I have two road worn strats and one jazz bass and they are amazing. It's the best way to get a nitro finish Fender. Very comfortable to play. And to everyone who just says play your guitar yourself until it feels like this, on a poly finish that will take you about 100 years...
I just sand the neck down and poly guitars feel just fine for me. i use the same scotch pads I use to polish frets so it's basically a no cost operation. I'll agree on if you want a nitro finish it's probably the only way to get one cheaply. Then again, I'm not a fan of nitro so no big loss in my case.
@@Bagledog5000 Do the same, I use the pads that are used for stripping furniture. Did this to a Squier CV Tele and took it down to worn wood, just like the one in Darrell's video. Feels fantastic!
I agree...I have a 2000 Am Tx spc Strat that I played so much I needed 4 refrets until getting SS frets,and had NO wear on actual fretboard(finish looks a bit thinner)....So I think poly is impossible to wear down naturally with just fingers..
I have a 2021 Vintera Road Worn Tele in Blonde. I can say it’s my favourite guitar, it just feels so good to play and it was aged very realistically. I have no complaints about the alder body, the weight difference is negligible and it gives it a little more warmth without overwhelming brightness, which I enjoy in a Tele.
I got into the Road Worn series guitars by accident, several years ago. I bought a used ‘60’s style Road Worn Stratocaster at a good price. (rosewood fingerboard, nitro finish, 7lbs 2oz). I thought I just found something cheap and nice to play, without having to worry about damaging it or getting it stolen. Over time, I really developed a great fondness for it, the more I played it. I understand that its looks can be very subjective, but the Road worn guitars just feel so good to play, especially once they’re set up properly. Ten years later and the happy owner of 6 different Road Worn Telecasters and Stratocasters, I can say that these RW guitars each have a slightly different feel and personality. Furthermore, they are a cheap way to have a Fender nitro finished guitar. Try them, play them and enjoy them. They won’t disappoint you in the long run.
I have a road worn vintera strat and LOVE it. The guitar feels broken in and the finish with the Nitro is amazing to feel and play on. I am also not worried about babying the guitar as any new dings or scratches blend in with the rest of the worn bits.
when I saw the purple road worn tele, I was gutted to learn it was a Guitar center exclusive (I'm Dutch). When I was in NYC, I was gutted to learn how much it would cost me to ship one overseas . When I got home, I was delighted to find the only one in the Netherlands 2nd hand. It's been sitting in my room ever since. One of the best guitars I've ever had - like it better than my 3k euro PRS custom22.
I was able to get my hands one one of the Andertons exclusive ones with the twisted tele neck and nocaster bridge pickups. Just sounds and feels great, I doubt I will ever sell it as its a keeper
I played one of these! It actually looks pretty cool. The feel is really cool if you’re into vintage style Telecasters. It even smells great. I’m serious. The nitro finish smells like lemon meringue.
I used to collect Fender catalogs and I remember when the first Relics started showing up. I saw them and thought "That's just a gimmick. It'll never last, what a pointless idea". I was wrong about them not lasting, but I still stand by the opinion that it's a gimmick, and I still think it's pretty dumb. To Relic fans out there, hey if you like it, enjoy it. I won't be spending my hard earned money on one.
I totally get that, and I’m not into the heavy relicing at all. But I’ll never forget finding a laquer chip in my old PRS. The hard work it took to get it fixed. A nightmare. With my roadworn Tele, I wouldn’t care a bit. Plus I love the feel of a stripped neck.
@@davepayne164 I get it. Personally, I don't obsess too much about natural wear and tear, and I also don't mind sanding my necks a bit to get that satin feel, but I know not everyone has the same tastes. Have a good one!
Paying more for relic'd is silly, and I'm usually not a fan. However, I did take the bait on a franken-tele that a guy built using new parts that he relic'd. It looks good and plays well, and was only US$110. Hard to beat that!
I dream of having one of these. Back in the day, I visited one in my local shop at the time but never had the money (my son was born that year). To this day I still think about it. Someday I still hope to have one. Congrats on getting one!
I had one of the first ones put out and I loved it. I loved the chunky neck, the white pickguard, the crappy relic job and it's overall ugliness. In my mind there was only one thing wrong with it, and that was that it really wanted to be an Esquire. I aced the neck pickup, put on an Esquire white pickguard and rewired it. It was my favorite Telecaster and I own some good ones. I'd still be playing it if some POS didn't steal it
Darrel says it's a 2009 model, so not a smell from the factory. I know it's hard to figure out because he says both things so far apart. It's like a full five seconds between mentioning the 2009 part and the smell, so I can see how memory doesn't work that long.
For the smoke smell, try wiping it down with a mixture of trisodium phosphate (TSP) and water. As for relicing, I prefer playing it until it naturally ages….that job Fender does just doesn’t cut it.
I got one of these about two months ago in vintage blonde. The neck joint on mine is perfect. I didn't really care about the relic aspect, it's the neck, nitro, alnico 2 pickups that really makes this guitar special. You can't get that on any other Fender at this price. I'm on the East coast and none of the stores seem to stock this, so it's pretty much gotta be an online purchase. Because of the cost, and returnability, that meant Guitar Center for me, but take my advice on this. CALL THEM! I asked for best price and they gave me a bit over 20% off, went from $1199 to $950. All told it was $1005 to my door. I was critical as hell about it for that first 45 days, and decided to keep it. Watching a slightly used one (same year, same color) go on ebay for more than I paid new helped ease my worries
Just got a strat road worn. Love it. I’m a fan of non-glossy neck backs, the finish looks great (but the relic... really leaves to be desired but oh well). Plays amazing. I’ve got an MJT body in nitro for my télé on the way
I have the purple one. Had to try a few at GC before finding a good one. Danish Pete got my GAS into high gear. Great presentation Darrell. I’m a keyboard guy who picked up guitar during lockdown here in Texas. I bought 5 guitars and 6 amps during that time. (Hey, my wife has a good job ok?). Cheers!
Dunno, maybe I'm just old-fashioned, but why would you pay to have someone beat the crap out of a new guitar? Wear out the fingerboard before you even touch it? WTF? OK, I can understand if you played it so much it was worn, that's just legit and shows your love of that instrument, but if you need to drop an additional 30% of the price to make it look that way, perhaps you have more money than sense. My last new guitar was about 4 or 5 years ago. Picked up a very pretty Washburn 12-string acoustic. I loved the way it looked, and would never have asked to have that gorgeous finish damaged intentionally. Same with my Les Paul. Sure, I bought it used, but it was gently used as a session instrument, and I don't beat the crap out of it when I play it either. I like the fact it looks good. Sure, it's not a 4A flame or figured top, but it's still pretty. Sigh, guess I'm just too old to understand relicing a beautiful, new guitar.
