearence or the appearence is wrong for the sound. the only other view is that the appearance is your personal taste and therefore "modded" which is the opposite of "relic".
It's only a "fake" if it's presented as the real thing. It's just a look. The only reason to save for an overpriced vintage instrument is that you think the old instruments play better. Some do, but there are many, many dogs that are just old. A "relic-ed" instrument is much better to gig with. If it's stolen, you're not losing a piece of history that can never be replaced.
It's not a fake, just a look.
I never thought I'd like the whole messed up look until I picked up a 57 fender bassman ltd relic for about $400 less than one that wasn't relic'd! Guess it kinda grew on me coz now I think it's pretty cool.
It's kinda crazy to me that some ppl would pay more to have this look, but to each his own I guess.
It's kinda crazy to me that some ppl would pay more to have this look, but to each his own I guess.
I don't understand the point of purposely damaging the looks of the instrument. I could see if it was honestly made that way over time, then the owner could be proud of the bass' long life, but to do it on purpose is ridiculous.
To me, there's nothing that's better looking than a brand new bass in perfect condition.
To me, there's nothing that's better looking than a brand new bass in perfect condition.
darnit! and here I was thinking that I finally have a tribute thread...
You mean relic'd as in deliberately mangled basses? Not "Relic" as in the super-cool TB guy?
As always, a day late and dollar short....
sniffle
You mean relic'd as in deliberately mangled basses? Not "Relic" as in the super-cool TB guy?
As always, a day late and dollar short....
sniffle
I like relicing when it's done well, but the people who hate it will spread their hate as loud and as long as they can until a question or debate turns into an argument between "why not?" and "BLASPHEMER!"
Thank you!!
Different strokes for different folks and all that... why is that such a hard idea for people to grasp?
I agree. But I have a P-bass with a few dings that now that it's past "pristine" condition I now no longer care if it get a few more. So why not take it to the next level and really beat it up? I don't think it's "damaging" the instrument, it's "altering" the looks.
It's perfect for a gigging instrument.
+2
On the other hand, I don't lose sleep over chips and dings when they do happen. It's inevitable if you're actually using them to work, just like using any tool.
I don't understand intentionally thrashing on something that I spent a grand or two on though!
Exactly. At least for me, it's awkward to gig with a pristine looking/feeling instrument, mostly because of the fact that I worry constantly about running into things, dropping my bass, etc. where with an instrument that already has some wear, I don't feel like I'm really doing anything to it. Kind of defeating those "first ding jitters," dig?
I wouldn't be as keen on a heavy, heavy relic, but some light relicing (finish checking, a few dings, some wear at the forearm contour [which I should reiterate is what most relics are]) helps me loosen up with the bass so I can put MY wear on it.
Damn boys; it's all good; whatever makes you happy
I'm not into basses painted pink, but if you dig it, it's cool with me
The thing I don't understand is the attraction to buy these incredible high price basses from Fender. Seems like pricing is getting close to the real thing.
I'm not into basses painted pink, but if you dig it, it's cool with me
The thing I don't understand is the attraction to buy these incredible high price basses from Fender. Seems like pricing is getting close to the real thing.
I own a bass that is over 25 years old...The binding has yellowed and its got dings and I love it. Search for an old bass its not that difficult.
its not that difficult.
Chris Squire's Rick is about 1/2 inch thinner than it was originally because he kept refinnishing it to get the look he wanted. It's all about asthetics. If the way your bass looks makes you feel good play it. If you don't like it ; it's your's to change as you see fit. I don't understand why anyone finds this a big deal. We started playing music because it made us happy. If playing a beat up bass(reliced or "earned") is what excites someone who are we to be judgemental about it. Half of the joy I get out of my instruments is the modifications I do to them. While mine are directed towards playability and tone, I am not above switching hardware or pickguards to suit my tastes. I see nothing wrong with someone liking an aged look and deciding to relic their instrument.
Well I didn't mean to start anybody hurting anybody else's feelings. Firstly, I should say that one of my main issues with the relic treatment is that the present participle of relic is too often written as "relicing," which I invariably read as re-licing, as in "to lice again," and that is something that should definitely be avoided with any bass. You really shouldn't even lice it a first time unless you absolutely must. The apostrophe is key here: "relic'ing" - so much more pleasing to the eye.
Second, again, I didn't mean to open a can of worms. I think I was probably taking these instruments a little to seriously when I posted that. The jeans analogy makes good sense - if it's just a piece of wood to you, then you are of course free to decorate the outside however you please. So - sorry if I ticked anyone off, just putting my two cents out there.
Second, again, I didn't mean to open a can of worms. I think I was probably taking these instruments a little to seriously when I posted that. The jeans analogy makes good sense - if it's just a piece of wood to you, then you are of course free to decorate the outside however you please. So - sorry if I ticked anyone off, just putting my two cents out there.
