KGD Relic 6-String Solidbody Electric Guitar Review: Is This the Ultimate Budget-Friendly Road-Worn Gem?

As a guitarist who has spent decades chasing “that” sound—the resonance of aged wood and the comfortable feel of a neck that has seen a thousand stages—I know the frustration of the modern market. We are often forced to choose between a pristine, sterile budget instrument or a multi-thousand-dollar relic from a custom shop. Solving this dilemma is crucial for the working musician or the enthusiastic hobbyist; playing a guitar that feels “new” and stiff can actually hinder your creative flow and prevent you from truly connecting with the strings. The complication is that most “affordable” relic guitars look like they were dragged behind a truck rather than naturally aged. When I first encountered the KGD Relic 6-String Solidbody Electric Guitar, I was skeptical. Could a guitar at this price point truly offer the “Vintage Vibes and Modern Mastery” it promised, or would it just be another toy dressed up in old clothes? I decided to put it through its paces to see if it could solve the craving for vintage character without breaking the bank.

What to Consider Before Buying a Solid Body Electric Guitar

A Solid Body Electric Guitar is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for players who need a reliable, feedback-resistant instrument capable of handling everything from clean jazz to high-gain rock. Unlike hollow-body instruments, a solid body guitar like the KGD Relic 6-String Solidbody Electric Guitar provides superior sustain and allows for greater control over your sonic output in loud environments. It solves the fundamental problem of acoustic interference, allowing the pickups to translate string vibration directly into your amplifier without the “howl” associated with resonant chambers.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the “stiff guitar” syndrome—perhaps a student who finds glossy necks difficult to slide on, or a seasoned player looking for a “modding platform” they don’t have to baby. It is perfect for those who appreciate the aesthetic of a guitar with a story. However, it might not be suitable for those who demand “out-of-the-box” perfection or those who prefer the high-gloss, pristine look of a modern PRS or Ibanez. If you aren’t prepared to do a little bit of setup work, you might consider a more standardized factory-line model.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: At 38.6 x 12.7 x 1.7 inches, this is a standard-sized instrument, but you must ensure your gig bag or hard case is designed for T-style bodies. The weight of the mahogany body provides a substantial feel without being as back-breaking as a heavy Les Paul, making it ideal for long practice sessions.
• Capacity & Performance: Look closely at the pickup configuration and bridge system. The S-S (Single-Single) layout on this model is designed for clarity and “twang,” while the brass barrel saddles are a performance-heavy choice that enhances string resonance and intonation stability compared to cheap steel alternatives.
• Materials & Durability: The choice of mahogany for the body and carbonized maple for the neck is a high-end combination. Carbonized (or roasted) maple is essentially “baked” to remove moisture, making it incredibly stable against humidity changes—a common failure point for budget guitars with green wood.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: Consider if you are willing to learn basic maintenance. A relic guitar like this often requires a personalized setup—adjusting the truss rod or filing a nut slot—to reach its full potential. Long-term care is easier because you don’t have to worry about the first scratch ruining a “perfect” finish.

While the KGD Relic 6-String Solidbody Electric Guitar is an excellent choice for those seeking vintage character, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

Unboxing the KGD Relic 6-String Solidbody Electric Guitar: First Impressions

When the KGD Relic 6-String Solidbody Electric Guitar arrived, the first thing that struck me was the “Cream Yellow” finish. It has a muted, creamy hue that looks far more authentic than the bright, “banana” yellows often seen on cheaper imports. The relic work—the simulated wear on the body—is surprisingly tasteful. It doesn’t look computerized; there’s a randomness to the wear marks that gives it a genuine “pawn shop find” aura. Before even plugging it in, I noticed the neck. The carbonized maple has a beautiful, dark caramel color, and the “C” shape feels substantial in the hand—not too thin, not too chunky.

Comparing this to market leaders like the Squier Classic Vibe series, the KGD feels more “handmade.” While a Squier might have a more consistent finish, the KGD has more “soul” right out of the box. You can see its full feature set and user reviews to understand why it’s gaining a cult following among modders. The initial feel is one of a “musical instrument,” as one user aptly put it, rather than a mass-produced toy. The brass barrel saddles on the bridge immediately catch the eye, promising a level of sustain often missing in this price bracket.