I did a refret on a 67' tele a while back. It makes this tele you have look pristine. The neck finish is almost completely gone even on the fretboard. and the staining on the fretboard is very dark. The body is beat to death as well. So depending on what stage of decomp the tele that fender copied for their relic example this isn't all that bad compared to what I've seen. Not saying I'm a fan of relicing at all, just saying this doesn't seem that severe compared to some. Good review and run down on these guitars Darrell.
I may have weighed in on this before: I flaming HATE those huge Tele necks! I also think that the whole relic thing is ridiculous on the face of it. Now we learn that the guitar STINKS on top of everything else!! WTF!!? The guitarist is supposed to bring the funk to the guitar, NOT THE REVERSE! Now, I think I get what Fender was after -- they were going for the full old guitar experience, complete with the smell of a guitar that had seen the inside of club after smoke-filled club for decades. The result, however, is what you said ... a guitar rendered unplayable because it REEKS! And for an axe with these defects (and the gap-ridden neck pocket too!), you pay a premium! Hell to the no! I'll "relic" my own, the old-fashioned way!
Yeah, that the cigarette smell didn't come from the factory. He says immediately before that it's a 2009 model. It's clearly been picked up used. Doesn't sound like something someone should be blaming on the manufacturer.
That was a great! I learned alot in this video. Didn't know they made such a thing. Man those gaps are crazy and that neck is nothing but funny! Thanks Daryl!
In the early 2000s, Fender used to offer "Time Machine Series" guitars in different degrees of aging - from "New Old Stock", that was supposed to be like a 50s or 60s guitar as it would have been to brand new, un-aged, and never touched, to "Closet Classic", that was aged like a guitar that had been played but then put away for years, to "Relic", which were the most heavily worn.
My gosh! That guitar's rediculous manufactured neck wear looks nothing like REAL neck wear on a real vintage Fender...not like mine anyway. What you have there is a bit of a 'weird egg' added to the mix by an original brand...makes me wonder how Leo Fender would've responded! :)
I have an Epiphone that’s similar. Chunky neck, but satin finish. Epiphone les Paul traditional pro 2. I really hope Darrel could maybe do a review on one!
Almost everyone, liking the finish..or hating it….completely melt when they play one! These are some of the best playing instruments Fender has put out in the last 30 years. And that goes for the Tele and the Strat..
great review Darrell. I own both, first and second gen RW Telecasters and I strongly recommend the latter. It's one of my best guitars, tone and playing-wise. Clear sound with nice twang but distorted just phenomenal
I picked up a nearly perfect used Fender Highway One Tele in 2010 with the nitro finish for $575 and it has “relic-ed” nicely over the past 11 years. Now the Highway one series has nearly doubled in value on the used market. I’m glad i went with a highway one over the road worn series.
I just recently picked up one of the new American Vintage 2 51 Butterscotch telecaster. It’s incredible! But I’ll say I sure do miss my 2009 roadworn Tele. I personally loved it! Big fat neck, didn’t have to worry about babying it. I’d love to get another one from the early runs 09-10 somewhere in there
Took delivery of a limited edition roadworn 60s Vintera Strat a few months back. For a fella who loves his pristine guitars this was a big departure for me. I have to say I love it. The relic finish means I’m much more relaxed about it getting scratched or whatever. I’m actually enjoying it so much more from that point of view alone. Would certainly recommend this series for sure.
I’ve owned several relic’ed guitars from Maybach, Haar and ESP, but I’m not a great fan. Rarely look good in my opinion. The positive aspect is that you don’t have to be afraid of ding it, like when I owned a Gibson custom shop Goldtop R6. That one almost gave me a heart attack. Right now I’ve two guitars with nitro, three with poly. I try to look after them the best I can, they’re my babies :)
When I rout a neck pocket, I want a neat but not crazy tight fit. The screws have a big enough job to do holding the neck to the body. They should not have to be the only thing to eliminate lateral movement. A Tele neck pocket doesn't have much depth as it is. It neds to be a better fit. Love & higs... Sarah 💜💜💜💜💜💜
Great review Darrel. I've one of the 2019 2nd generation Relic Tele less the smoke smell. I ended up putting a set of Fender Custom Shop Nocaster pups in, what a tonal difference to the Tex-Mex pups.
Fender actually stopped producing the Roadworn series a few years back but have now brought it back, although limited colours and models. The Tele was available in Blonde and Lake Placid Blue at the beginning of this year but now just blonde. However the relic job on the 2021 model I played is much better than the original. The fingerboard relic is much more even. Check one out Darrell if you get chance as a comparison.
I have one of the 2018 purple models - it’s amazing. Put Fralin pickups in it and a mastery bridge for better intonation. The wear on the fretboard on my purple was nothing like the originals, it was barely worn and in fact, I’ve been naturally wearing it in the positions I play most. The only “complaint” I have is the weird buckle rash mark on the back seems unnecessary. I have several custom shop fenders but I’m actually eyeing one of the 70s deluxe road worn models now - they’re that good.
The first thing I did with my AVRI 52 Telecaster was install super jumbo frets. I decided to keep the 7.25” radius because it doesn’t really bother me. No choking out on bends with my normal action. I was going to get the Road Worn 50’s Vintera until I found the AVRI.
When the Road Worn series first came out, I thought they looked hilariously fake. The fretboard wear on the Strat looked even worse than the Tele, and I think they sprayed lacquer on top of it! I've never even looked at another Road Worn since then.
Darrel what do you think about the 70's Vintera Road Worn Deluxe? I am asking about the newer versions - limited run 2019-2022 I believe. They come in Daphne Blue or Olympic White.
My main Strat is a 2017 Road Worn 50's Stratocaster. The relicing on the fingerboard isn't anywhere near the way your Tele is. The guitar is absolutely gorgeous and feels great, my playing has given it more unique wear as well. Absolutely fantastic guitar!
I got a 2010, Red, w a Duncan Antiquity and a Texas Special in da Bridge.... affordable, fun, good sounding Guitbox. And ya don't have to worry about leaving it on the Bandstand when ya go for beer. Great video D, Stay Groovy!
