Is an affordable relic more fun? Exploring Harley Benton’s new Aged Series
To some, purchasing an intentionally-aged guitar is a faux-pas. But whole you may think they’re corny, if you approach them with the right attitude, relic’d instruments can be great fun to play. And while you can pay top dollar for an ultra-authentic aged finish, maybe the answer to your aged guitar desires lies at the other end of the price spectrum.
Take, for example, the new aged JA-60 from Harley Benton. The JA-60 looks great out of the box, with a lightly-aged shell-pink finish with some classic offset vibes, at a very reasonable price for its spec-sheet: it’s loaded with Alnico pickups, a caramelised maple neck and high-quality hardware. Might a more affordable relic like this be what you’re looking for?
More than meets the eye
Cynics will tell you that relic’ing is just a cheesy aesthetic choice – but that’s not quite true. Features like an aged neck aren’t just for show – they can really change the playing experience, with a smoother, satin feel. And because of the pre-aged look, you won’t be ‘ruining’ the aesthetic of your shiny new guitar if you take a scotchbrite to it for an even more played-in feel.
But, one of the most appealing aspects of aged guitars – authentically or otherwise – is the stories they can tell. A high-end ageing job can be a fantastic work of art in itself – but if it set you back by half a year’s salary, you might still be trepidatious about adding your own wear and tear to the picture. A more affordable relic, on the other hand, may prove to be a more inviting canvas for your own story, leaving you free to play it how and where you want to.
A different attitude
In a lot of ways, relics and affordable instruments go hand in hand – they both encourage you to play them hard, and not to worry too much about messing them up. This unlocks a bit of a different attitude on stage or, indeed, when walking through doorways holding the guitar.
Even if you don’t have an ultra-heavy picking hand or intend to put a guitar through its paces, gigs are gigs – guitars get put down on messy stages, headstocks knock into mic stands, audience members throw various drinks and sharp objects at you – this is the sort of stuff you might not want to subject a high-end custom-shop guitar to – even if its a heavy relic.
Plus, for something like the JA-60, an offset that evokes some noise-rock heritage, you can really lean into some more aggressive and extended playing techniques without fear. You may feel a little less keen to kick a five-grand guitar across a stage or play it with a screwdriver…
The best thing a guitar can feel like is yours, and a played-in look and feel goes a long way to you bonding with an instrument. More affordable relics can be a really cool unique playing experience that lets the guitar itself start telling your story sooner. So next time you’re looking for an aged guitar, maybe try chopping a zero off the end of your budget – you might find yourself having a lot more fun.
Find out more at Thomann.
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