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Worst Relic Ever?
- Thread starter -=DanAtkinson=-
- Start date
It looks like it was exposed to a corrosive agent that attacks organic compounds but is good for metal
Not a bass, but this is on the local craigslist, being sold as a "relic" strat...
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The artist inside me says, "Yowza! Gimme one!!" It's a very stand-out look and I would have ZERO problem showing it off or playing it on stage.
In other words, it's art. And like all art, it's a very subjective matter.
If you want to get technical, it should probably be called "distressed", instead of "relic'd". It's the term used in movies, theater, costuming and special effects when something is artificially aged.
As far as the hardware goes, it's a much more complicated process to distress metal, especially if it's got small moving parts. Depending on how you do it, it could compromise the function. Even simply using different sandpapers to scuff the chrome (toothy on down to fine), or even a dremel tool, could work, but it wouldn't look very complete unless you take them apart first. Tedious, no? Chemical processes or laying down a patina could really mess up the workings of the tuning machines. Who wants tuners that won't hold tune?
Now for the pickguard, maybe a layer of "crackle" paint would complete the look. Hmmm this has possibilities.
In other words, it's art. And like all art, it's a very subjective matter.
If you want to get technical, it should probably be called "distressed", instead of "relic'd". It's the term used in movies, theater, costuming and special effects when something is artificially aged.
As far as the hardware goes, it's a much more complicated process to distress metal, especially if it's got small moving parts. Depending on how you do it, it could compromise the function. Even simply using different sandpapers to scuff the chrome (toothy on down to fine), or even a dremel tool, could work, but it wouldn't look very complete unless you take them apart first. Tedious, no? Chemical processes or laying down a patina could really mess up the workings of the tuning machines. Who wants tuners that won't hold tune?
Now for the pickguard, maybe a layer of "crackle" paint would complete the look. Hmmm this has possibilities.
- Oct 18, 2012
- 6,683
- 5,538
- Disclosures
- Endorsing Artist: Fender, Spector, Ampeg, Curt Mangan, Nordstrand Pickups, Korg , Conquest Sound
I don't like it at all but I don't like any relics. In my opinion, it's just faking it. Trying to make it look like you have an old bass.
First of all, I like the look too - If I saw some dude playing that on stage I would think - Woah! What the heck is that! It would beat seeing another three tone sunburst with tort.
However, I have chemically "aged" tuners and they still work beautifully. 2 hours in concentrated Muriatic acid vapors with full rinse and thorough drying should do the trick without destroying the functionality.
But, what this bass needs is: 5 hours in concentrated vapors and then placed "wet" into an industrial Microwave and zapped on full-blast for 60 seconds.
--- Then, the hardware will look right for this bass ---
I just hope this whole idea of making stuff look older doesn't spread to other fields. Like I don't want to see a car being sanded and set out in a field to enhance the rust factor. And I sure don't want to see women having plastic surgery to add wrinkles and have their boobs made to sag.
Nowadays if somebody tries to refinish a bass and they mess it up they just call it mojo. It's not mojo, it's bad workmanship. I like the real thing. Don't care much for a simulation and actually prefer something creative like this bass - although I wish they had carried out the oil spill in fire look throughout instead of it being part that and part relic.
Nowadays if somebody tries to refinish a bass and they mess it up they just call it mojo. It's not mojo, it's bad workmanship. I like the real thing. Don't care much for a simulation and actually prefer something creative like this bass - although I wish they had carried out the oil spill in fire look throughout instead of it being part that and part relic.
However, I have chemically "aged" tuners and they still work beautifully. 2 hours in concentrated Muriatic acid vapors with full rinse and thorough drying should do the trick without destroying the functionality.
But, what this bass needs is: 5 hours in concentrated vapors and then placed "wet" into an industrial Microwave and zapped on full-blast for 60 seconds.
--- Then, the hardware will look right for this bass ---
Acid vapor, huh? I think that would do it. I'll pose the question to a friend of mine who used to manage an electroplating company.
Still, working with acidic vapors? Yikes! You're a braver soul than I.
When you say "what this bass needs", do you mean the whole bass, wood and metal alike? And what would be the results of such a treatment?
The only thing that saves this is that it doesn't even look like fake "wear", so no one would think it might actually be old. It looks like exactly what it is - someone had the body off and the paint stripper got a little too close...
-z.
-z.
No, just the hardware. Hitting up the wood would be a very bad idea.
Working with acid vapors may be very hazardous to your health and your immediate surroundings. It is a bad idea if you aren't familiar with SOP when handling hazardous chemicals.
It is easy to do - you get a large tupperware and pour about a quarter inch of straight Muriatic acid - not this new "Low Vapor" that Home Depot sells - you need the real stuff for this application.
Then, place a smaller tupperware into the larger one (float it like a boat). Now place your hardware into the boat, and put the lid on just the larger one. This creates a vapor cloud (and it is quite intense ... breathe that in or let it hit your eyes and you won't be happy)
I have seen guys say "2 minutes" - I say more like 2 hours and then thorough rinse with water and blow dry with a hair dryer.
This is all after you read the MSDS and don the appropriate protective gear. And don't think of letting this stuff touch your wifes stainless steel sink - you will be buying a new one. (Unless she wants a reliced sink!)
Be safe my friends...
(I'll get a photo up here to show my results)
Edit: here is a photo of my tuners on my CV 50's P
Now - enough of this de-rail -
While I agree that having your wife road worn is not such an attractive idea - some of the "rat rods" I have seen are gorgeous!
+1.
There is a famous guitarist (name escapes me) that has very acidic sweat and his Strat looks almost identical.
The HW is bad, and if I were to play a guitar so mangled, it would have to be real wear. Playing a custom shop or Woad Worn relic is cool, but this is over the top.