I've just bought a new one last July (made in 2019), the relic job is a lot better, specially in the neck. I love the thin satin finish, the back of the neck is already starting do turn black where I play. The frets in mine are not jumbo, I will have it refretted in a near future.
Nah, the neck feels completly diferent, worn in and just smooth. Also you dont have to worry about making scrathes etc so you can rock out all the way.✌
I have the Fender Brad Paisley Esquire which also kind of is a part of the Road Worn series. I’m absolutely in love with the guitar, but I can’t make much sense of the relic job. It does not look realistic at all. Looks like someone took a bite out of the upper edge on the back and left four teeth marks, and the right hand arm wear is pretty extreme compared to how clean the rest of the front looks. On the other hand I definitely don’t mind the relicing, and the finish itself is beautiful. Also it does not hurt that much if I accidentally make a ding, so that’s at least something!
Really love this topic for a video! I have never owned a road worn guitar but was thinking about Jason Isbell tele... I’m not sold on the relic job on that one either.
Love the relic concept, but as you say, Darrell, the execution can make or break it. I think your "less is more" advice is spot on. It's the subtlety that makes the relic credible and attractive.
Relicing is labour intensive, that's why it costs more for a relic'd guitar than non relic'd. Love it or hate it the logic behind bigger price tags for relic'd guitars is totally understandable. How do some people still not get this!
I’ve played a couple of Road Worn Teles at my local shop and they felt fine. If you’re looking for a Fender with a nitro finish there’s also used Highway One series guitars on reverb. Check your local listings too they’ll pop up once in a while. I got my HW1 for $600.
Thanks Darrell. I like relicing on the right machine. In the end, whatever jiggles your jello! I reliced my tele. Probably 'over' reliced it ? It desperately needed some mojo.
Do you perceive "mojo" as the look of a guitar or is it the playability and tone of a guitar ? If a guitar has a really nice, clean and beautiful finish while also being really playable, comfortable and having fantastic tone,...Does this make it a guitar with mojo ? Or does it not qualify as having mojo because it is not extremely old or maybe it is a couple of years old but a non-reliced guitar that has been played but taken care of ?
@@stricknine8623 that's a really great point. I was thinking about it as looks. but mojo is more than that isn't it. It plays better... mostly because of the smoother neck and frets.. 'worn down'.. ie sanded. The tone hasn't changed but it feels better..more mojo? Thanks!
@@jarce9032 I have a couple of guitars in particular that are relatively new and have a very pristine type finish that play extremely comfortable and have fantastic tone with extra clarity, articulation, great sustain and good dynamics. I would reckon that those guitars have some "mojo". Perspective is key here I guess. Have a great one man !!
If you take the finish off the 9th-11th frets now, there will be difference in colour from the freshly exposed wood there, and the frets that have had exposed sections for years.
I bought my first Fender - an Olympic white Tele w/ maple board - new in 1972. I've bought a LOT of them over the years and note that they've never solved the neck fit problem, at any level short of the Custom Shop. I've had high-end Fenders with neck pockets as bad as the one in this vid, and Classic Vibe Squiers with perfect pockets. Not sure why, especially w/ CNC machining, Fender can't get it consistently right. As regards the Road Worn series, the neck relic'ing has always struck me as wholly inauthentic-looking. Natural wear leaves dark ovals (check out Brownie on the back of the Layla album) of finger oil in worn spots on the nitro finish. The RW board looks like someone with an unsteady hand took a belt sander to it.
I've got one exactly like that, except mine has a white pickguard. My neck looks exactly like that one. But the serial # on my says it's a 2008. Not sure how, since they didn't actually come out til 2009.
Just picked up a MIM player tele with teh AlNiCo Vs, it was on sale for a decent price and I thought was just a 2019 that was sitting around in a warehouse and they were clearing them out, but I get and check the back of the headstock, there’s the new anniversary logo and a 2021 serial number! Only downside, no gig bag or case at all, but it arrived okay. No worn finish, I’ll see if I can work on that myself, though I don’t really abuse my guitars.
It depends on which guitar we're talking about when it comes to relicing... I think a factory new Butterscotch Tele or LP in TV Yellow looks ugly. Once they're reliced they look STUNNINGLY beautiful!
I had to get the purple one ( thanks DP ) got some pickups from Monty’s Guitars, a gold anodized pick guard that got some love from a Brillo pad. I absolutely love it. If I could pick a small thing they should fix it would be the screws. There were no philips head screws in 52. It would be an added touch.
I have a Standard Tele that I swapped in a 5-hole guard (no pickup mount; neck pup screwed to wood) and the ashtray plate with compensated barrel saddles. It looks a bit like a '50s Tele with a '70s neck. I also have a Vintera '50s Tele, that has the same '50s pieces as the Road Worn but slightly different pickups and an un-aged poly finish. I put on a black Bakelite guard. I like the fat neck. I would love to have a Road Worn Tele. I have handled one but didn't play it. I know I'd like it just by the neck feel. I may trade the Standard for one. Oddly, the blonde model is $40 more than the blue one.
I have a 2020 '60s Road Worn Strat. I wouldn't say that it's best-of-breed, but it is an affordable entry to Fender nitro-finished instruments. The neck is brilliant. The pickups are a bit too hot. The nitro overspray on the belt-sander wear areas on the body is annoying. That said, it's light, resonant and once I wound the pickups very close to the body, it offers some nice, glassy tones. Overall, the relic is overboard. One would have to abuse the living crap out of a guitar to get that kind of damage. But, whatever. I like it better than poly. The 2021 models seem to have lighter relicing than the 2020-and-earlier. I approve of that change.
I always thought they were great playing and sounding guitars. But it was funny, if you were in a giant Guitar Center, and saw several of them up on the wall, they had the exact same wear pattern. No matter what color they were.
I had a vintage les paul when I was a teenager, can't remember how I got it, no I didn't steal it hehe, but it smelled like a packed bar on a Saturday night back when smoking was allowed everywhere. I sold it and got a strat, what did I know? But when you started twisting this one I thought wow, a scalloped neck on a tele? That wear and tear must've been done with a drill and a grinder geez. It does look like it's fun as heck to play though.🤘🎸🎵😉.
This axe is simply a depressing fetish, for me. Thanks Heaven there isn't (yet?) the insane relic madness for PRS. And, fortunately, I can still buy shiny guitars and not pay for fake junk.
Hipsters want to appear authentic by paying double/triple for unauthentic wear made to appear authentic. Happy Fender & Gibson are taking those suckers' money. Great for the economy & it keeps the brand new guitars at a reasonable price.
