r7 or r8?

[deadletteroffice]

I have an opportunity to get an r7 or r8 at cost. I can only get 1.

I have a thing for Goldtops and am leaning toward an r7.

Any thoughts on VOS vs. Gloss?

Which has the thinner neck profile? I'm not typically a fan of fat necks, but I understand this is the case with these guitars.

Due to that, I'd prefer cost on a Standard or Traditional, both to save money, and for a thinner neck profile...but that horrific 12th fret marker is a non-starter for me.

Appreciate input. Thank you.

 

[blaster]

I just traded a R7. The reason I got rid of it is that the neck was huge. I like fatter necks, but the shoulders on the R7 neck are a little too big for me. My R7 was also a little on the heavy side at 9.5lbs.

Other than the above the R7 is a fantastic sounding guitar and great looks.

I think that most R8's also have fat necks, but may be a little smaller than the R7. Best thing to do, is try before your buy. If you don't like big necks I would say look at something else.

 

[jgyn]

I have both. R7's neck a little thicker.

 

[gadzooka]

I've had R7s from 2003 and 2004. The neck was too big for me on both of them. Somehow, at least with Gibson fans online, the "bigger is better" opinion seems to prevail. I had kind of assumed that opinion myself until my playing experience dictated otherwise.

 

[Sean French]

I have an opportunity to get an r7 or r8 at cost. I can only get 1.

I have a thing for Goldtops and am leaning toward an r7.

Any thoughts on VOS vs. Gloss?

Which has the thinner neck profile? I'm not typically a fan of fat necks, but I understand this is the case with these guitars.

Due to that, I'd prefer cost on a Standard or Traditional, both to save money, and for a thinner neck profile...but that horrific 12th fret marker is a non-starter for me.

Appreciate input. Thank you.

If you don't like big necks then you won't dig the necks on the R7 or R8.
See if you can get an R0 plaintop. A typical R0 neck is very similar to the USA 50's necks on Traditionals, Standards etc.

 

[airportbar]

Unless you're a vintage spec junkie, given the neck size issue I'd take a look at the remaining 2013 Standards at Sweetwater (no 12th fret inlay issues). I bet you could get one of the Trans Amber models for under 2 grand.

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/LPSCATAC-13/

 

[Evan_R]

I say R8. My new R8 is mind blowingly awesome. Also when I think LP Goldtops I think P90's so for me I would go for an R6.

 

[tdarian]

The R7 and R8 necks are about the same, however they do vary a bit from guitar to guitar. Generally they go about .9 at the 1st fret and 1.0 at the 12th, but they can have more shoulder and can feel a lot thicker than necks of similar depth but less shoulder. Some people like the R9s because they have more taper/more of a C or V shape compared to the R7/8 and generally feel less bulky.

The individual necks vary quite a bit from guitar to guitar, so if you have a choice out of many perhaps the relative thickness and shape can be your guide.

I bought an R7 remotely online and it worked out very well. The shop (Wildwood Guitars) measured the necks on 5 different R7s and I settled on one that came in pretty much right at .9 1st/ 1.00 12th and medium shoulders. It is not a shocker going to this neck after having played my PRS McCarty with it's Wide/Fat neck (.870/.960 with less shoulder).

Regarding the Gloss/VOS, I have a gloss, and after 2.5 years it is still pretty shiny. Don't expect the nickel hardware to tarnish quickly. That is really a personal taste thing and I do think the recent VOS stuff looks like it has been tastefully done.

Good luck. I still want a Gold Top, my 2011 R7 is a darker shaded one...

The pic above recent, below July 2011

 

[deadletteroffice]

The R7 and R8 necks are about the same, however they do vary a bit from guitar to guitar. Generally they go about .9 at the 1st fret and 1.0 at the 12th, but they can have more shoulder and can feel a lot thicker than necks of similar depth but less shoulder. Some people like the R9s because they have more taper/more of a C or V shape compared to the R7/8 and generally feel less bulky.

The individual necks vary quite a bit from guitar to guitar, so if you have a choice out of many perhaps the relative thickness and shape can be your guide.

I bought an R7 remotely online and it worked out very well. The shop (Wildwood Guitars) measured the necks on 5 different R7s and I settled on one that came in pretty much right at .9 1st/ 1.00 12th and medium shoulders. It is not a shocker going to this neck after having played my PRS McCarty with it's Wide/Fat neck (.870/.960 with less shoulder).

Regarding the Gloss/VOS, I have a gloss, and after 2.5 years it is still pretty shiny. Don't expect the nickel hardware to tarnish quickly. That is really a personal taste thing and I do think the recent VOS stuff looks like it has been tastefully done.