A Deep Dive into the Performance of the KGD Relic 6-String Solidbody Electric Guitar

Build Quality and the Relic Aesthetic

The foundation of any great electric guitar is its wood, and the KGD Relic 6-String Solidbody Electric Guitar punches well above its weight class here. Most budget guitars use basswood or poplar, but KGD has opted for a solid mahogany body. In our testing, this resulted in a warmer, “thicker” midrange response that complements the traditional Tele-style twang. The “Cream Yellow” relic finish is the star of the show. We found that the finish is thin enough to allow the wood to breathe, which contributes to the guitar’s impressive acoustic resonance. When you strum it unplugged, you can feel the vibrations through your ribcage—a hallmark of a well-constructed solid body.

The relicing process isn’t just about looks; it affects the feel. The edges of the body are softened, and the back of the neck has a satin-like feel because the “wear” has removed the stickiness often associated with cheap gloss finishes. We found that this allows for much faster movement across the fretboard. To get a closer look at the finish details, you can check the latest price and availability and see high-resolution photos of the relic work. It’s a “road-worn” experience that feels earned rather than manufactured.

The Magic of the Carbonized Maple Neck

The neck of the KGD Relic 6-String Solidbody Electric Guitar is arguably its best feature. Carbonized maple, also known as roasted maple, undergoes a thermal treatment process that removes moisture and impurities. This makes the wood less susceptible to warping due to temperature and humidity changes. During our evaluation, the neck remained perfectly straight even after being moved from a cold car to a warm studio. The rosewood fretboard is a nice touch, offering a dark, oily surface that provides a smooth contrast to the maple.

In terms of playability, the “C-shaped” profile is comfortable for both thumb-over players and those who use a more classical hand position. We noticed that while the frets were generally level, a few users mentioned needing a slight fret dress to achieve “super low” action. However, for most players, the “out-of-the-box” playability is excellent. The 22 frets offer a full range of notes, and the fret ends on our unit were surprisingly smooth, lacking the “cheese grater” feel often found on entry-level instruments. This neck alone makes the KGD Relic 6-String Solidbody Electric Guitar a feature that really sets it apart from the competition.

Electronics: The Sonic Palette and Modding Potential

The KGD Relic 6-String Solidbody Electric Guitar features a traditional S-S pickup configuration with a 3-way selector switch. The neck pickup is surprisingly warm and “bluesy.” We found it perfect for jazzy cleans or slightly overdriven Texas-style leads. It has a “tubey” quality that responds well to your picking dynamics. The bridge pickup, however, is where the opinions diverge. While it delivers the classic “bite” you expect from a T-style guitar, it can be a bit thin or “piercing” if you don’t roll back the tone knob. We found that it performs best when pushed through a slightly crunchy tube amp, where the high-end helps cut through a dense mix.

It’s important to note that many users view this guitar as a “modding project.” As one user noted, the pickups are a bit quieter than higher-end models. However, the internal routing is clean, making it incredibly easy to swap in your favorite aftermarket pickups. If you’re looking for a guitar that you can customize into a world-class instrument, the KGD Relic 6-String Solidbody Electric Guitar is an ideal candidate. You can read more about the internal specs and wiring to see if it fits your modding plans. Even in its stock form, it is more than capable for worship sets, pop gigs, or home recording.

Hardware and Stability: The Brass Barrel Bridge

Stability is often the Achilles’ heel of budget guitars, but the KGD Relic 6-String Solidbody Electric Guitar makes some smart choices to mitigate this. The brass barrel saddle bridge is a significant upgrade over the standard stamped steel bridges found on most guitars in this price range. Brass is a denser material, which theoretically improves the transfer of string energy to the body, resulting in better sustain. We found that the intonation was remarkably close right out of the box, requiring only minor tweaks to the saddle positions.

The “less than good news,” as some users pointed out, lies in the tuners. While they hold tune adequately for bedroom practice, they have a bit of “play” in them that can make precise tuning a chore. For the serious performer, replacing the tuners with a set of staggered vintage-style or locking tuners would be the first recommended upgrade. Despite this, the overall hardware package—including the nut and the string-through-body design—provides a solid foundation. If you want a guitar that rings out and feels “alive” in your hands, you should see how this bridge setup compares to other models you might be considering.

What Other Users Are Saying

The consensus among the guitar community is that the KGD Relic 6-String Solidbody Electric Guitar is a “diamond in the rough” for those who know their way around a screwdriver. One user mentioned, “These are musical instruments, not toys… they require a bit more setup, but… once set, you can just play these right out of the box.” This sentiment is echoed by many who were surprised by the quality of the wood and the relic job relative to the price. Another reviewer highlighted the “amazing neck,” noting it felt better than guitars costing twice as much.

