KGD Relic 6-String Electric Guitar Review: A Boutique Build Hiding Behind a Budget Price?

As a guitarist who has spent the last two decades cycling through everything from pawn shop finds to high-end boutique builds, I know the allure of a “relic” guitar. There is something about a worn-in finish and a smooth, rounded neck that makes an instrument feel like an old friend from the very first strum. However, for most of us, obtaining that vintage feel usually requires either twenty years of hard touring or a five-figure bank account to satisfy a Master Builder’s invoice. We often find ourselves settling for sterile, mass-produced budget guitars that require hundreds of dollars in upgrades just to become playable. When I first encountered the KGD Relic 6-String Electric Guitar, I was skeptical. How could a guitar at this price point offer roasted maple, stainless steel frets, and a handcrafted relic job? I decided to put it to the test to see if it’s a genuine diamond in the rough or just another “cheap” instrument in a pretty dress.

What You Need to Know Before Investing in a Solid Body Electric Guitar

A Solid Body Electric Guitar is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for musicians looking to achieve sustain, minimize feedback at high volumes, and find a platform for endless tonal experimentation. Unlike hollow-body instruments, a solid body mahogany or alder frame provides a stable foundation that allows the pickups to capture the pure vibration of the strings. Whether you are playing blues, rock, or jazz, the solid body remains the industry standard for versatility and durability.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the limitations of an entry-level starter pack, or perhaps a professional who needs a reliable “workhorse” or “knock-around” guitar that they aren’t afraid to take to a dive bar gig. It is also an incredible platform for “modders”—those of us who love to swap pickups and pots to create a custom beast. However, it might not be suitable for those who demand a pristine, showroom-floor aesthetic (as the relic look is intentionally “damaged”) or those who exclusively play high-gain modern metal and require active humbuckers right out of the box. In those cases, a dedicated metal machine might be a better fit.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: While most electric guitars follow standard sizing, the weight and balance of the body are paramount. A full-size instrument like this should feel substantial enough to provide sustain but balanced enough to prevent “neck dive” during long standing sets. Consider the scale length (usually 25.5 inches) as it dictates the tension of your strings and the reach of your fingers.
• Capacity/Performance: In the world of electrics, performance is measured by tuning stability and electronics. You want to look for high-quality nut materials (like bone) and pickups that offer a wide dynamic range. The configuration (S-S-S vs. H-S-S) will determine if you get that classic “glassy” chime or a thicker, hum-canceling growl.
• Materials & Durability: This is where the wheat is separated from the chaff. Roasted (carbonized) maple is a premium feature because the heat treatment removes moisture, making the neck incredibly stable against humidity changes. Stainless steel frets are another “pro” level inclusion, as they resist wear significantly longer than traditional nickel-silver frets.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: Every guitar needs a setup, but a well-made one makes that process easy. Look for accessible truss rod adjustments and bridges that allow for individual string height (action) and intonation tweaks. A guitar that arrives with “smooth fret ends” is a sign of high-level quality control.

While the KGD Relic 6-String Electric Guitar is an excellent choice for those seeking that elusive vintage feel on a budget, 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 and First Impressions: Does the KGD Relic Live Up to the Hype?

When the KGD Relic 6-String Electric Guitar arrived, I was immediately struck by the Jasper Green finish. Relic jobs are notoriously difficult to get right; too often they look like someone just went at a new guitar with a belt sander. However, KGD has managed a surprisingly convincing “aged” aesthetic. The matte finish feels smooth, and the wear patterns on the mahogany body look organic rather than manufactured. It feels like an instrument that has been played in smoky clubs for decades before you even see its full feature set and user reviews.

The standout, however, is the neck. The roasted maple has that deep, caramel hue that you usually only see on guitars costing four times as much. Picking it up, the weight was a perfect 7lbs—light enough for a three-hour set but heavy enough to feel like a “real” instrument. The hand-polished stainless steel frets were a revelation; there was absolutely no “sprout” or sharpness along the edges of the rosewood fingerboard. It’s rare to find a budget-friendly guitar that doesn’t require an immediate trip to a luthier for a fret level, but this KGD arrived ready to play. You should definitely check the latest price and availability for this Jasper Green beauty before they realize they are underpricing them.

