How to Relic Metal Guitar Parts

Ever wondered how to give your metal guitar parts that worn, battle-scarred look of a seasoned road warrior? Relic-ing your guitar parts can add a ton of character and a bit of that “vintage mojo” to your instrument. It’s about making your guitar feel like it’s been to hell and back, much like the music you play on it. In this guide, we’ll explore the ins and outs of relic-ing your metal guitar parts, from the cosmetic to the functional.

The Philosophy Behind Relic-ing

Let’s start with why anyone would want to make a brand-new guitar look old and worn out. In the metal scene, a relic-ed guitar often symbolizes hard-earned experience and authenticity. It’s not just about aesthetics; it’s about creating an instrument that tells a story. Think of it like wearing your favorite band t-shirt that’s been to a hundred gigs with you. Relic-ing captures that vibe, giving your gear a history, even if it’s fresh off the production line.

Relic-ing is also about personal expression. Just like your playing style sets you apart, so can the look of your guitar. It’s a way to customize your instrument, making it uniquely yours. Plus, let’s face it, there’s something undeniably cool about a guitar that looks like it’s survived a few mosh pits.

Preparing Your Workspace

Before you jump in with a sandpaper and screwdriver, it’s crucial to set up a space where you can work comfortably and safely. You’ll need a clean, well-lit area where you can see what you’re doing without risking any accidents. A sturdy workbench or table is ideal, but a clear floor space can work too if you’re careful.

• Tools and Materials: You’ll need some basic tools like screwdrivers, sandpaper of various grits, steel wool, a soldering iron, and maybe even a drill with a wire brush attachment. Depending on the level of relic-ing you aim for, you might also need some household items like vinegar or coffee for aging hardware.
• Protective Gear: Remember to protect your eyes and hands. Safety goggles and gloves might not seem rock ‘n’ roll, but they’re definitely necessary. Some of the chemicals and processes can be harsh, so it’s better to be safe than sorry.
• Organize Your Parts: As you disassemble your guitar, keep track of all the screws, springs, and other small parts. A few labeled bags or containers can save you a ton of hassle when it’s time to put everything back together.

Now, with your workspace set, it’s time to get to the fun part: making your guitar look like it’s been through the ringer.

Relic-ing the Body

The body of the guitar is the canvas for your relic-ing art. This is where you can really get creative. The goal here is to simulate the natural wear and tear that would occur over years of use.

Simulating Dings and Scratches

One of the simplest ways to start is by adding small dings and scratches. You can gently tap the body with a metal object like a screwdriver or even a set of keys. Be random but controlled—imagine the kinds of scrapes and knocks a guitar might get over time.

• Sandpaper and Steel Wool: Use fine-grit sandpaper to lightly scuff areas where wear would naturally occur, such as around the edges, the back, or where your arm rests when you play. Steel wool can help give a softer, more blended look to these areas.
• Paint Cracking: If your guitar has a thick poly finish, you might want to introduce some cracking for that vintage look. This can be achieved by applying heat with a hairdryer and then rapidly cooling the surface with an ice pack.

Remember, less is often more. You want the wear to look natural, not forced. Step back frequently to assess your work, and stop when you’ve achieved the desired look.

Aging the Neck

The neck is another focal point for relic-ing. The back of the neck, where your hand slides up and down, can be worn down for a smooth, played-in feel. The fretboard itself can also be aged to look like it’s seen countless hours of shredding.

Wearing the Neck

Start by lightly sanding the back of the neck with fine-grit sandpaper. The goal is to remove some of the finish, not to cut into the wood. This gives the neck a satin feel and simulates years of playing. Be sure to keep the sandpaper moving to avoid any flat spots.

• Fretboard Aging: Use steel wool to gently dull the shine of the fretboard. If you want to add some discoloration, you can use coffee or tea to stain the wood lightly. Just apply with a cloth and let it dry completely.
• Fret Wear: You can simulate fret wear by gently rubbing sandpaper across the frets, focusing on areas that would naturally see the most play. Again, subtlety is key here.

