Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

The Hofner bass (although right handed) even has the doggie clip gouge and the Shea Stadium set list taped on. And dig (no pun intended) Neil Young's "Old Black" Les Paul. I just couldn't do that to a guitar:

http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQsassZhook1111QQhtZ-1

I don't buy into that replica/relic nonsense myself.

Fake mojo brings bad karma.

It's like paying extra for jeans with holes already in them. Foolishness.

Right on, Chris...

A slight linguistic splitting of hairs, though: I think 'counterfeit mojo' would be a more specific description for such replicas.

'Fake mojo', on the other hand, seems to be plentiful everywhere...

Jeff does great work.

I think this whole relic thing is the height of silly marketing nonsense.

Some of my earliest posts on this Forum were on this topic, and my conviction that people will buy anything that they are told is desirable, without thinking, is, if anything, stronger than ever.

What would you think if somebody told you he bought a like new '55 Chevrolet, and paid someone to beat it up?

Insanity.

That having been said, I do own a few older Ricks which are naturally aged and which I would not change--either way--for the world.

An odd thought: Why hasn't anyone offered a phony "aged" new Rick for sale yet?

The idea of a "replica relic" McCartney Hofner, perfect in every detail, but right-handed is hilarious, but of course, gives a clue on just how market-driven this nonsense is. A right-hander, though inauthentic in its most notable feature, still has ten times the potential market that a lefty would.

If I were marketing 'replica relic' McCartney Hofners, I'd make 'em right-handed and ship them with a full-length floor mirror. Of course I'd also have to get all lettering printed backwards (including the fake set list)...

****An odd thought: Why hasn't anyone offered a phony "aged" new Rick for sale yet?

SSHHH!!! They'll hear you!!!

Totally agree with Karl:

Jeff does great work and is an extremely talented young guy.

So it ain't your cup of tea. I don't like PRS guitars. To each his own.

Have a nice day.

Hey, I like relics as I am one. Can't give this one away!

The real mystery is the pricing. Why one would pay substantially more for a relic copy is odd. Some look cool, just awful expensive.

No thanks!

"I think this whole relic thing is the height of silly marketing nonsense...."

But it works, and has been a proven success on a corporate level. To participate on any level is a matter of choice and totally subjective. Relics are a VERY captive market IMO. They seem to sell everyone they make (at least the ones with celeb ties)....

I for one am happy with my own instruments (I am the only relic in my collection) and own no relic'd gear, but if I wanted one made Jeff would certainly be one who I'd consult with; I consider him to be highly talented and has a great eye for detail.

Nobody's denying the (temporary) success of relics.

And I don't know Jeff, so it would be inappropriate to pass judgement on his talent. My skepticism (no, change that--condemnation or perhaps dismissal are better words) of relics has nothing to do with the abilities of those who "create" them. With such excellent references as Karl Teten and John Simmons, there's no question as to Jeff's skills and abilities!

And relics are not a matter of taste or "cup of tea". They're a matter of a sucker being born every minute.

The same marketing geniuses that gave us relics are now selling the hell out of "thin finish" Strats, telling us that they sound better.

Hogwash.

Paul, I have no position on relics in general; I am neither an advocate or nay-sayer....However, I have never really understood Fender's approach to it, i.e. MANY models available in a relic option. Most of these have no ties to any specific artist, they are just factory new 'beat-up' guitars...LOL...seems to be a justifyable part of their production, though.

The limited-run replicas of celebrity-associated instruments (to me) have a more legit purpose to a consumer(I say 'consumer' for it's likely many of the buyers won't be musicians)....they are in essence a work of art, just as a limited-edition print is considered a work of art. There will be enthusiasts who will find enjoyment with them, and an active secondary market for others when one is cut loose. It's all in what you want.

If Hofner sold a version of THE bass with all the dents and dings etc....they would not be able to make them fast enough. NO Right-handed ones either.

Agreed on all points, John.

I'm not dismissing this Jeff guy either. I'm sure he is extremely talented with a sander.
My point is that "counterfeit mojo" (that is a better phrase Dane) is in my eyes like lip-synching. References were made earlier to natural wear on guitars. I have several basses that have natural wear on them - some by be & some by previous owners. That's the magic man, I can look at certain basses of mine & remember where/when and what song I was playing when this scar or that ding was put on it. Also two of my 70's Rick basses were purchased used by me. Some of the fascinating mystery is that some guy in the mid 70s gigged with this bass & his sweat, soul & passion went from his hands through this guitar. It colors & flavors any successive note or song subsequently played through that instrument.

That's passion, that's art, that's rock and roll.
That's REAL.

Some guy taking a belt sander to a gold top doesn't recapture the magic, it simply cheapens the memory.

Then to pay exorbitant sums of money for it?!?!

I'm not trying to **** anybody off here, it just seems in this era of so much pre-fabricated music & art celebrated in a society that values style over substance.....a generation that has been taught to hear with their eyes, we should hang on with bloody fingernails to what is real.

Amen, brother.
Well said, I thought about trying to improve on it, but, well, I couldn't.