I own a Rebel Relic and enough people have said how the relic thing is not for them. I myself like relics in some respects and see no harm in owning one. But the relic issue is a contentious topic around these parts.
There are some guys who have even started mimicking patina on old hot rods and kit cars. I suppose one could equate aspects of a relic with a 1940 Willy's kit car.
Price tag is 22k!! A true Willy's in this condition can go for 100k +
So I can see why a guy would buy the kit if he had a dream and not the money for the full blown real deal. A lot of vintage car guys would roll their collective eyes at the site of a kit and would say you are a wannabe. I wouldn't let that discourage me from getting one if I didn't have the money to get a true 40 Willy's and restore it.
However the tribute guitar thing is a little different INMO. One thing I didn't realize yesterday when I went on my sch-peel on the bad dawg thread was that it is under $1000. I thought it was going to sell for a ridiculous amount like the EVH model.
Under a $1000 is affordable to a kid who has new found respect for our brother Joe. I can see that as a positive aspect too.
The relic job on the JS does appear to look like an ebay DISASTER. The kind with an electric sander some guy had a willy nilly old time at dad's workbench. That I don't care for either. But is that what Strummer did to his guitar? Heck I don't know that so maybe they are being true to his guitar in that way.
If the family will actually get a royalty check from Fender then I suppose I can see some good in this replica.
I still won't buy one. It doesn't look right to me and it is tacky. But to those who don't view it that way and would buy one I respect that and understand your feelings.