Off Topic road worn

[roscopeco2000]

Ive got a cheap jazz bass its abit beaten up, i like the look of these roadworn basses has anyone had ago at trying to replicate this look? is it just a matter of sanding with a very fine sand paper?any help would be good thanks

 

[Hellboy]

Ive got a cheap jazz bass its abit beaten up, i like the look of these roadworn basses has anyone had ago at trying to replicate this look? is it just a matter of sanding with a very fine sand paper?any help would be good thanks

Depending on where you live..... There are some luthiers here in Sweden that are very good at relicing instruments. I´m sure that there are several in your country/state that can do this too. Most people that have tried says that it´s harder than one might think to do it yourself if you want that genuine road worn look and feel. If you don´t really know what you´re doing, the end result might be that it looks like you´ve towed your instrument behind your bicycle yesterday instead of that it´s been used by a loving person for 30 years. I personally prefer to just use my instruments alot. I wouldn´t do something like that. I don´t buy stone washed jeans either.

Sincerely//Jan

 

[lowendgrowl]

This is my 100% original 1972 Jazz bass with 37 years of use.

I know the pictures aren't close ups, but will give you an idea of how it should look. I have seen several basses, and guitars that someone has tried to give it that "Relic" look....... There is more to just denting the body, chipping the paint, and taking sandpaper to it. Seems that everyone I have seen still have the sandpaper scratches in them........ or the wood under the finish, is always clean, and new looking. Or the metal, and pickguard have scratch marks from sandpaper, or brillo pads which isn't usually the case with cared for real road worn instruments. I have seen a couple of guitars done by the Fender custom shop that have come out beautifully, but I don't feel that you should pay extra for a new instrument that has been put through a process to look like it has been played on tour for 20 years straight. Which is why I am against the whole "Road Worn" line of basses. I think it makes the instrument more beautiful to let it age on its own, and let time take its course. Think about it........ Would you rather take sandpaper to your bass? Or have a story for every scar your bass obtains through time.

 

[Duarte]

Please don't bother trying to replicate this on a bass...there is really no point. Especially on a shiny Music Man.

 

[silverburst]

I have heard that poly finishes don't take to relicing so well...

 

[five7]

I have reliced a number of basses and have to agree it is harder than you think. It helps to have a reliced instrument as a reference. I live in denver, if you are close I can show you some techniques I use.

 

[slucas]

I take special care of my instuments and none are chipped, dinged, marred, cigarette burned, bored, chewed on, etc.
Why anyone would want to buy an axe with this nonsense or make one of their own is far beyond me.

Gee honey, think I'll go to the junkyard today and find a near or totally demolished car and pay those nice people top dollar for it. If I can't find one of my liking can I just destroy yours?.....................

Different strokes I guess, everybody can't like asparagus either..........

Just a little humor with no intention of offending anyone.....peace out

 

[johnfrazier]

Ive got a cheap jazz bass its abit beaten up, i like the look of these roadworn basses has anyone had ago at trying to replicate this look? is it just a matter of sanding with a very fine sand paper?any help would be good thanks

Steve Soest and Tom TV Jones referred me to Gord Miller, GM Vintage Restorations, in Canada. Gord is very good, but he's expensive and his work takes a long time.

My brother attempted to relic his Jazz, and it's passable, but he regrets it now. YMMV.

 

[Aussie Mark]

Don't try this at home, kids, unless you practice first on a couple of $100 throwaway basses to perfect the technique. I've got 3 of Bill Nash's lovely relics and another custom built for me by Alan Knight in England, but I've also seen a lot of DIY attempts on other forums and eBay that are laughable. It's not as easy as it looks.

 

[bovinehost]

And this is too far off topic, really, since no one wants to be the first to relic a Bongo (the fake way, anyway, apologies to Koogs).