Newly revealed photos of Adrian Belew’s first relic’d guitar now available

Prog rock icon Adrian Belew recently shared exclusive images of his iconic relic’d Fender Stratocaster, a guitar that he and Seymour Duncan transformed through a series of unconventional techniques to give it a battered appearance. In the late 1970s, the concept of artificially aged guitars was not widespread, prompting Belew and Duncan to take matters into their own hands.

The guitar, originally a brown sunburst model, was purchased at a low cost and subjected to a range of brutal treatments including hacking, gouging, burning, and painting. Despite the harsh methods employed, the relic’ing process was successful, leading to the instrument gracing the cover of Guitar World magazine. Belew recently shared unseen photos of the relic’d guitar on his Instagram, highlighting the day when he and Duncan engaged in the radical transformation.

Reflecting on the relic’ing process, Belew described how Duncan doused the guitar with lighter fluid and initiated the ritualistic transformation. The guitar was then subjected to further distressing techniques such as gouging with screwdrivers, paint splattering, and rough handling, culminating in it being hung up on a tree displaying its scars and broken features.

Belew recalled an amusing response from Frank Zappa upon presenting the relic’d guitar at a rehearsal, with Zappa jokingly questioning Belew’s decision not to loan it to a friend instead if he intended to ruin it. The experience with Zappa proved to be pivotal for Belew, who further solidified his musical career by collaborating with the likes of David Bowie and Robert Fripp.

Notably, Belew expressed his belief that the relic’d Fender Stratocaster may have been one of the earliest examples of artificially aged guitars, attributing the pioneering initiative to Seymour Duncan. Despite facing criticism for the unconventional guitar aging process, Belew stands by the bold and innovative decision, showcasing his dedication to pushing boundaries within the music and guitar communities.

In addition to his musical endeavors, Belew has shared updates on his health, including undergoing surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome. While navigating his recovery, Belew continues to explore new musical avenues, hinting at upcoming projects and paying homage to acclaimed luthier Ken Parker, who crafted his renowned Parker Fly signature guitar.

Through his innovative approach to guitar craftsmanship and artistic expression, Adrian Belew has cemented his legacy as a creative pioneer in the music industry. The relic’d Fender Stratocaster remains a testament to his unwavering commitment to experimentation and pushing the boundaries of traditional guitar aesthetics.