Further relic'ing a relic strat....

[Dan O]

i've got a bit of a debate going with my dad, and here's what it is:

we have on order a 60's strat relic in sunburst. I have seen many relics, and i am confident that this will not be relic'ed in the way i'd like it to be, so we're considering sending it out to somebody who can further relic this guitar (i want a john frusciante beat up axe that is the closest to a real '62 that's had many years of lovin'). I'm just looking for a little more body wear (but nothing like the SRV #1's)

There's just one thing i hate about the custom shop relics though...the big 'ol "Fender Custom V-shop" logo on the back of the headstock. I'd like this guitar to be as real as possible, and this sticker is just something that screams 'fake!' to me every time i see it. I was figuring i'd have it sanded off when it gets relic'ed again...i mean that way it'd actually be a rather convincing relic without the immediate giveaway.

My dad on the other hand is all "oh boy, that's gonna be worth nothing then, no way." Now tell me, is it really gonna just drop in value if the logo on the back is missing? It probably will a little, but if i love the guitar enough (which i'd have to conclude before being sent out) then it shouldnt be an issue, as i'd plan to keep it for many many years to come!

What do yall say, keep the big 'i'm fake' logo, or have it neatly taken off to resemble a real 60's strat i desire. Any feedback would be great! :)

[Elgreco]

If you plan on keeping it I'd do it. I wouldn't think it would reduce the value that much.

[benb]

as far as resale is concerned....I just picked this up from Jo's new thinline thread...Fender's serial number system does reflect the shop in which the guitar was built, so, anyone truly concerned can do a lookup on the validity of your custom shop claim and it would be easily verified. I personally think that if you're concerned about resale at all, then don't do anything to it that can't easily be undone. but as always YMMV.

[grovedale]

If you plan to keep it, who cares. If you plan to sell it, it would certainly impact the value.

[Dan O]

i'd have to play it for a few weeks before determining whether or not i'd have it done. Also, all custom shops come with a certificate anyways (plus, inside the neck and body have custom shop stamps) so verification wouldnt be an issue.


This would only be done if i plan to keep it for a looong looong time. Actually, i wonder if it's possible to ever replace the logo, like a sticker or somethign...innnteresting.

[Oldgtarz]

But what happens to your CS relic, when you find a nice original? You might need the cash for that oldie...
My advise: Keep the CS in original shape and don't look at the back of the headstock if the CS logo bothers you...

[Dan O]

But what happens to your CS relic, when you find a nice original? You might need the cash for that oldie...
My advise: Keep the CS in original shape and don't look at the back of the headstock if the CS logo bothers you...
well, i would never trade the CS if i got an original, i'd use it as a backup, or if i ever did a gig...
...however, you've sparked a new idea within me. I could probably keep saving and saving (and trading some of the lesser played guitars) and eventually buy a real one! hmmmm, i'm really too young to thing about this seriously right now, but we'll see;)

[Andrew Chen]

i've got a bit of a debate going with my dad, and here's what it is:

we have on order a 60's strat relic in sunburst. I have seen many relics, and i am confident that this will not be relic'ed in the way i'd like it to be, so we're considering sending it out to somebody who can further relic this guitar (i want a john frusciante beat up axe that is the closest to a real '62 that's had many years of lovin'). I'm just looking for a little more body wear (but nothing like the SRV #1's)

There's just one thing i hate about the custom shop relics though...the big 'ol "Fender Custom V-shop" logo on the back of the headstock. I'd like this guitar to be as real as possible, and this sticker is just something that screams 'fake!' to me every time i see it. I was figuring i'd have it sanded off when it gets relic'ed again...i mean that way it'd actually be a rather convincing relic without the immediate giveaway.

My dad on the other hand is all "oh boy, that's gonna be worth nothing then, no way." Now tell me, is it really gonna just drop in value if the logo on the back is missing? It probably will a little, but if i love the guitar enough (which i'd have to conclude before being sent out) then it shouldnt be an issue, as i'd plan to keep it for many many years to come!

What do yall say, keep the big 'i'm fake' logo, or have it neatly taken off to resemble a real 60's strat i desire. Any feedback would be great! :)
Do they still make the fatheads? It would cover the logo on the back of the headstock.

[Andrew Chen]

What do yall say, keep the big 'i'm fake' logo, or have it neatly taken off to resemble a real 60's strat i desire. Any feedback would be great! :)
Do they still make Fatheads? Put one on and it will cover the logo on the headstock.

[Dan O]

Do they still make Fatheads? Put one on and it will cover the logo on the headstock.
fatheads??? never heard of it! tell me more...

[Dan O]

actually now...


my dad and I agreed to purchase another neck for it, the stock CS one, then i'd like to look for a brazilian rosewood slab that has been relic'ed.

[Andrew Chen]

fatheads??? never heard of it! tell me more...
Fatheads are pieces of brass, shaped to match the headstock. They are mounted on the back of the headstock and held on by the tuners. The added mass to the headstock was thought to improve sustain and tone. I haven't seen them around in awhile so I'm not sure if they're still made.

[Dan O]

innnnteresting!