Aging
Our philosophy on aging has never changed: everything has a story, and a reason to be there. We age our guitars by hand not only to make them feel incredibly comfortable but to give you an instrument that has just as many stories as you do. We can replicate any piece of history you show us, or you can specify what types and levels of aging to create a story of your own. Either way, every single LsL is one-of-a-kind.
No Age
Body
On no age guitars such as this XT3 we use Polyester or Polyurethane finishes to make sure it stays nice and glossy from gig to gig.
Neck
Our necks can have multiple types of finishes, such as glossy or satin or oil. Age levels can also vary from body, neck, and hardware so you could have an untouched neck and a light age body such as this mahogany XT.
Hardware
Hardware can also be left shiny and new for a “New Old Stock” look, as if the guitar has been sitting in a case untouched for who knows how long.
Light Age
Body
The first level of aging on a guitar’s body includes a delicately cracked finish with some minor finish checks, nicks and scratches. Matte finishes are exempt from finish cracking, since they cannot be sanded which is necessary to make it do so.
Neck
Light age LsL’s generally don’t include any proper aging on the actual neck, however the headstock could have some minor cracks in the finish.
Hardware
Our pickups, bridges, and pickguards will be lightly brushed however will not be rusted or tinted.
Medium Age
Body
Medium Age has slightly more finish cracks, nicks and scratches. The body is also tinted to make it just a bit more grimy. It also includes a little bit of rub through on arm and belly cuts and some edge chipping.
Neck
Medium Age on LsL necks introduces some possible wear through on part of the bass side of the neck. This is not required, however.
Hardware
The hardware on a Medium age gets slightly heavier brushing and just the tiniest bit of rust. Control plates, knobs, pickups, everything down to the screws are given specific attention.
Heavy Age
Body
It’s time to really kick it up a notch. Heavy age describes a guitar that has gotten decades of love and experience. Heavy age guitars are great for rub through finishes to show off the phases your guitar has had in its lifetime. This is also a good option if you just can’t decide on one color.
Neck
We’re really getting into the grime now. Some significant neck wear is to be expected from a Heavy age model. An added perk from this neck wear is a neck that makes it very easy to travel.
Hardware
Heavy aging on hardware includes a big scuffing, no more funny business. These parts are also left to rust for just a little bit longer than medium would.
Extreme Age
Body
This is when we turn it up to 11. Extreme age guitars have been to hell and back, you’d never guess such a beat up instrument could still play so well. On the bodies we remove a substantial amount of finish on top of all the nicks and scratches you would get from heavy aging.
Neck
Our extreme age necks have a bunch of finish worn off on the back but if you have a maple fingerboard this level also introduces fingerboard wear. Modeled directly after all the true vintage instruments we could find (and luckily get our hands on), there is never enough attention to detail.
Hardware
As always everything down to every single screw is made sure to get the grit and grime it would get out in the wild, but with none of the functional damage. While cleverly disguised as a piece of hardware on the brink, it’s all as sturdy as new.