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SHOW YOUR DISTRESSED FINISHES!

#7,143
A close view of the fretboard.
IMG_20260131_110025.jpg

In reality, it's not as dark as ebony, but it's still a nice piece of rosewood.
 
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#7,150
SJLee said:
Same here. Just to clarify, I often post examples of vintage basses showing finishes of natural wear. So, I can’t take credit for this beautiful photo or for ownership of the bass.
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Right - my reason for starting this thread now 13 years ago (w/over 7k posts!) was to create a visual library of distressed basses for enjoyable viewing and for reference if delving into 'relic-ing'. As a bit of recapping, the relic-ing that gives relic-ing a bad name is not based on a real, player/time worn instrument and not done by a skilled artisan. Discounting assumptions result like; "dragging a guitar behind a pick-up truck", "I only like/respect real/honest player wear" and finally "I look down on those with fake wear on their guitar" - as in; a poser.

First off, relic-ing has become simply a "look", just like a sparkle-finish is a look. Players like it - It may have been around somewhere prior, but it technically began with the Fender Custom Shop making Keith Richards a 'look-alike' (of his player worn valuable vintage) Strat for touring in the '90s. Since then, many other high-caliber performers have done the same because as the years go on - their iconic ax's have gotten increasingly more valuable.

Back to the "real deal". The relic-ing that looks 'real'/convincing is the result of an artisan's skill based on actual road-worn instruments and incorporating studied/skilled studio techniques, much like a fine-art restorer and/or journeyman furniture finisher. In fact as I've noted before here - the technique of artificial 'distressing' began centuries ago with furniture, picture frames, antiques and artifacts.

Some of us on tb have basses posted here, and many more are culled from the net. Posting both version is welcomed - :)
 
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#7,156
BGroovy said:
May have been a different one, I don't think this one ever made it to Reverb (I could be wrong though). It was up for auction last year and I couldn't get to a deal with the seller. After almost a full year of documenting and verifying (and market getting a bit softer) we were able to finally come to terms.


So glad to have it!

And because everyone loves to see the silver undercoat peaking through, here's another shot. Love how it turns orange as it wears.

View attachment 7419518
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I found the listed I confused your bass with. Insomnia late night viewing can be misleading. :cool:

https://reverb.com/item/91410576-fender-jazz-bass-1965-dakota-red
 
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#7,157
SJLee said:
It’s no news that I’m a total geek about this stuff. Though it’s already been posted here before, it’s 2026 and time for a review. I love this clip of Guy Pratt playing Betsy and how it shows the wear is created on his bass. I’ll have a scoop of burgundy mist please.

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My right hand lives at that same address! :bassist: Betsy was my 'continued from MJT' relic-ing inspiration -

1770662712734.jpeg
 
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#7,160

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