EVH Guitars Frankenstein Relic, what's the point?

[subterfuge]

I understand some of the reasons of liking relic guitars. Maybe it's the looks, the charm of an old worn out instrument. And the playing/handling feel of worn finish, round fretboard edges etc.

However, I have harder time understanding the lure of EVH Guitars Frankenstein relics they have recently released. Eddies original frankenstrat must be one of the most easily recognizable guitars in history. Quirky thing where I guess for any other player the actual specs don't matter that much as long as you have exactly the same looking guitar with the same features.

But being so iconic and striking looking guitar, I can surely understand how some people could like a similar guitar, but without all the stripes and colors. However, that's where I have hard time seeing the point of these relics. You didn't want the EVH guitar in its full glory, fine. You like that relic look and feel, fine. But them specs? You get a HSS strat with a non-functioning pickup and pickup switch, cut pickguard and offset pickup routing. Those are frankenstrat features that have no practical use, just wasted resources for...some of the looks that you didn't want?

I do know what I would do with that kind of relic myself if I'd ever get one. I would immediately get rid of the silly pickup things and add proper pickguard, controls and PUs. Then I would have a fully useable relic strat and with no clear artist association nor extravagant looks. Then again, personally I don't like that exact relic look either. So I would have to consider beforehands if that makes any sense. Reliced guitars are pricier, so maybe this could be a relatively cheap way to get one, even with the price of adding the missing features?

Would you ever consider one and any specific reasons why?

[pekbro]

Maybe if I had a classic car with a nice patina paint job to go with it, otherwise, no...
They seem pretty expensive for what you get as well. I prefer my Custom Shop G&L
though it cost more than the EVH tbh. heh

[subterfuge]

They seem pretty expensive for what you get as well.

They do. One could get e.g. a player series Fender Stratocaster with Floyd Rose and HSS configuration for 500$ less, relic'ing and wear up to players themselves.

Haven't had a chance to try any G&L guitars, but heard lots of good things about them. Not that I need a new guitar now, but would be nice to test them someday.

[jamcat]

I initially replied not understanding that you’re talking about these new “deconstructed” Frankenstrats that come in one of three solid colours: red, white or black. I’d never heard of them before.




Honestly I don’t know why anyone would buy one of these either, unless they wanted to do their own masking tape paint job over it.

Personally, I’d just spend $200 more for the proper Frankenstrat replica.

[mountainmaster]

Not even if I could get one for free.

But speaking of Frankenstrat striping, I do like this clever 3D interpretation.

[MadDogE134]

never understood the allure for relic'd guitars... if you want a beat up guitar just buy from pawn shops lol

cheers

[Jafo]

Why relic? It's similar to why doctors and lawyers display PRS guitars: image without effort and honesty. Most people would never know the difference, until the owner shows off their mighty skills at "Mary Had a Little Lamb" or maybe "Smoke on the Water" if they're feeling ambitious (especially if they didn't bother to look up how it's actually played).

[Uncle E]

The LTD George Lynch relic was pretty cool. It looked so rough but actually was a great feeling, smooth satin finish:

[Bombadil]

No. I find the whole relic'ing thing a turn off. It's like people want others to infer they (the guitars) have a magical mojo and that the owners may have spent decades on the road when they probably never get out of their offices.
Yup. I think its stoopid. Buy a new guitar, play it to f**k, and it will have earned its scrapes etc. As for Artiste Sig guitars, I have 1. I've recently been offered 3x what I paid for it.

[jamcat]

The LTD George Lynch relic was pretty cool.

If I were to get a George Lynch replica guitar, it would have to be this one