Gents,
All these R8 shenanigans have very much got me in the market for a nice Les Paul.
I had a Standard a while back, which I bought in 2006 but which, in all honesty, wasn't a great guitar - I sold it a few years later. I've stayed away from Gibson from then till now, really (with the exception of a '65 SG Special), on the basis of their persistent QC issues, questionable additions/modifications to the ranges, and business practice.
However I tried an R8 and an R9 today (both vastly overpriced examples in Denmark St), as well as a '99 Custom. All three were truly fantastic guitars - especially the R8 - and would fill a current niche in my collection.
I'm keen on the early reissues made over '87-99, as my general experience with guitars from this era has been positive and the tops/finished are generally very pretty. However there's been a lot of chat about how Gibson's current guitars are some of the best they've ever made.
I'm currently torn between an R8 from the recent lot of sales, and a very nice-looking 1988 '59 reissue I've found overseas.
There must be some proper Les Paul nuts on here, and I'd be super grateful for your views!
Comments
I don't think you can judge a guitar by what year it was made.. But each one on its own merits regardless of year.
The best thing to do is always to just go and play as many as you can.
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Apart from 2015... they’re so radically different from any other year that you either specifically want one or wouldn't touch one at any price.
But apart from that the ‘year’ thing is beginning to really drive me bonkers. It seems to be all many buyers care about, with any gear.
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Piqued my interest as I've always quite fancied owning a guitar from the year I was born, but have no idea if the early 80s was a good period for Gibson (or any other manufacturers tbh).
Have thought about saving up and buying something like that as a 40th birthday present to myself in a few year's time, but don't really want to blow a huge wad of savings on something for sentimental reasons, that isn't actually that good!
Haha, yes of course... I think I have some kind of mental block with the 2015s .. HOWEVER, if you actually like fat runway necks a 2015 could be a great deal... And some people do like them...
The thing is that good and bad guitars means nothing as we each have different geometry and taste.. Whats good for one could be bad for another.. Let alone the fact that you could sit and try say ten Les Pauls in a row, each one the same model, made by the same people and each one will be just slightly different to the other... So theres no way you can put good and bad down to a year (apart from 2015 ) Even the Norlin era made some good ones. Not many, but some
http://www.rabswoodguitars.co.uk/
https://www.facebook.com/RabsWoodGuitars/
My Youtube page
http://www.rabswoodguitars.co.uk/
https://www.facebook.com/RabsWoodGuitars/
My Youtube page
Have to say I much prefer it "nibless" although I imagine the purists were up in arms
Just different, big headstock 3 bolt neck. Malmsteen and Blackmore seem to mange to get them to work
Let me know if you ever find out the answer
Good and bad examples in most years - Granted certain era's are not held in the same esteem as others but still good examples within those era's
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