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It's the kind of term that folk have used to describe their used/dinked/not-pristine guitars, but then Fender started using it as a product name on their artificially aged Mexican (non custom Shop) guitars.
There is plenty of evidence that even Relics are quite templated, but that's another story.
Outside of Fender it's a term that when applied to a second hand instrument normally means it's been gigged hard and therefore has a number of cosmetic imperfections, the more common term in this instance is "Player Grade" e.g. it still plays perfectly well, but it's not one for a collector.
Roadworn is just a label use in the Mexican Factory.
Journeyman is just a label use in the USA factory.
Heavy relic is just a label use in the USA factory.
Put 2 Roadworn next to each other and you will see the same similarities.
Put 2 CS relic together from the same "Range" and you will see the same similarities.
I think "player grade" has always been a bit different to my mind.
It's like "this guitar would probably be worth a lot more if it was a minter, but it's not so you don't need to be afraid to gig it"
Like your classic 70's strat that's been gouged for a humbucker and got a really badly done refin.
relic = attacked with sandpaper, scalpel, old keys etc.
Heavy relic = attacked with all the above and some boot polish/ dirt from the shop floor.
Once you get to CS, you get different levels to chose from:
NOS - Usually as new, definitely no chips or dings
Closet Classic - As above but with some discoloration to finish and parts
DLX Closet Classic - as above with checking
Journeyman relic - some nicks and dings, some small areas worn through
Relic - Lots of dents and marks, more wear through but still has most of its finish
Heavy relic - Fooked.
Roadworn is usually a basic template version of their relic finish, meant to look a bit like a heavily gigged guitar.... if you squint
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