Think about how you play and where your hands spend the most time. This will help guide you in making the relic-ing look authentic.

Distressing the Hardware

Relic-ing the metal parts of your guitar—like the bridge, tuning pegs, and pickups—can really complete the look. This part can be a bit more involved, as it often requires chemical processes to achieve the right effect.

Creating the Patina

A patina can make your hardware look old and well-used. One way to achieve this is by using household chemicals like vinegar or ammonia.

• Vinegar Fumes: Place your metal parts in a container with a small dish of vinegar. Seal the container and let the parts sit in the fumes overnight. This will dull the finish and give a slightly corroded look.
• Salt and Water: For a more aggressive approach, you can use a mixture of salt and water sprayed onto the parts. Let them sit for a few hours, then rinse and dry thoroughly.

Be careful with chemicals, and always test on a small area first if possible. After achieving the desired level of distress, be sure to clean and dry the parts thoroughly to prevent any actual rust or damage.

Making the Pickguard Look Worn

The pickguard often takes a lot of abuse from strumming and picking, making it a prime candidate for relic-ing. This is one area where you can really let loose and be creative.

Simulating Pick Scratches

Take a pick or the edge of a coin and start to scratch the pickguard in areas where you normally strum. You can also use sandpaper to create more uniform wear.

• Discoloration Techniques: If you want to change the color of the pickguard—perhaps to yellow it like aged plastic—you can use some tea or coffee. Soak the pickguard in the liquid for a few hours and then let it dry.
• Edge Wear: Sand the edges of the pickguard to mimic where it might rub against clothing or other objects over time.

Again, the key is to mimic natural wear patterns. Look at photos of vintage guitars for guidance if you’re unsure where to start.

Adding Final Touches

With the major parts relic-ed, it’s time to add some final touches to bring the whole look together. These small details can make a big difference in the overall effect.

• Sticker Residue: You can simulate the look of old stickers by applying a sticker and then removing it, leaving some residue behind. This adds another layer of history to your instrument.
• Rusty Screws: Replace some of the screws with ones that have been aged using vinegar or saltwater. This adds to the cohesive look of an aged instrument.
• Finger Smudges: Use a bit of grime or dirt rubbed into areas that would naturally be touched often, like volume knobs or pickup selectors.

Take a step back and admire your work. The goal is to have a guitar that looks like it’s seen a lot of action, not just in the practice room but on stages around the world.

Caring for Your Relic-ed Guitar

Even though your guitar is now relic-ed to look old, it still needs proper care to ensure it plays well. The relic-ing process doesn’t affect the guitar’s sound, but neglecting maintenance might.

• Regular Cleaning: Keep your guitar clean of actual dirt and grime. A relic-ed guitar should look worn, but not filthy.
• Proper Storage: Store your guitar in a case when not in use to prevent any unwanted damage.
• Routine Maintenance: Regularly check the setup of your guitar, including the action, intonation, and neck relief. These factors are crucial to maintaining playability.

Keep in mind that a relic-ed guitar is still a musical instrument. Treat it with the same respect and care as any other guitar to ensure it continues to perform at its best.

Learning from the Pros

If you’re looking to hone your skills beyond just the aesthetics of your guitar, Riffhard offers lessons from some of the best modern metal guitarists around. Whether it’s rhythm techniques or advanced riffing, our platform provides a comprehensive resource for elevating your playing style.

Our instructors, like Dean Lamb of Archspire and Zakk Wylde of Black Label Society, bring a wealth of experience and can help you achieve the sound and style you’re aiming for. And if you’re into rhythm guitar, we have plenty of lessons tailored just for that.

Final Thoughts

Relic-ing your metal guitar parts can be a rewarding project that not only enhances the look of your instrument but also adds a personal touch. While it’s important to take your time and pay attention to details, don’t forget that the end goal is a guitar that feels like an extension of yourself. At Riffhard, we understand the passion for personalization and offer lessons to match your unique style and skill level. Happy relic-ing!