From Leo: Joe Pass never beat up his guitars, Django Reinhardt, Chet Atkins, Leo Kottke, and many others played guitars for decades without beating them up. I keep mine spotless. I grew up poor, EVERYTHING in my parents house was beat up crap. I am really thankful to be able to chose a different life.
I remember seeing one of these guitars in a shop and the wear on the fingerboard was circular ... trying to think of the right way to explain ... like the sander (or whatever it was) had a circular bit on it and somebody just didn't care much at all ...
Hey Darrell. I've seen you review the Firefly Les Paul style guitars with positive comments. Would you recommend it over an Epiphone Les Paul based on fit and finish ? Thanks 🙂
The 2017 take is a great one, especially with a couple of upgrades (pickup, bone nut). The neck is amazing. If you don't dig the relic aesthetic, just slap another coat of nitro on it and it'll age 'naturally' ;)
I just got a Vintera Road Work 50's Tele and it is FANTASTIC! My favorite guitar by far. I agree those 2009's look a little dumb. The new one's are still relic'd to a template, but much more tasteful.
I have two road worn teles, a 2016 & a 2019, great feeling guitars, great sounding but the "wear" is identical on them both, identical to the one in the video, they're both showing proper wear where I've worn them in but off the wall they're a carbon copy
Just looked and in ebay local to me in UK a 2009 road worn Strat at £899, similar relic issues esp the odd fingerboard wear. But a 2020 model £799 looks much more subtle relic etc. No brainer for me I'd buy the 2020 one.
I took an early 1970s telecaster to a shop out of interest in value.. They said that they would need to value it down in price because of the wear and tear... Yet they go through the process of relic work in the custom shop and sell them for crazy prices... Thats strange
Re the smell of the guitar, Darrell, apparently an ozone cleaning machine can remove that. I haven't tried it myself but have heard multiple times that it works well.
I have …the vintera roadworn……I like it …had 52 reissue before…it’s a good telecaster…I like the light nitro…I have a set of Don Mare Nancy Roy Buchanan pickups I’ll put in….I need a flat black pickguard ..not the shiny one on it……
I’m sorry but this just isn’t my thing. Like I had a 2003 Squier Affinity Strat that I played and played and played. I never was good enough to be in a band but I played until the strings wore out and replaced them. Lather rinse repeat for several years. Dents here and there. Had to fix the strap lock on the horn. That is relic to me. It’s got my life baked into it.
I understand like having a copy of Frankenstein and having The Relic on it so detailed and it's exactly like the we're from Eddie's fingers on the Fret board and the back of the neck and different things like that that's cool but just to get a guitar relics because you wanted to look older no I'd rather wear it out myself then pay somebody to do it for me
They should offer an option like they did last time for MIM nitro finished guitars with no relicing. I think they used to be called the 50s and 60s lacquer models. Not sure if something like that is available now under the Vintera line.
Actually, that relic job looks pretty great, compared to the “heavy relic” (beat the hell) stuff the Custom Shop is cranking out now. Yes, the fingerboard is a bit ridiculous and the edge scrapes are overdone, but the rest of the body and back of neck look authentic. Authenticity is the key.
A couple of thoughts ... I've removed the top layer of gloss finish on lots of necks just using a (new, clean) green kitchen scrubby. No need to pay Fender $1500 to do what I can do in 30 minutes or less. Second thought .... I wonder how important a finish is on a neck really is. I know Warmoth won't warranty some necks unless you finish them, but there seems to be precious little protection left on that Fender you showed us. Is this just another guitar lore myth that doesn't really stand up?
I use a Paint stripping pad from Home Depot, waaaay more aggressive than the kitchen scrubby. Guitar neck now feels like it has a million hours on it. So much better!
I have two road worn strats and one jazz bass and they are amazing. It's the best way to get a nitro finish Fender. Very comfortable to play. And to everyone who just says play your guitar yourself until it feels like this, on a poly finish that will take you about 100 years...
I just sand the neck down and poly guitars feel just fine for me. i use the same scotch pads I use to polish frets so it's basically a no cost operation. I'll agree on if you want a nitro finish it's probably the only way to get one cheaply. Then again, I'm not a fan of nitro so no big loss in my case.
@@Bagledog5000 Do the same, I use the pads that are used for stripping furniture. Did this to a Squier CV Tele and took it down to worn wood, just like the one in Darrell's video. Feels fantastic!
I agree...I have a 2000 Am Tx spc Strat that I played so much I needed 4 refrets until getting SS frets,and had NO wear on actual fretboard(finish looks a bit thinner)....So I think poly is impossible to wear down naturally with just fingers..
*1,000
And checks and dings in poly generally look horrible
I have a 2021 Vintera Road Worn Tele in Blonde. I can say it’s my favourite guitar, it just feels so good to play and it was aged very realistically. I have no complaints about the alder body, the weight difference is negligible and it gives it a little more warmth without overwhelming brightness, which I enjoy in a Tele.
Congrats! 🎸👍
I bought one too…I love it….set it up…and it’s a formidable machine….relicing..is better now…light nitro not garish yellow…more subtle…congrats🤙🏻
@@glennevans5824 that’s a relief. i’ve seen pictures of the 2021 road worn and some look bright yellow, others look perfectly subtle
I agree and even like it better
I got into the Road Worn series guitars by accident, several years ago. I bought a used ‘60’s style Road Worn Stratocaster at a good price. (rosewood fingerboard, nitro finish, 7lbs 2oz). I thought I just found something cheap and nice to play, without having to worry about damaging it or getting it stolen.
Over time, I really developed a great fondness for it, the more I played it. I understand that its looks can be very subjective, but the Road worn guitars just feel so good to play, especially once they’re set up properly.
Ten years later and the happy owner of 6 different Road Worn Telecasters and Stratocasters, I can say that these RW guitars each have a slightly different feel and personality. Furthermore, they are a cheap way to have a Fender nitro finished guitar.
Try them, play them and enjoy them. They won’t disappoint you in the long run.
Well said sir.
Nice, getting a purple one tomorrow. My first road worn ever.
I have a road worn vintera strat and LOVE it. The guitar feels broken in and the finish with the Nitro is amazing to feel and play on. I am also not worried about babying the guitar as any new dings or scratches blend in with the rest of the worn bits.
when I saw the purple road worn tele, I was gutted to learn it was a Guitar center exclusive (I'm Dutch).
