The rise of relic’ing in the guitar industry

The guitar world has seen a resurgence in the art of relic’ing, a trend that was originally criticized in the mid-90s but has since gained popularity. Tom Murphy, an influential figure in the guitar scene and Gibson Custom Shop expert, sheds light on how relic’ing has transformed the industry.

Imagine a well-worn single-cut electric guitar – the sunburst finish faded, the body covered in dings, and the hardware tarnished. The fretboard shows signs of wear and tear, resembling a vintage instrument. Present this guitar as a ’50s original, and admiration follows. However, reveal that it is a recent factory creation, and opinions diverge.

Ironically, the appeal of relic’ing lies in the desire to own a guitar that appears aged like a mid-20th-century relic. This art of distressing new guitars to replicate the worn look of historic instruments originated in the repair shops of the ’80s.

Craftsmen working in these shops noticed the discrepancy between replacing worn parts on vintage guitars with shiny new components. Tom Murphy, known for creating impeccable aged instruments at Gibson’s Murphy Lab, recalls the evolution of relic’ing. Initially motivated by the need to restore guitars authentically, Murphy unintentionally ventured into distressing guitars. Placing his first relic’d guitar at a guitar show was a pivotal moment that shifted perceptions within the industry.

Tom Murphy’s innovative approach, alongside other notable figures like Fender’s JW Black and Vince Cunetto, heralded a surge in demand for pre-worn guitars. Despite its growing popularity, relic’ing faced criticism from skeptics who viewed artificially aged guitars as disingenuous attempts to appear seasoned in the craft.

In 2008, an individual on Harmony Central expressed disdain for relic’d guitars, equating the practice to a superficial attempt to appear more experienced and skilled. The sentiments revealed a divide in the guitar community regarding the authenticity and value of relic’d instruments.

Today, relic’ing continues to spark debate among guitar enthusiasts. Some admire the craftsmanship and attention to detail required to distress guitars authentically. Others view relic’d guitars as imitation relics lacking the genuine character of aged instruments. Regardless of differing opinions, relic’ing has undeniably left a lasting impact on the guitar world, challenging conventional notions of perfection and authenticity in instrument craftsmanship.