Deep Dive: Why the KGD Relic 6-String Electric Guitar is a Game Changer

Craftsmanship and Materials: The Boutique Specs

We’ve handled a lot of guitars, and the material selection on the KGD Relic 6-String Electric Guitar is legitimately impressive. The use of mahogany for the body is the first win. While many budget “Strats” use poplar or basswood, the mahogany here provides a mid-range punch and sustain that is palpable. When you strike a chord unplugged, the body vibrates against your ribs—a hallmark of a well-constructed instrument. This resonance is further enhanced by the bone nut, a feature that really sets it apart from the synthetic nuts found on most entry-level guitars.

The real star, however, is the “carbonized” or roasted maple neck. By baking the maple in an oxygen-free oven, the wood becomes more rigid and less susceptible to the warping caused by humidity changes. In our testing, we found the neck profile to be a comfortable “C” shape—not too chunky for smaller hands, but with enough meat to satisfy traditional players. Coupled with a genuine rosewood fingerboard (not the “pau ferro” or “laurel” substitutes often seen today), the playing surface feels premium and expensive. If you’ve ever struggled with a neck that shifts every time the weather changes, you’ll appreciate the stability offered here.

Playability and Setup: The “Out of the Box” Experience

One of the most common complaints about buying guitars online is the “luck of the draw” regarding the setup. However, we found that the KGD Relic 6-String Electric Guitar arrived with an action set remarkably low—measured at 1.25mm at the 12th fret in one of our test units. This is “shred-ready” territory. Usually, such low action on a cheap guitar leads to a symphony of fret buzz, but because the stainless steel frets are so well-leveled and polished, the notes rang out clear and true. This level of attention to detail suggests that KGD is actually hand-checking these instruments before they ship.

The vibrato bridge is another area where this guitar punches above its weight. While it’s a standard six-screw design, the hardware felt sturdy and responded well to subtle vibrato. We did note, as some users have, that the string tree placement could be improved for better break-angle over the nut, but this is a 5-minute fix for any hobbyist. Even with the factory setup, the tuning held up surprisingly well through several blues-bend sessions. For anyone looking for a “main player” that doesn’t require a $100 professional setup on day one, this is a strong contender. I’d highly recommend you take a closer look at the build specifications to see the quality for yourself.

The Sonic Profile: Classic S-S-S Versatility

Plugging the KGD Relic 6-String Electric Guitar into a variety of amps—including a Fender Super Reverb and a Marshall Origin—revealed a classic, “stratty” character. The S-S-S pickup configuration delivers exactly what you’d expect: a bright, biting bridge tone, a “quacky” position 2 and 4, and a warm, flutey neck tone. These are ceramic pickups, which tend to have a higher output and a slightly brighter top end than Alnico magnets. While purists might eventually want to swap them for boutique Alnico Vs, we found them to be perfectly usable for gigging and recording.

The electronics are surprisingly quiet for single coils. The five-way switch feels tactile and secure, lacking the “wobble” found on cheaper components. In position 4 (middle and neck), we were able to get those John Mayer-esque clean tones that many players spend a lifetime chasing. The mahogany body adds a bit of “darkness” to the single coils, preventing them from sounding too thin or brittle. It’s a balanced sound that fits comfortably in a mix. Whether you’re playing clean funk or overdriven blues, the KGD responds dynamically to your pick attack. It’s a feature that really sets it apart in the sub-$300 market.

The Relic Aesthetic: Artistry Meets Affordability

Let’s talk about the “relic” elephant in the room. Some people love it; some hate it. But for those who love it, the KGD Relic 6-String Electric Guitar offers a level of handcrafted customization that is rare. Every guitar is slightly different because they are hand-finished. The Jasper Green finish on our unit had beautiful checking and wear marks in the “high-friction” areas—where your forearm rests and where your pick hits the body. It gives the guitar an immediate personality.

The hardware is also slightly aged to match the aesthetic, though some users have noted the tuners remain a bit “shiny” compared to the body. However, the tuners themselves are “micro” adjustable and surprisingly precise, which is more important than their shine. The overall vibe is that of a “road warrior” guitar. It’s the kind of instrument you can lean against an amp or toss in a gig bag without worrying about the first scratch—because the scratches are already part of its charm. Before you grab this relic’d 6-string for your collection, realize that you’re buying something with a soul that mass-produced, poly-coated guitars simply lack.