When I was in NYC, I was gutted to learn how much it would cost me to ship one overseas .
When I got home, I was delighted to find the only one in the Netherlands 2nd hand.
It's been sitting in my room ever since. One of the best guitars I've ever had - like it better than my 3k euro PRS custom22.
I have one. So much fun to play!!
Yeah - I’ve got one of those too. Brilliant guitar. Absolutely love it
I was able to get my hands one one of the Andertons exclusive ones with the twisted tele neck and nocaster bridge pickups. Just sounds and feels great, I doubt I will ever sell it as its a keeper
Very nice. Getting the purple one tomorrow.
I played one of these! It actually looks pretty cool. The feel is really cool if you’re into vintage style Telecasters. It even smells great. I’m serious. The nitro finish smells like lemon meringue.
I played a Nash then played this!! Nash won hands down!
I just pick mine up and smell it whenever I walk by!
it actually tastes like lemon meringue
Nitro does smell good.
90% of my guitars are nitro.
@@kirkscobey3031 …Nash was..what $2000…..the RW came out at $799….enough said..
I used to collect Fender catalogs and I remember when the first Relics started showing up. I saw them and thought "That's just a gimmick. It'll never last, what a pointless idea". I was wrong about them not lasting, but I still stand by the opinion that it's a gimmick, and I still think it's pretty dumb. To Relic fans out there, hey if you like it, enjoy it. I won't be spending my hard earned money on one.
I totally get that, and I’m not into the heavy relicing at all. But I’ll never forget finding a laquer chip in my old PRS. The hard work it took to get it fixed. A nightmare. With my roadworn Tele, I wouldn’t care a bit. Plus I love the feel of a stripped neck.
@@davepayne164 I get it. Personally, I don't obsess too much about natural wear and tear, and I also don't mind sanding my necks a bit to get that satin feel, but I know not everyone has the same tastes. Have a good one!
Paying more for relic'd is silly, and I'm usually not a fan. However, I did take the bait on a franken-tele that a guy built using new parts that he relic'd. It looks good and plays well, and was only US$110. Hard to beat that!
I dream of having one of these. Back in the day, I visited one in my local shop at the time but never had the money (my son was born that year). To this day I still think about it. Someday I still hope to have one. Congrats on getting one!
I had one of the first ones put out and I loved it. I loved the chunky neck, the white pickguard, the crappy relic job and it's overall ugliness. In my mind there was only one thing wrong with it, and that was that it really wanted to be an Esquire.
I aced the neck pickup, put on an Esquire white pickguard and rewired it. It was my favorite Telecaster and I own some good ones. I'd still be playing it if some POS didn't steal it
Cool that Fender took the relicing to the extreme by adding cigarette stink but I understand that's not for everyone. 😎
Darrel says it's a 2009 model, so not a smell from the factory. I know it's hard to figure out because he says both things so far apart. It's like a full five seconds between mentioning the 2009 part and the smell, so I can see how memory doesn't work that long.
@@simpleanswer8954 I was kidding. Hopefully, you were, too. 😎
For the smoke smell, try wiping it down with a mixture of trisodium phosphate (TSP) and water. As for relicing, I prefer playing it until it naturally ages….that job Fender does just doesn’t cut it.
I got mine Road Worn Tele cause it reminds me of Crossroads the movie but now I’m in love with this Axe
same here :D
I have a Grote Tele that looks like that other than road worn. Not as cool but I love it anyway.
I got one of these about two months ago in vintage blonde.
The neck joint on mine is perfect. I didn't really care about the relic aspect, it's the neck, nitro, alnico 2 pickups that really makes this guitar special. You can't get that on any other Fender at this price.
I'm on the East coast and none of the stores seem to stock this, so it's pretty much gotta be an online purchase. Because of the cost, and returnability, that meant Guitar Center for me, but take my advice on this.
CALL THEM!
I asked for best price and they gave me a bit over 20% off, went from $1199 to $950. All told it was $1005 to my door.
I was critical as hell about it for that first 45 days, and decided to keep it.
Watching a slightly used one (same year, same color) go on ebay for more than I paid new helped ease my worries
Relic yes or no?
Would you, or have you played a Road Worn Tele or Strat? If so, what did you think? Let me know!
guitar link - imp.i114863.net/XxOJZa
RELICS ARE AWESOME!
Have you thought of doing a Thailia Capo review? There are no good review videos about it
Hey Darrell! I just have a question, is this the fender vintera road worn tele? Or is it from something else?
Yes, it's the precursor to the Vintera, but essentially the same series.
Just got a strat road worn. Love it. I’m a fan of non-glossy neck backs, the finish looks great (but the relic... really leaves to be desired but oh well). Plays amazing. I’ve got an MJT body in nitro for my télé on the way
I have the purple one. Had to try a few at GC before finding a good one. Danish Pete got my GAS into high gear. Great presentation Darrell. I’m a keyboard guy who picked up guitar during lockdown here in Texas. I bought 5 guitars and 6 amps during that time. (Hey, my wife has a good job ok?). Cheers!
Dunno, maybe I'm just old-fashioned, but why would you pay to have someone beat the crap out of a new guitar? Wear out the fingerboard before you even touch it? WTF? OK, I can understand if you played it so much it was worn, that's just legit and shows your love of that instrument, but if you need to drop an additional 30% of the price to make it look that way, perhaps you have more money than sense.
My last new guitar was about 4 or 5 years ago. Picked up a very pretty Washburn 12-string acoustic. I loved the way it looked, and would never have asked to have that gorgeous finish damaged intentionally. Same with my Les Paul. Sure, I bought it used, but it was gently used as a session instrument, and I don't beat the crap out of it when I play it either. I like the fact it looks good. Sure, it's not a 4A flame or figured top, but it's still pretty.
Sigh, guess I'm just too old to understand relicing a beautiful, new guitar.
Exactly, I don't get it either. I need no help banging mine around the house, going upstairs, downstairs, out on the deck. Etc.
I did a refret on a 67' tele a while back. It makes this tele you have look pristine. The neck finish is almost completely gone even on the fretboard. and the staining on the fretboard is very dark. The body is beat to death as well. So depending on what stage of decomp the tele that fender copied for their relic example this isn't all that bad compared to what I've seen. Not saying I'm a fan of relicing at all, just saying this doesn't seem that severe compared to some. Good review and run down on these guitars Darrell.
Great !
I am a Tele fan and I did not know about these relic early version.