Good luck. I still want a Gold Top, my 2011 R7 is a darker shaded one...

The pic above recent, below July 2011

I played a black r7 just today. The thing sounded fantastic. But the neck was massive. Not unplayable, or generally uncomfortable, but surely massive, at least to me. It really did sound wonderful though.

I also played an r8 and r9.

The r8 neck was shaped slightly different than the r7 and was a bit more down my alley. It sounded similar to the r7, but maybe a tiny percentage less magical.

The r9 had the most friendly feeling neck profile. And sounded very different than either the r7 or r8. It seemed to have more snap and clarity to it. I could love any of them really. I wish the prices did not increase getting into the r9 and r0. Truth is, I'd love a slimmer neck. But the prices of the r9 and r0 are ridiculous and arguably insulting. I'd feel pretty damn silly spending that kind of dough on a guitar that isn't really vintage.

 

[Skanabanugan]

I love my r8(my favorite guitar) but it is amazing how different each guitar can sound from the same model. My r8 is quite bright and I always heard lps are generally dark and muddy. The neck is definately large and bat like but I like it- but I like thin and thick necks so that wasn't a factor for me.

 

[BluesForDan]

one thing to keep in mind is that the historic necks are each different, even from one R7 to another R7.

Last year, the earlier guitars were slightly on the smaller side across the board, from the R7 to the R0. It wasn't until later in the year when I began to see larger shoulders on some, not all, of the R7s & R8s. The shape of the neck has a significant effect on the feel, not just the depth from front to back.

If you can find one, a plain top R0 can be had for around the same as an R8, at least in my experience. I have an ebony R0 that I love the neck, not too thin, nice shape and the guitar, bone stock, is one of the best sounding les pauls I've ever owned out of the 19 that I've owned in the last 13 years. I got tired of the modding game. I said the next great sound 100% stock les paul I found, i was getting it one way or another, even if it meant trading my beautiful figured top R0 to get it. I've changed nothing but strings on it.

 

[rockinlespaul]

Look for a R7 that's newer than 2007. Lots different neck carves now, not just beefy. Hell, you can get a R7 from the Music Zoo with a slim 60's neck now....

The 2001-2006 or 2007 will be chunky most likely.

I prefer the gloss over the VOS if I have the choice but a VOS is not a deal breaker in my book.

 

[Heinz W]

I played a black r7 just today. The thing sounded fantastic. But the neck was massive. Not unplayable, or generally uncomfortable, but surely massive, at least to me. It really did sound wonderful though.

I also played an r8 and r9.

The r8 neck was shaped slightly different than the r7 and was a bit more down my alley. It sounded similar to the r7, but maybe a tiny percentage less magical.

The r9 had the most friendly feeling neck profile. And sounded very different than either the r7 or r8. It seemed to have more snap and clarity to it. I could love any of them really.I wish the prices did not increase getting into the r9 and r0. Truth is, I'd love a slimmer neck. But the prices of the r9 and r0 are ridiculous and arguably insulting. I'd feel pretty damn silly spending that kind of dough on a guitar that isn't really vintage.

Look for a used G0, which is a GC special run of plaintop '60 reissue for R7-R8 money. They're all really the same guitar, the neck thickness is the only significant difference. Other than the ridiculous price points between R9-0s and all the rest of course.

 

[Sean French]

Read the OP guys. He said he can get a new Gibson for cost.
So, he will be buying new.
He can always look for used if he decides. However, he is asking about new '14 Gibsons.
I say get the new Traditional that you spoke of to save $$. You will like the neck better than a R7 or R8.
Then have the stupid 12th fret inlay changed by a good luthier.
Simple.

 

[LJD]

Hah, you were in True Tone today, right?

 

[deadletteroffice]

Hah, you were in True Tone today, right?

Yes, was me. Love True Tone. I bought my ES-335 and Advanced Jumbo there. Trying to navigate the Les Paul market now.

 

[LJD]

Yes, was me. Love True Tone. I bought my ES-335 and Advanced Jumbo there. Trying to navigate the Les Paul market now.

Thought it sounded familiar. I was shopping too, asked you what you were playing/buying. I'd offer some insight but I don't know much about LP's, good luck!

 

[RJLII]

I have an R8 and an R6. I'd like an R7 to complete the trifecta. The R8 has the smaller neck between the two, but it's still far more substantial than the standard Gibson "Slim Taper". Frankly I don't thing you could go wrong with either an R7 or R8.