Relic-ing a Gitane?

mcgroup53

I am thinking of doing some "gypsy relic" work on a Gitane: removing the finish from the back of the neck; possibly removing/thinning the finish on the body; adding some strategic wear and tear marks. This is just for fun and possibly to improve the guitar's playability and sound. I hate that "new guitar" look, but would never do this to a DA, Dupont, etc. But since the Gitane has no collectors value, it seems like a great place to start.

Any tips, trick or suggestions out there? I just saw a new DVD from a master at the relicing process, but this is for a solid-body electric, not an acoustic.

Elliot

Hi Mc

If you strip it down it will still look very new, and I'm assuming you want an antiqued look, not a dirty, beat up new guitar. For that you will need a faux finish.

To do that you will need some skill, but not much. First thing is to get a few pieces of spruce ply to make some trial runs. Make sure they are incredibly smooth like a guitar. Now go to a decent art store and get a small tube of Ivory Black oil paint. Ivory Black should be transparent and that is the key here (it also has a nice purplish undertone). Rembrandt is a good brand.

You need
1 Small tube Ivory Black
2 Small tube Yellow Ochre
The Medium:
3 Linseed Oil
4 Dammar Varnish
5 Turpentine

Mix the last three together 1:1:2 . Add a small bit of Ochre to the Black and add some of the medium you just made to it to a very dilute mixture. Then with a lightly scrunched rag rub some medium alone into the wood so you won't be staining a dry surface, just a small amount. Take the rag and streak/rub the paint on, making it uneven - vary the amount of ochre. Using your hand to rub the color in works best.

Here is a picture of an 'aged' guitar someone offers that can serve as a model. They did it in two layers, plus you can see added touches of another colored varnish layer on top. (Of course you don't have to go with Yellow Ochre for this, you could do a nice top with a Burnt or Raw Siena for example.)

Bohemian

The tail piece gives it away

And what about finsish checking?

go to you tube and look for the Gibson 8 part relic series...