Question ... Did Leo sell a relic or did he sell new guitars

davidmenke · January 8th, 2004, 01:34 PM

Leo built up Fender .
When he was done, he went to MusicMan... then circumstances led to G&L.
Throughout his life , he created and tried to improve the electric guitar.
And on his last day "he rested and a good job he did"
Did he sell his guitars 'beat up' (i don't think so)
I don't buy old shoes... but I love my old shoes , once I broken them in.

tanawana · January 8th, 2004, 02:41 PM

The point has been missed by me

Scotland · January 8th, 2004, 02:50 PM

Leo was not around long enough to experience the "vintage Fender" thing. Who knows if he approved of relics or not, the point is...a lot do and pay for it. Fender are in business and have to make what they can sell.....and sell what they make. That's the basis of relics really. I personally like them but can fully understand why some don't.

Mark Davis · January 8th, 2004, 03:20 PM

Relics got started because Keith Richards was having the CS make his guitars and he complained that they looked too new.

SO they made a few Relic Teles for him and that started the Relic craze.

There are 3 different finish options you can get NOS, Closet Classic or Relic. All 3 are the exact same guitar with only the finish looking new or old is the only difference.

stantheman · January 8th, 2004, 05:07 PM

BUT....I think many of us who are 45 and older got "relic
G.A.S." if you will about the time the "Eric Clapton" solo
record came out (the brown 50's two-tone 'burst).
I'll tell you, I saw THAT neck and said to myself "wow,
that looks COOL". For me anyway that was the point
of vintage/relic indoctrination. Very few people have
gotten the fretboard to look like that. Most look like
someone took a Dremel thingamajig and did "the d'oh".
I think if people got the fingerboard correct they'd look
more realistic. Melody Custom fools me regularly and I'm sure there are others. Most belong in "The Pedalworld Hall Of Shame".

davidmenke · January 8th, 2004, 05:14 PM

I wrote this in response to all the columns going up for relics...
I like my guitar broken in , (by me) I can see that some folks like a Keith Richard, would want a beat up guitar, I like Keith's playing but just looking at him he is a relic

To each his own..
Give me a shinny new 52 RI and I am a happy camper..
Any one else out there take a 52 RI :D
By the way Gibson is not selling too many of it (least expensive relic finish guitars) I have not heard too many praises... of the inexpensive Gibsons.
Is this just a Fender thing... I have not seen any other companies joining in the "beat up my guitar and sell it for more" bandwagon... food for thought...!

Lyle Caldwell · January 8th, 2004, 05:18 PM

Gibson '59 Les Paul Reissue, about $3,500.

"Aged" Gibson '59 Les Paul Reissue, $5,000 and up.

Mike Rice · January 8th, 2004, 05:27 PM

I know Gibson has some "faded" finish guitars, but I do remember something more akin to a Fender relic a few years ago. It was a limited edition replica of an SG (maybe even a Les Paul/SG) that Townsend had used at some famous concert. (sorry, not a Who groupie) It was a real limited run, pre-beat per Pete's mojo, I think it came with a couple different cases and one of them even replicated the stickers that Townsend had on his. If I remember correctly it was between 5 and 10K.

Sorry to be so vague about this, but maybe someone elses memory will serve them better than mine does!

Skully · January 8th, 2004, 05:38 PM

Quote:

It was a limited edition replica of an SG (maybe even a Les Paul/SG) that Townsend had used at some famous concert.

If the Royal Albert Hall Concert DVD is any indication, Townshend has become a Fender endorser in his old age.

Kevin · January 8th, 2004, 05:45 PM

It was the Townshed SG Special with P-90s. His guitar of choice for stage use back in the time of Tommy and Who's Next -- although he used a big Gretsch Hollowbody to record most of the Who albums from Who's Next up to Who Are You.

He now uses Fender Clapton models with a Fishman acoustic saddle. Some of the guitars have also had a Floyd Rose installed.

TeleMark · January 8th, 2004, 05:48 PM

I asked the same question in the epic "Relic" thread that led to a bunch of hurt feelings and unpleasantness...

http://www.tdpri.com/viewtopic.php?t...t=gibson+relic

Blauserk reminded me of the "Murphy Aged" Les Pauls that usually sold for about $5-6k on Ebay. Otherwise, it does seem like the relic-thing is more of a Fender phenomenom.