What Other Users Are Saying

The general sentiment among users is one of genuine shock. Many “seasoned veteran” players who own Fender Custom Shops and boutique builds like Veritas have expressed disbelief at the quality-to-price ratio. One professional player noted that the KGD Relic 6-String Electric Guitar has actually become their “main player” because it is so comfortable and reliable right out of the box. Users frequently praise the “silky smooth” fret ends and the stability of the roasted maple neck.

Of course, there is some constructive criticism. As one user pointed out, the “ceramic single coils are pretty… stratty,” but they eventually opted to swap them for noiseless versions to suit their specific professional needs. Another user mentioned that the string tree placement needed a slight adjustment to ensure perfect tuning stability. However, even the “negative” reviews are overwhelmingly framed as “this is a great $200 starting point for a project” that ends up outplaying guitars three times its price. The consensus is clear: for the price of a few pedals, you are getting a professional-grade chassis that can go head-to-head with the big names.

Comparing the KGD Relic 6-String Electric Guitar to the Competition

To understand if the KGD is right for you, we have to look at how it compares to the traditional heavyweights and modern innovators in the budget space.

1. Fender Squier Affinity Stratocaster Electric Guitar Kit

The Squier Affinity is the “safe” choice for many beginners. It comes as a full kit with an amp and accessories, which is a massive plus for someone who owns nothing. However, compared to the KGD Relic 6-String Electric Guitar, the Squier often feels “cheaper.” It usually features a thin poplar body and a standard maple neck that is prone to fret sprout in dry climates. While the Squier has the “Fender” name on the headstock, the KGD offers vastly superior materials like roasted maple, rosewood, and stainless steel frets. Choose the Squier if you need the “all-in-one” kit, but choose the KGD if you want a significantly better instrument.

2. Ibanez GIO GRX70QA Electric Guitar

The Ibanez GIO is a staple for those who want a modern, fast-playing guitar. With its H-S-H pickup configuration, it’s more suited for hard rock and metal than the KGD’s vintage-voiced S-S-S setup. The Ibanez has a flat, thin neck designed for speed. However, it lacks the “vibe” and premium wood selection of the KGD. The Ibanez feels like a modern tool, whereas the KGD feels like a vintage instrument. If you are looking to play Van Halen or Metallica, the Ibanez is your best bet. If you want the soul of the blues and the stability of roasted maple, stick with the KGD.

3. enya Inspire 39′ Smart Electric Guitar with Speaker

The Enya Inspire is a completely different beast. It’s a “smart” guitar made of carbon fiber with an onboard speaker and digital effects. This is perfect for the tech-focused player who wants to play on the couch without an amp. However, for a “real” guitarist who wants to learn the nuances of tone and feel, carbon fiber cannot replace the resonance of mahogany and rosewood. The Enya is a fantastic travel tool or a fun gadget, but the KGD Relic 6-String Electric Guitar is a “real” guitar meant for the stage and the studio. The Enya is for the future; the KGD is for the classicist.

The Final Verdict: A Boutique Experience on a Budget

After spending significant time with the KGD Relic 6-String Electric Guitar, I can confidently say it is one of the best values in the current market. It manages to combine high-end specs—like the roasted maple neck and stainless steel frets—with an aesthetic that usually costs thousands of dollars. While the pickups are basic ceramic units and the hardware might need some minor “aging” or adjustment to perfectly match the relic job, the “bones” of this guitar are impeccable. It is a fantastic choice for the intermediate player looking to upgrade, or the pro who wants a reliable backup that looks and feels like a vintage dream.

In short, the KGD Relic offers a playing experience that punches way above its weight class. It’s resonant, stable, and undeniably cool. If you’ve been on the fence about trying a budget relic, this is the one to bite on. Don’t wait for the price to catch up to the quality; and secure yours before the stock runs dry. It’s time to stop dreaming about that Custom Shop vibe and start playing it—simply add it to your cart and see why professionals are switching to this incredible budget-friendly powerhouse.