🎸 Why relic guitars are booming: Fender Masterbuilders explain the real appeal

The relic guitar trend has taken the market by storm. But why are some players willing to pay for artificially aged instruments, while others criticize the concept as “unearned”? Fender Custom Shop Masterbuilders share their perspective.

🔹 Relic guitars: trend or new aesthetic?

In recent years, relic guitars have become incredibly popular. Companies like Gibson Murphy Lab go to great lengths to recreate decades of wear, while brands such as Charvel embrace the look as a stylistic choice. 🎸

Much like pre-ripped jeans, these instruments are designed to look “lived-in” from day one — and they’re selling fast.

🔸 Inside view from Fender Custom Shop

Fender Custom Shop Masterbuilders Andy Hicks and Austin MacNutt have witnessed the rise of relic guitars firsthand.

According to Hicks, players generally fall into two camps:
those who want a guitar that looks straight out of the early ’50s,
and those who simply see relicing as part of the instrument’s visual identity.

🔹 Debunking the “stolen valor” argument

One of the biggest criticisms of relic guitars is the idea that players haven’t “earned” the wear on their instruments.

However, Andy Hicks disagrees with that mindset.

👉 Fans of relic guitars aren’t trying to pretend they’ve played for decades.

They simply think the look is cool — and that’s enough.

🔸 Natural wear vs. factory relic

Some guitars age naturally, like the famous Stratocaster of Rory Gallagher, which sold for $1.16 million.

Its worn appearance came from years of heavy use — and even the player’s unique chemistry.

On the other hand, modern relic models, such as those from Solar, are intentionally aged at the factory.

According to Fender’s team, both approaches are equally valid.

🔹 A matter of personal taste

Hicks points out that, just like color preferences, players also have different tastes in relic levels.

🎯 Some prefer light aging,
🎯 others go for heavily worn finishes.

It’s not about realism — it’s about what resonates with the individual musician.

🔸 No gatekeeping — only customization

The job of a Masterbuilder is not to judge, but to deliver exactly what the customer wants.

That applies to everyone — from everyday players to global stars like Iron Maiden guitarist Dave Murray, who has also received Custom Shop builds.

🔹 Non-relic options are always available

As Austin MacNutt explains:

there’s nothing stopping players from ordering a pristine NOS (New Old Stock) guitar.

👉 If you don’t want relicing, you simply don’t have to choose it.

🔸 The “spirit” of a guitar goes beyond appearance

Previously, Fender Custom Shop Senior Masterbuilder Paul Waller shared insights into what gives a guitar its soul.

Meanwhile, Levi Perry, who rose through the ranks at Fender, emphasizes craftsmanship and individuality.

Relic guitars today are not just a trend — they represent another way for musicians to express themselves through their instruments.