The freatboard is unrealistic for sure, good that they updated it!
👍🏻
I may have weighed in on this before: I flaming HATE those huge Tele necks! I also think that the whole relic thing is ridiculous on the face of it. Now we learn that the guitar STINKS on top of everything else!! WTF!!? The guitarist is supposed to bring the funk to the guitar, NOT THE REVERSE!
Now, I think I get what Fender was after -- they were going for the full old guitar experience, complete with the smell of a guitar that had seen the inside of club after smoke-filled club for decades. The result, however, is what you said ... a guitar rendered unplayable because it REEKS! And for an axe with these defects (and the gap-ridden neck pocket too!), you pay a premium!
Hell to the no! I'll "relic" my own, the old-fashioned way!
Yeah, that the cigarette smell didn't come from the factory. He says immediately before that it's a 2009 model. It's clearly been picked up used. Doesn't sound like something someone should be blaming on the manufacturer.
Just stick a guitar in a room where people chain smoke cigarettes and bam!
That was a great! I learned alot in this video. Didn't know they made such a thing. Man those gaps are crazy and that neck is nothing but funny! Thanks Daryl!
In the early 2000s, Fender used to offer "Time Machine Series" guitars in different degrees of aging - from "New Old Stock", that was supposed to be like a 50s or 60s guitar as it would have been to brand new, un-aged, and never touched, to "Closet Classic", that was aged like a guitar that had been played but then put away for years, to "Relic", which were the most heavily worn.
My gosh! That guitar's rediculous manufactured neck wear looks nothing like REAL neck wear on a real vintage Fender...not like mine anyway. What you have there is a bit of a 'weird egg' added to the mix by an original brand...makes me wonder how Leo Fender would've responded! :)
Leo outdo love it.
They sold really well and cost more used than they did new.
Rediculous
Your channel is my favorite. I can’t imagine how much time it takes you to put them together.
I have an Epiphone that’s similar. Chunky neck, but satin finish. Epiphone les Paul traditional pro 2. I really hope Darrel could maybe do a review on one!
Almost everyone, liking the finish..or hating it….completely melt when they play one! These are some of the best playing instruments Fender has put out in the last 30 years. And that goes for the Tele and the Strat..
I have a natural road worn 1994 butterscotch Tele made in Japan , swamp ash body , everything original, looks hellish but plays and sounds amazing !
great review Darrell. I own both, first and second gen RW Telecasters and I strongly recommend the latter. It's one of my best guitars, tone and playing-wise. Clear sound with nice twang but distorted just phenomenal
Love my G&L... the quality is perfect out of the box....
I picked up a nearly perfect used Fender Highway One Tele in 2010 with the nitro finish for $575 and it has “relic-ed” nicely over the past 11 years. Now the Highway one series has nearly doubled in value on the used market. I’m glad i went with a highway one over the road worn series.
I just recently picked up one of the new American Vintage 2 51 Butterscotch telecaster. It’s incredible! But I’ll say I sure do miss my 2009 roadworn Tele. I personally loved it! Big fat neck, didn’t have to worry about babying it. I’d love to get another one from the early runs 09-10 somewhere in there
I have two. They feel great, not sticky and glossy. The relic effect is not just for the visual aspect it actually enhances the playing experience.
Took delivery of a limited edition roadworn 60s Vintera Strat a few months back. For a fella who loves his pristine guitars this was a big departure for me. I have to say I love it. The relic finish means I’m much more relaxed about it getting scratched or whatever. I’m actually enjoying it so much more from that point of view alone. Would certainly recommend this series for sure.
Got one of these a few days ago.
Never had I thought Alder/Maple telly would have sounded so great!
If you want a good relic guitar give a new one to a 14 year old Willie Nelson. Wait 50 years and go pick it up, giving Willie a nice big check.🤪
I totally agree with you!
I wouldn't want any beat up, used up guitar from anyone except to re-sell it immediately to people who like the used, abused and neglected look.
I’ve owned several relic’ed guitars from Maybach, Haar and ESP, but I’m not a great fan. Rarely look good in my opinion. The positive aspect is that you don’t have to be afraid of ding it, like when I owned a Gibson custom shop Goldtop R6. That one almost gave me a heart attack. Right now I’ve two guitars with nitro, three with poly. I try to look after them the best I can, they’re my babies :)
When I rout a neck pocket, I want a neat but not crazy tight fit. The screws have a big enough job to do holding the neck to the body. They should not have to be the only thing to eliminate lateral movement. A Tele neck pocket doesn't have much depth as it is. It neds to be a better fit. Love & higs... Sarah 💜💜💜💜💜💜
Great review Darrel. I've one of the 2019 2nd generation Relic Tele less the smoke smell. I ended up putting a set of Fender Custom Shop Nocaster pups in, what a tonal difference to the Tex-Mex pups.
Fender actually stopped producing the Roadworn series a few years back but have now brought it back, although limited colours and models. The Tele was available in Blonde and Lake Placid Blue at the beginning of this year but now just blonde. However the relic job on the 2021 model I played is much better than the original. The fingerboard relic is much more even. Check one out Darrell if you get chance as a comparison.
I'm getting a Gibson custom shop Les Paul, only I'm going to pay 50% extra to have a pre-made headstock break and repair. I'm so cool.
I have one of the 2018 purple models - it’s amazing. Put Fralin pickups in it and a mastery bridge for better intonation. The wear on the fretboard on my purple was nothing like the originals, it was barely worn and in fact, I’ve been naturally wearing it in the positions I play most. The only “complaint” I have is the weird buckle rash mark on the back seems unnecessary. I have several custom shop fenders but I’m actually eyeing one of the 70s deluxe road worn models now - they’re that good.
The first thing I did with my AVRI 52 Telecaster was install super jumbo frets. I decided to keep the 7.25” radius because it doesn’t really bother me. No choking out on bends with my normal action.
I was going to get the Road Worn 50’s Vintera until I found the AVRI.
When the Road Worn series first came out, I thought they looked hilariously fake. The fretboard wear on the Strat looked even worse than the Tele, and I think they sprayed lacquer on top of it! I've never even looked at another Road Worn since then.
Darrel what do you think about the 70's Vintera Road Worn Deluxe? I am asking about the newer versions - limited run 2019-2022 I believe. They come in Daphne Blue or Olympic White.