TeleMark

stevieboy · January 8th, 2004, 06:47 PM

Input on a couple of the things expressed here.

Just saw The Who documentary "The Kids are Alright". a lot of the early footage showed Townsend playing (and smashing) strats (a genuine Townsend reliced Strat, now that would be worth something!) There were actually two Townsend SG's one production-around $1200 now discontinued--and the historic limited edition--I think they numbered 250 and sold in the mid 2 grand range maybe that's low. That's the one that came with a road case and a regular case.

As far as the faded Gibsons go, it's actually a way to offer a LESS expensive guitar. I imagine it takes fewer coats of paint and finish thereby keeping the manufacturing cost down. Not to be confused with the Custom Authentic (aged) historic guitars.

By the way, I look in on the Les Paul Forum in the historic section and those guys show a lot of interest in relicing so it's not just a Fender thing.

Brad Miller · January 8th, 2004, 09:10 PM

and to me, "broken in" is more about feel than cosmetics, to me that is.

jordanl · January 9th, 2004, 09:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stevieboy

As far as the faded Gibsons go, it's actually a way to offer a LESS expensive guitar. I imagine it takes fewer coats of paint and finish thereby keeping the manufacturing cost down. Not to be confused with the Custom Authentic (aged) historic guitars.

The "Faded" finishes and other satin type finsihes really do reduce the cost of the guitar. I think its less about the # of coats as it is about not having to do a lot of buffing and sanding between coats. I visited the Gibson Memphis plant is november and was surprised as I realised how much effort goes into finishing the guitar.

January 8th, 2004, 01:34 PM	#1 (permalink)
davidmenke Tele-Meister Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Sammamish, WA Posts: 232	Question ... Did Leo sell a relic or did he sell new guitars Leo built up Fender . When he was done, he went to MusicMan... then circumstances led to G&L. Throughout his life , he created and tried to improve the electric guitar. And on his last day "he rested and a good job he did" Did he sell his guitars 'beat up' (i don't think so) I don't buy old shoes... but I love my old shoes , once I broken them in. __________________ David Menke davidmenke@comcast.net

January 8th, 2004, 02:50 PM	#3 (permalink)
Scotland Poster Extraordinaire Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Aberdeen, Scotland, Yewrup Age: 54 Posts: 6,407 3 Photos	I get your point....but Leo was not around long enough to experience the "vintage Fender" thing. Who knows if he approved of relics or not, the point is...a lot do and pay for it. Fender are in business and have to make what they can sell.....and sell what they make. That's the basis of relics really. I personally like them but can fully understand why some don't. __________________ All those who believe in psycho-kinesis, raise my hand !

January 8th, 2004, 05:07 PM	#5 (permalink)
stantheman Friend of Leo's Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: White Mountains Posts: 4,920	I do not own a "relic" per se, BUT....I think many of us who are 45 and older got "relic G.A.S." if you will about the time the "Eric Clapton" solo record came out (the brown 50's two-tone 'burst). I'll tell you, I saw THAT neck and said to myself "wow, that looks COOL". For me anyway that was the point of vintage/relic indoctrination. Very few people have gotten the fretboard to look like that. Most look like someone took a Dremel thingamajig and did "the d'oh". I think if people got the fingerboard correct they'd look more realistic. Melody Custom fools me regularly and I'm sure there are others. Most belong in "The Pedalworld Hall Of Shame". __________________ Somebody Loan Me A Dime

January 8th, 2004, 05:14 PM	#6 (permalink)
davidmenke Tele-Meister Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Sammamish, WA Posts: 232	I wrote this in response to all the columns going up for relics... I like my guitar broken in , (by me) I can see that some folks like a Keith Richard, would want a beat up guitar, I like Keith's playing but just looking at him he is a relic To each his own.. Give me a shinny new 52 RI and I am a happy camper.. Any one else out there take a 52 RI :D By the way Gibson is not selling too many of it (least expensive relic finish guitars) I have not heard too many praises... of the inexpensive Gibsons. Is this just a Fender thing... I have not seen any other companies joining in the "beat up my guitar and sell it for more" bandwagon... food for thought...! __________________ David Menke davidmenke@comcast.net

January 8th, 2004, 05:18 PM	#7 (permalink)
Lyle Caldwell Tele-Holic Join Date: Mar 2003 Posts: 535	Gibson '59 Les Paul Reissue, about $3,500. "Aged" Gibson '59 Les Paul Reissue, $5,000 and up. __________________ "Everybody sings about Memphis, but nobody ever does anything about it."

