[jtkung]

I initially never understood this phenomena.  Why would you spend more money to buy a new guitar and have somebody beat it up? But as I learned more, it all comes down to image, fashion, and looks. Some people simply prefer the aged look.  Maybe it's nostaligia, or trying to look like their guitar heroes of the past. Similar to why people like to buy ripped jeans and spend more money. The ageing does nothing to the tone in my opinion, and in terms of playability -- the rolled edges are nice, but that's done on many new guitars today without looking like it was abused. 

Some of the relicing looks ridiculous too because it is aged and scratched and beat up in areas that are not realistic. You think they would get that right. 

I guess it isn't any different than spending money on a different color or finish.  But it does seem strange since you can play it and create your own aging.  I think that's my point -- the people buying these guitars can hardly play and really use it as a status item for show.  At least that has been my experience.

The Fender Custom Shop and Gibson Murphy Lab pumping a lot of these out.  Must be a lot of lawyers, doctors, and real estate brokers out there as guitar posers ...

Ironically, some of the Gibson relics are starting to flake, and people are complaining. I am not sure why as they paid for this natural ageing!

https://www.guitarworld.com/news/gibson-...es-flaking