Fender: "Our relic process is a closely guarded secret"
Fender: drag the guitars by rope with a pallet lift
My main Strat is a 2017 Road Worn 50's Stratocaster. The relicing on the fingerboard isn't anywhere near the way your Tele is. The guitar is absolutely gorgeous and feels great, my playing has given it more unique wear as well. Absolutely fantastic guitar!
I always wondered how you're supposed to wear the fingerboard down right next to the frets.
These look great. I would be super happy with them. Did they get the rolled edge of fretboard right on these early ones?
I had a 2009 and it was one of the best playing stock for stock teles I had. I do regret selling it.
I got a 2010, Red, w a Duncan Antiquity and a Texas Special in da Bridge.... affordable, fun, good sounding Guitbox. And ya don't have to worry about leaving it on the Bandstand when ya go for beer. Great video D, Stay Groovy!
I've just bought a new one last July (made in 2019), the relic job is a lot better, specially in the neck.
I love the thin satin finish, the back of the neck is already starting do turn black where I play. The frets in mine are not jumbo, I will have it refretted in a near future.
Definitely beauty in the eye of the beholder. But I think it’s beautiful and classic.
Roadworn/reliced, etc. -- Makes about as much sense as having your Ferrari pre-bashed at the factory so it looks cooler.
Nah, the neck feels completly diferent, worn in and just smooth. Also you dont have to worry about making scrathes etc so you can rock out all the way.✌
I have the Fender Brad Paisley Esquire which also kind of is a part of the Road Worn series. I’m absolutely in love with the guitar, but I can’t make much sense of the relic job. It does not look realistic at all. Looks like someone took a bite out of the upper edge on the back and left four teeth marks, and the right hand arm wear is pretty extreme compared to how clean the rest of the front looks.
On the other hand I definitely don’t mind the relicing, and the finish itself is beautiful. Also it does not hurt that much if I accidentally make a ding, so that’s at least something!
Really love this topic for a video! I have never owned a road worn guitar but was thinking about Jason Isbell tele... I’m not sold on the relic job on that one either.
Love the relic concept, but as you say, Darrell, the execution can make or break it. I think your "less is more" advice is spot on. It's the subtlety that makes the relic credible and attractive.
Relicing is labour intensive, that's why it costs more for a relic'd guitar than non relic'd. Love it or hate it the logic behind bigger price tags for relic'd guitars is totally understandable. How do some people still not get this!
I’ve played a couple of Road Worn Teles at my local shop and they felt fine. If you’re looking for a Fender with a nitro finish there’s also used Highway One series guitars on reverb. Check your local listings too they’ll pop up once in a while. I got my HW1 for $600.
Great video! You should try a Baja Tele as well ;-) they're awesome!
"It's so bad it makes Gibson look good"
🤣🤣🤣🤣
Thanks Darrell.
I like relicing on the right machine. In the end, whatever jiggles your jello! I reliced my tele. Probably 'over' reliced it ? It desperately needed some mojo.
Do you perceive "mojo" as the look of a guitar or is it the playability and tone of a guitar ?
If a guitar has a really nice, clean and beautiful finish while also being really playable, comfortable and having fantastic tone,...Does this make it a guitar with mojo ?
Or does it not qualify as having mojo because it is not extremely old or maybe it is a couple of years old but a non-reliced guitar that has been played but taken care of ?
@@stricknine8623 that's a really great point. I was thinking about it as looks. but mojo is more than that isn't it. It plays better... mostly because of the smoother neck and frets.. 'worn down'.. ie sanded. The tone hasn't changed but it feels better..more mojo? Thanks!
@@jarce9032
I have a couple of guitars in particular that are relatively new and have a very pristine type finish that play extremely comfortable and have fantastic tone with extra clarity, articulation, great sustain and good dynamics. I would reckon that those guitars have some "mojo".
Perspective is key here I guess. Have a great one man !!
If you take the finish off the 9th-11th frets now, there will be difference in colour from the freshly exposed wood there, and the frets that have had exposed sections for years.
I bought my first Fender - an Olympic white Tele w/ maple board - new in 1972. I've bought a LOT of them over the years and note that they've never solved the neck fit problem, at any level short of the Custom Shop. I've had high-end Fenders with neck pockets as bad as the one in this vid, and Classic Vibe Squiers with perfect pockets. Not sure why, especially w/ CNC machining, Fender can't get it consistently right.
As regards the Road Worn series, the neck relic'ing has always struck me as wholly inauthentic-looking. Natural wear leaves dark ovals (check out Brownie on the back of the Layla album) of finger oil in worn spots on the nitro finish. The RW board looks like someone with an unsteady hand took a belt sander to it.
I've got one exactly like that, except mine has a white pickguard. My neck looks exactly like that one. But the serial # on my says it's a 2008. Not sure how, since they didn't actually come out til 2009.
Just picked up a MIM player tele with teh AlNiCo Vs, it was on sale for a decent price and I thought was just a 2019 that was sitting around in a warehouse and they were clearing them out, but I get and check the back of the headstock, there’s the new anniversary logo and a 2021 serial number! Only downside, no gig bag or case at all, but it arrived okay. No worn finish, I’ll see if I can work on that myself, though I don’t really abuse my guitars.
It depends on which guitar we're talking about when it comes to relicing... I think a factory new Butterscotch Tele or LP in TV Yellow looks ugly. Once they're reliced they look STUNNINGLY beautiful!
I had to get the purple one ( thanks DP ) got some pickups from Monty’s Guitars, a gold anodized pick guard that got some love from a Brillo pad. I absolutely love it. If I could pick a small thing they should fix it would be the screws. There were no philips head screws in 52. It would be an added touch.
I love my Road Worn Tele and Strat. I don’t mind the relic-ing. And I got lucky since they are pretty light as well.
I have a Standard Tele that I swapped in a 5-hole guard (no pickup mount; neck pup screwed to wood) and the ashtray plate with compensated barrel saddles. It looks a bit like a '50s Tele with a '70s neck. I also have a Vintera '50s Tele, that has the same '50s pieces as the Road Worn but slightly different pickups and an un-aged poly finish. I put on a black Bakelite guard. I like the fat neck.
I would love to have a Road Worn Tele. I have handled one but didn't play it. I know I'd like it just by the neck feel. I may trade the Standard for one. Oddly, the blonde model is $40 more than the blue one.
