Relic-ing a neck and body the right way

[PaulO]

Aside from playing the same guitar for the next 20 years, I was wondering the best way to do some relic-ing on my tele.

Is steel wool the way to go on the neck?

How can I dry out the body so the paint looks like its peeling off naturally?

Would 800 grit sandpaper be the way to go to relic the arm wear pattern on the body?

[EVOLmike]

I'd say just tie it to the back of your car and drag it down a gravel road.

[badfinger]

A friend of mine told me (and I have a Reissue '52 Tele to prove his technique) that the way to get the finish checking is to heat up the body with a heat gun/hair dryer, then shoot it with canned air. The canned air comes out really cold and creates the hairline cracks in the finish. As far as worn places, I think you are right, steel wool followed by sandpaper.

[PaulO]

I wish I could figure out how to make the body dry out .... my luck I'ld catch the thing on fire ....

[aleclee]

Play the shizzle out of it.

That, IMHO, is the right way to relic any guitar. :)

[San]

Play the shizzle out of it.

That, IMHO, is the right way to relic any guitar. :)
I have to agree, it's the only REAL way...

Good luck though and let us know how you get on!!

San.

[Panama Red]

A friend of mine told me (and I have a Reissue '52 Tele to prove his technique) that the way to get the finish checking is to heat up the body with a heat gun/hair dryer, then shoot it with canned air. The canned air comes out really cold and creates the hairline cracks in the finish. As far as worn places, I think you are right, steel wool followed by sandpaper.

BTW on the canned air. You shoot it with the can upside down to get the
freezing propellant. Otherwise... all you'll get is the air.

[Dan O]

do ya think that if i left it in my car overnight, then brought it inside for a while, that it might get some weather checking (note: i live in the northeast...cold!)?

[PaulO]

I prefer the dried out / paint peel look to a cracked finish look.

DanO ..... play the "shizzle" out of it. "Shizzle"?

[Dan O]

I prefer the dried out / paint peel look to a cracked finish look.

DanO ..... play the "shizzle" out of it. "Shizzle"?
i think i've already reduced it from a NOS grade to a rough Closed Classic grade...all the other guitars are building up some major dust now, but that's ok!!!