January 8th, 2004, 02:41 PM	#2 (permalink)
tanawana TDPRI Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Youngstown, OH Posts: 62	The point has been missed by me

January 8th, 2004, 03:20 PM	#4 (permalink)
Mark Davis Doctor of Teleocity Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Bakersfield Ca. Age: 58 Posts: 12,477	Relics got started because Keith Richards was having the CS make his guitars and he complained that they looked too new. SO they made a few Relic Teles for him and that started the Relic craze. There are 3 different finish options you can get NOS, Closet Classic or Relic. All 3 are the exact same guitar with only the finish looking new or old is the only difference.

January 8th, 2004, 05:27 PM	#8 (permalink)
Mike Rice Friend of Leo's Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Hudson Valley Age: 47 Posts: 2,230 3 Photos	Townsend SG I know Gibson has some "faded" finish guitars, but I do remember something more akin to a Fender relic a few years ago. It was a limited edition replica of an SG (maybe even a Les Paul/SG) that Townsend had used at some famous concert. (sorry, not a Who groupie) It was a real limited run, pre-beat per Pete's mojo, I think it came with a couple different cases and one of them even replicated the stickers that Townsend had on his. If I remember correctly it was between 5 and 10K. Sorry to be so vague about this, but maybe someone elses memory will serve them better than mine does!

January 8th, 2004, 05:45 PM	#10 (permalink)
Kevin Friend of Leo's Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Terre Haute, IN Posts: 2,967	It was the Townshed SG Special with P-90s. His guitar of choice for stage use back in the time of Tommy and Who's Next -- although he used a big Gretsch Hollowbody to record most of the Who albums from Who's Next up to Who Are You. He now uses Fender Clapton models with a Fishman acoustic saddle. Some of the guitars have also had a Floyd Rose installed. __________________ Of course, I don't see anywhere in my post that says it'll actually work...

January 8th, 2004, 05:48 PM	#11 (permalink)
TeleMark Tele-Meister Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Carlsbad, CA Posts: 285	"Other" relics... I asked the same question in the epic "Relic" thread that led to a bunch of hurt feelings and unpleasantness... http://www.tdpri.com/viewtopic.php?t...t=gibson+relic Blauserk reminded me of the "Murphy Aged" Les Pauls that usually sold for about $5-6k on Ebay. Otherwise, it does seem like the relic-thing is more of a Fender phenomenom. TeleMark __________________ "Gimme a bottle of anything... and a glazed donut... TO GO!"

January 8th, 2004, 06:47 PM	#12 (permalink)
stevieboy Friend of Leo's Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: the valley Posts: 2,283 6 Photos	Input on a couple of the things expressed here. Just saw The Who documentary "The Kids are Alright". a lot of the early footage showed Townsend playing (and smashing) strats (a genuine Townsend reliced Strat, now that would be worth something!) There were actually two Townsend SG's one production-around $1200 now discontinued--and the historic limited edition--I think they numbered 250 and sold in the mid 2 grand range maybe that's low. That's the one that came with a road case and a regular case. As far as the faded Gibsons go, it's actually a way to offer a LESS expensive guitar. I imagine it takes fewer coats of paint and finish thereby keeping the manufacturing cost down. Not to be confused with the Custom Authentic (aged) historic guitars. By the way, I look in on the Les Paul Forum in the historic section and those guys show a lot of interest in relicing so it's not just a Fender thing. __________________ "One of the best bands ever. These guys were such perfectionist"--Youtube user comment

January 8th, 2004, 09:10 PM	#13 (permalink)
Brad Miller Tele-Holic Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Kokomo, Mississippi Age: 34 Posts: 627 8 Photos	I like 'em both! and to me, "broken in" is more about feel than cosmetics, to me that is.