Relic TL Style Nitro Top Alder Guitar Body - DIY Replacement

In this review of the Relic Electric Guitar Body TL Style Nitro Top Alder Wood, the bottom line is simple: this is a high-quality replacement body for builders who want an authentic vintage look without sourcing rare wood or finishes. It is aimed at experienced DIYers and modders who value a true nitrocellulose relic finish and solid American alder construction. The predrilled neck mounting holes and wire paths make assembly straightforward, and the satin polyurethane seal preserves the aged appearance while protecting the wood.

Key Features

• American alder construction: The solid alder body, built from at least three pieces, gives a familiar tonal balance and a reliable foundation for pickups and bridge hardware.
• Nitro top with satin seal: The nitrocellulose relic paint and thin satin polyurethane finish offer an authentic aged look while still protecting the wood from wear.
• TL style routing: The S-S pickup route and TL-inspired shape make it easy to install single-coil pickups and achieve classic tones associated with this style.
• Pre-drilled convenience: Neck mounting holes and wire paths are drilled at the factory, saving time and ensuring consistent fit for standard necks.
• DIY ready: With a standard neck pocket and mounting dimensions, this body is ready for builders to finish with their choice of hardware and electronics.

Who It's For

This body is best for seasoned home builders and experienced techs who want a higher-grade replacement body with a vintage appearance. Players who prefer a TL style guitar with two single-coil pickups and a 25.5' scale will find this an easy fit when paired with compatible necks and hardware.

It is less suitable for complete beginners expecting a fully assembled instrument, or for builders who require unusual pickup routs or pre-drilled pickguard holes, since this body comes without pickguard mounting holes and uses a specific S-S route.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Authentic nitro relic finish gives a vintage look without heavy setup work.
• Solid American alder provides a familiar tonal core and stable weight for most builds.
• Predrilled neck pocket and wire paths reduce fitting time and improve accuracy.

Cons

• No pickguard mounting holes are included, so builders who rely on a pickguard for component placement will need to adapt.
• Relic finish limits those who want a completely raw or glossy new look.

Specifications

Our Verdict

The Relic TL Style Nitro Top Alder body is a solid choice for DIY builders who want a vintage-styled, ready-to-assemble replacement body. Its authentic nitro relic finish and predrilled neck and wiring make installation straightforward, and the American alder construction offers dependable tone and feel. It represents good value for players who plan to install their own hardware and want a higher-grade body as the basis for a custom instrument.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a standard TL neck fit this body?
Yes. The neck pocket and mounting hole dimensions follow standard TL style measurements and should fit compatible necks.

Does it come with pickguard holes?
No. This body does not include pickguard mounting holes, so plan to mount electronics directly or drill your own pickguard holes if needed.

Is the finish durable for regular playing?
The nitrocellulose relic top has a thin satin polyurethane seal that protects the wood while retaining an aged appearance, but nitro finishes are generally more delicate than modern poly finishes.