First of all, you have to realize that a Relic guitar is not just a cosmeticall

First of all, you have to realize that a Relic guitar is not just a cosmetically beat up guitar, but rather, an exact replica of an instrument from a certain time period. Relics are made from the finest tone woods available to Fender, they use these premium woods to replicate the highly sought after tone of vintage instruments. If you look inside a Fender Custom Shop Relic guitar, you will find perfectly reproduced, stiff vintage wiring with cloth braided covering. Why does this matter? It goes to show the length that Fender Custom Shop goes to exactly reproduce a vintage guitar, and the pickups are wound to spec and built using difficult to obtain materials of the time period. With a Fender Custom Shop Relic guitar, you are ensured you will be getting the most authentic vintage tone available.

So why are these guitars all beat up? I hear a lot of mixed feelings about guitars that are “pre-worn”, and I myself wasn’t completely sold when I first saw one. But in the mid 90s, I got to play a genuine 1968 Stratocaster that had the most incredible tone with such detailed sound, I immediately fell in love. Now unfortunately, this 68 Strat was selling for 25k, yes, that’s $25,000. – give or take a couple thousand. Needless to say, I couldn’t afford that guitar, and that’s when I decided to re-examine the Custom Shop Relics. I was instantly amazed at how much the Relic guitar sounded like the real ‘68, and the Relic looked like the ’68 Strat as well. Hmm, I get it, this is an exact replica down to the smallest detail, and more in my price range.

I’ve been playing a Fender Custom Shop Relic since 2006, and it is one of my most prized guitars. It looks, feels, and sounds like a vintage guitar, and there is something very liberating about playing a guitar that is already worn in. Take a second look at the Fender Custom Shop Relics if you’ve been a naysayer, I think you’ll be very impressed with these vintage replicas.