1. Is your signature systematic and mandatory?

— Yes, absolutely! Your instrument is the result of long, dedicated craftsmanship.
Every guitar, without exception (whether complete, just the body or just the neck), will be stamped with my mark (on the back of the headstock for necks, and in a cavity for bodies).
This is a non-negotiable condition, even for older models.

​

 

2. Can I get my guitar with a new finish, without relic work?

— Unfortunately not. The very concept of “Relic’Art” is to offer ONLY relic finishes — even if they’re very soft or subtle.

​

 

3. Can I get a NOS-style finish?

— I don’t offer that kind of finish (like a new look with only light checking), as it doesn’t feel credible to me.

​

 

4. Will you apply a Fender or Gibson logo on an unbranded guitar?

— No. Adding a brand logo to an unbranded guitar is considered counterfeiting and is punishable by law.
So I won’t do it — sorry !

​

 

5. Can I choose the return shipping method for my guitar?

— Yes, of course. You can choose the shipping method (private courier, postal service, etc.). Just let me know at the end of the process or at the time of your order.

​

 

6. Can you relic my guitar directly over its polyurethane finish?

— For realism, I don’t relic directly over original finishes (usually polyurethane).
I need to strip it entirely and redo the finish in nitrocellulose lacquer (as it was back in the day), to achieve an authentic result.

​

 

7. My guitar already has a nitro finish — can you relic directly on it?

— Not really. Even when a guitar is labeled “nitro”, it often has a polyurethane undercoat or is a nitro/polyester mix.
My refin is 100% nitrocellulose, so I know exactly how it will react.

​

 

8. Do you relic only certain hardware parts?

— Unfortunately, no. I only relic the hardware when I’m relicing and refinishing the entire instrument.

​

 

9. Do you accept payment in installments?

— No, sorry. Full payment is due at the end of the work, in one single transaction.

​

 

10. Can I request a custom painted design (like the Hendrix Monterey Strat)?

— I don’t have the skills of a professional painter or illustrator, so I can’t offer that.

​

 

11. If the standard lead time is 3 months, can I get my guitar faster?

— Yes, absolutely. Each package includes a “Priority” option that shortens the delivery time to 2 months instead of 3.
See the “Pricing” section for more details.

​

 

12. In the Freestyle package, can I list colors I don’t want?

— Yes, no problem. However, the aging style is entirely up to me :-)

​

 

13. Can I drop off my guitar directly at your workshop?

— With pleasure! You are more than welcome :-)

​

 

14. I’d like to try relicing my own guitar — could you give me a few tips?

— The results I achieve are the product of years of research and experience.
It will be the same for you. We all have our little secrets — and mine must remain secret too :-)

​

 

15. Can you also do luthier work on my guitar along with the refinishing?

— Unfortunately not. I only do refinishing and relic work.
For any setup or repair work, you’ll need to contact a professional luthier (which I’m not).

​

 

16. Can I request a custom color not listed by Fender or Gibson?

— Yes, absolutely. I can’t guarantee I’ll be able to reproduce it exactly, but I’m open to this kind of request.

​

 

17. What’s the advantage of nitro over polyurethane lacquer?

— Polyurethane is a very thick and hard finish that traps the wood’s natural resonance.
By replacing it with a thinner and more elastic nitro lacquer, vibrations are freed — resulting in a fuller tone and increased sustain.

​

 

18. Do you send photos of each stage of the work?

— Unfortunately not. Due to time constraints, I don’t send updates at every step.
However, I’ll keep you informed during the process and will send final photos once the instrument is fully completed.

​

 

19. Is it better to send the hardware even if it doesn’t need relicing?

— Yes, I highly recommend it, even if it’s not mandatory.
Having the hardware lets me recreate shadows and faded zones caused by UV exposure and wear over time.

​

 

20. Can you work on all brands and models of guitars?

— In theory, yes. However, some models or brands have caused problems in the past (poor wood quality, difficult finishes to strip, etc.).
So don’t hesitate to ask me for confirmation first.

​

 

21. Can I request vertical or horizontal checking/cracks?

— My checking is done naturally, so I can’t control exactly how it appears.
Each guitar reacts and cracks in its own unique way.

​

 

22. Will you pack my guitar carefully for the return shipment?

— I’ll take just as much care repacking it as you did when you sent it.
So it’s in your best interest to pack it very securely — I’ll be using the same packaging for the return.

​

​

23. Nickel or chrome hardware, does that make a difference for consistent relicking?

— Oh yes! A nickel hardware will age much more easily and realistically than chrome which, by definition, does not alter it. For the chrome parts, I will only be able to make a brushed metal effect

​

​

24. Will my guitar be set and ready to play?

-- Being neither a luthier nor a guitarist, the instrument will be turned up but not tuned and the microphones unwired, this work must be done by a professional

​