I have a 2020 '60s Road Worn Strat. I wouldn't say that it's best-of-breed, but it is an affordable entry to Fender nitro-finished instruments. The neck is brilliant. The pickups are a bit too hot. The nitro overspray on the belt-sander wear areas on the body is annoying. That said, it's light, resonant and once I wound the pickups very close to the body, it offers some nice, glassy tones. Overall, the relic is overboard. One would have to abuse the living crap out of a guitar to get that kind of damage. But, whatever. I like it better than poly. The 2021 models seem to have lighter relicing than the 2020-and-earlier. I approve of that change.
LOL... The cigarettes' smoke smell, along with relic look would be like owning one of Keith Richards old telecasters.
And if you had one of Keef's, you might get more than just the cigarette smell...Lol
I always thought they were great playing and sounding guitars.
But it was funny, if you were in a giant Guitar Center, and saw several of them up on the wall, they had the exact same wear pattern. No matter what color they were.
I had a vintage les paul when I was a teenager, can't remember how I got it, no I didn't steal it hehe, but it smelled like a packed bar on a Saturday night back when smoking was allowed everywhere. I sold it and got a strat, what did I know? But when you started twisting this one I thought wow, a scalloped neck on a tele? That wear and tear must've been done with a drill and a grinder geez. It does look like it's fun as heck to play though.🤘🎸🎵😉.
This axe is simply a depressing fetish, for me.
Thanks Heaven there isn't (yet?) the insane relic madness for PRS.
And, fortunately, I can still buy shiny guitars and not pay for fake junk.
Hipsters want to appear authentic by paying double/triple for unauthentic wear made to appear authentic. Happy Fender & Gibson are taking those suckers' money. Great for the economy & it keeps the brand new guitars at a reasonable price.
@@NunchucksHabit lol. Bingo.
From Leo: Joe Pass never beat up his guitars, Django Reinhardt, Chet Atkins, Leo Kottke, and many others played guitars for decades without beating them up. I keep mine spotless. I grew up poor, EVERYTHING in my parents house was beat up crap. I am really thankful to be able to chose a different life.
I remember seeing one of these guitars in a shop and the wear on the fingerboard was circular ... trying to think of the right way to explain ... like the sander (or whatever it was) had a circular bit on it and somebody just didn't care much at all ...
High priced guitars.
Total product price 100%, of which 20% material and labor and 80% of which LOGO on the headstock.
Cheers.
Fortunately, only we musicians give a flying f... about what name is on the headstock.
All why I just got a Schecter PT Special. Daryl also reviewed it here. Decide for yourself.
I’m not sure what year they changed but mine is a 2015 and it has very light relic job. Tastefully done.
" ... a Tele from the early '50s, seventy-five years later."
Mmmya'ALMOST got that right, didn't ya? ;-)
Thanks, Darrell. You always give the finer points.
Hey Darrell. I've seen you review the Firefly Les Paul style guitars with positive comments. Would you recommend it over an Epiphone Les Paul based on fit and finish ? Thanks 🙂
The 2017 take is a great one, especially with a couple of upgrades (pickup, bone nut). The neck is amazing. If you don't dig the relic aesthetic, just slap another coat of nitro on it and it'll age 'naturally' ;)
I just got a Vintera Road Work 50's Tele and it is FANTASTIC! My favorite guitar by far. I agree those 2009's look a little dumb. The new one's are still relic'd to a template, but much more tasteful.
Pretty cool it has jumbo frets? I don't think I've ever seen a fender with factory jumbo frets before.
I have two road worn teles, a 2016 & a 2019, great feeling guitars, great sounding but the "wear" is identical on them both, identical to the one in the video, they're both showing proper wear where I've worn them in but off the wall they're a carbon copy
Chunky necks always throw me off a bit but I do have a Epi LP Jr. which has just the right amount of chunk for me 😝
Just looked and in ebay local to me in UK a 2009 road worn Strat at £899, similar relic issues esp the odd fingerboard wear. But a 2020 model £799 looks much more subtle relic etc. No brainer for me I'd buy the 2020 one.
I took an early 1970s telecaster to a shop out of interest in value.. They said that they would need to value it down in price because of the wear and tear... Yet they go through the process of relic work in the custom shop and sell them for crazy prices... Thats strange
I have 76 Mann road worn telecaster and it makes yours look like new lol. Mine doesn't smell though. Great video again.
Re the smell of the guitar, Darrell, apparently an ozone cleaning machine can remove that. I haven't tried it myself but have heard multiple times that it works well.
I have …the vintera roadworn……I like it …had 52 reissue before…it’s a good telecaster…I like the light nitro…I have a set of Don Mare Nancy Roy Buchanan pickups I’ll put in….I need a flat black pickguard ..not the shiny one on it……
I’m sorry but this just isn’t my thing. Like I had a 2003 Squier Affinity Strat that I played and played and played. I never was good enough to be in a band but I played until the strings wore out and replaced them. Lather rinse repeat for several years. Dents here and there. Had to fix the strap lock on the horn. That is relic to me. It’s got my life baked into it.
I understand like having a copy of Frankenstein and having The Relic on it so detailed and it's exactly like the we're from Eddie's fingers on the Fret board and the back of the neck and different things like that that's cool but just to get a guitar relics because you wanted to look older no I'd rather wear it out myself then pay somebody to do it for me
I never understood the psychology of wanting to buy something new that was artificially made to look old. A real antique has a story for every scar.
The Road Worn relic looks a lot better to me than the custom shop heavy relic for $4000
Yep..
Less worse I would say.
Is the stale cigarettte smell part of the relicking process? 😂
They should offer an option like they did last time for MIM nitro finished guitars with no relicing. I think they used to be called the 50s and 60s lacquer models. Not sure if something like that is available now under the Vintera line.
Looks like a fifty year old guitar with a new pickguard. And you don't see Glarry guitars with neck gaps like that.
Actually, that relic job looks pretty great, compared to the “heavy relic” (beat the hell) stuff the Custom Shop is cranking out now. Yes, the fingerboard is a bit ridiculous and the edge scrapes are overdone, but the rest of the body and back of neck look authentic. Authenticity is the key.
A couple of thoughts ... I've removed the top layer of gloss finish on lots of necks just using a (new, clean) green kitchen scrubby. No need to pay Fender $1500 to do what I can do in 30 minutes or less. Second thought .... I wonder how important a finish is on a neck really is. I know Warmoth won't warranty some necks unless you finish them, but there seems to be precious little protection left on that Fender you showed us. Is this just another guitar lore myth that doesn't really stand up?
I use a Paint stripping pad from Home Depot, waaaay more aggressive than the kitchen scrubby. Guitar neck now feels like it has a million hours on it. So much better!