I apologize if this has already been overdiscussed. I find that the relicking process is weird. To begin with, I've seen many lacquered old instruments and that don't look that relicked. Secondly, why would someone want that process done to a guitar? Do they think someone is fooled? I had a 70 year old well worn Gibson L-5 played by a studio musician and gig based professional player. There was some checking, but nothing like a new relicked guitar. I have to wonder if they take a guitar that got a little checking or a ding or two and decided to relick it and charge more than the way, which was to call it a second.
I'm sure I've offended someone. So I best leave in my relicked car.