Gibson LP: Standard v Traditional v R9

[iMatt]

I am thinking (I think my wife calls it plotting) my next guitar purchase, probably a little way off to let the dust settle from my last, but am trying to narrow it down.

I would like an LP. I have a Studio I got about 15yrs ago, a Standard I got about 6yrs ago and a double-cut Classic a couple of years ago.

My standard and classic have the 60's neck and I would like an LP with the 50's neck. From the normal range it seems to narrow down to the Traditional or New Standard. There is a small price differance - the Standard being the more expensive which I assume is down to the different spec rather than any more fundmental issue of quality (correct me if I am wrong). So as between these two it would seem that I just need to think about looks and whether I want to locking tuners etc - except for the issue of "chambering" on the Standard v "weight relief" on the Traditional. Does anyone have any view on the differences and relative merits of these approaches - and any idea why Gibson does not just do the same thing to both guitars?

Since this might be the last LP I buy I am also considering going the whole hog and getting an R9. I kind of assume that leaving aside the hefty price differance the R9 would be a no brainer, but if anybody has a different view I would be interested. I won't ask whether you think the differance is price is worth it - perhaps a bit too subjective that one (and of course our views on that change with our bank balance).

I should add that with Gibson's new distribution policy here in the UK I can no longer try or buy Gibsons at the independant store I have given almost all my buisness too over the last 20yrs. Also, with the recent closures of many Sound Control stores (think GC in the UK I suppose) after their financial difficulties it is ridculously difficult to get my hands on aGibson anywhere reasonably nearby. So any advice would be much appreciated.

Thanks