On the negative side, several users pointed out that the electronics are the weak link. “Pickups are definitely the weak point… they’re not horrible, but the bridge pickup is horrible [in comparison to high-end brands],” one critic noted. There were also mentions of the nut being cut too deep on some units, requiring a replacement. However, even the critics seem to agree that as a platform for upgrades, this guitar is unbeatable. The general sentiment is that if you are looking for a “relic modding project,” this is 100% a solid choice that provides a much better starting point than a standard “off-the-shelf” beginner guitar. The value-for-money ratio is frequently cited as the reason why users would buy it again.

For those looking for a “plug and play” masterpiece, the feedback suggests you might need to spend 30 minutes on a proper setup. But for the musician who enjoys bonding with their instrument through a bit of “TLC,” this guitar is a joy. You can check the latest user testimonials to see how varied the experiences are, but the overarching theme is one of pleasant surprise at the build quality.

Comparing the KGD Relic 6-String Solidbody Electric Guitar to Top Alternatives

1. Jackson JS Series Dinky Arch Top JS22 DKA

The Jackson JS22 is a completely different beast compared to the KGD Relic 6-String Solidbody Electric Guitar. While the KGD focuses on vintage soul and “twang,” the Jackson is built for speed and high-gain metal. With its dual humbuckers and compound-radius fretboard, it’s designed for shredding. We would recommend the Jackson for the player who wants a modern, “sleek” feel and aggressive tones. However, if you crave the mahogany resonance and the unique aesthetic of a reliced T-style, the Jackson will feel too “sterile” and plastic-like in comparison. It lacks the “organic” feel of the KGD’s carbonized maple neck.

2. Fender Classic Vibe 50s Stratocaster Electric Guitar

The Squier (Fender) Classic Vibe 50s Stratocaster is the benchmark for “affordable vintage.” It offers a much higher level of quality control and “out-of-the-box” reliability than the KGD. The pickups are Alnico III, which sound significantly better than the KGD’s stock ceramics. However, you are paying a premium for that brand name and consistency. The Classic Vibe has a thick poly gloss finish that some players find “sticky,” whereas the KGD’s reliced finish feels broken-in and comfortable. We recommend the Squier for the beginner who wants a “safe” bet, but the KGD is for the player who wants a mahogany body and a roasted maple neck—features usually reserved for Squier’s much more expensive “Mod Shop” or limited-run models.

3. Epiphone Les Paul Player Pack Vintage Sunburst

The Epiphone Les Paul Player Pack is a comprehensive entry point for the absolute beginner, including an amp and accessories. In terms of the guitar itself, the Les Paul style offers a shorter scale length (24.75″) which some find easier for bending strings. However, the KGD Relic 6-String Solidbody Electric Guitar is a far superior “instrument.” The materials in the KGD—specifically the carbonized maple neck—are of a higher grade than the basic woods used in the Epiphone “Special” models found in these packs. We recommend the Epiphone pack only if you need a “total starter kit” on a strict budget. If you already have an amp, the KGD is a much more “pro-level” guitar that will grow with you as you advance.

Final Verdict: Should You Buy the KGD Relic 6-String Solidbody Electric Guitar?

After a thorough evaluation, it’s clear that the KGD Relic 6-String Solidbody Electric Guitar is a specialized tool for a specific type of player. Its main strengths lie in its exceptional “bones”—the mahogany body and the carbonized maple neck provide a resonant, stable foundation that is almost unheard of at this price point. The relic aesthetic is done with a level of taste that makes it look like a much more expensive instrument. While the tuners and bridge pickup are the clear weak points, they are easily (and affordably) replaceable. This is not just a guitar; it’s a canvas for your musical expression.

We recommend the KGD Relic 6-String Solidbody Electric Guitar to the “intermediate modder” or the professional looking for a cool-looking backup guitar that they aren’t afraid to sweat on. It solves the problem of needing a “vibey” guitar for the stage without the fear of damaging a multi-thousand-dollar investment. If you are ready to give it a little love and a proper setup, this guitar will reward you with a playing experience that punches way above its weight. Don’t let the price tag fool you—this is a serious musical tool. Click here to grab your KGD Relic today and start your journey into vintage-inspired tone!