In know what you mean TC. I wanted an R8 Black Beauty as well. I fell for the VOS stuff one day when I convinced the guitar jock at a shop to pull one down for me to try. I've not looked back since. WOW! These modern VOS guitars are great!!
I could not believe I was playing a Gibson. The guitar played itself. It was an R8 BB, and I was hooked.
So I'm getting ready to get one of those VOS wonders and I had a weird guitar day. I bid on a VOS R4 BB LP Custom on ebay and win
I NEVER win, and did not intend to.....Same day a customer at my local shop sells back his R9, guess who they call?..........
So two in one day, I guess I have the VOS bug!
The R4 has a number of little inconsistencies, like yours. But man, what a sound and player
I also had a real 1968 Black Custom that was not perfect either. I swear it is the black finish that brings this out.
A few years back I could bear no longer touching my wonderful fortieth anniversary Black Beauty LP Custom with P100s. Why? Because every time I picked it up , I found a new scratch or slight ding that I had somehow made
I loved the sound and guitar but rationalized that I should not own it because I could not keep it in decent shape, though I tried.
Some times you can be your own worst enemy, so I regretfully sold it and regret it still. I regret selling the '68 even more, but that's another story...
So I love the idea of the VOS pre-aged a bit and not too shiny. Makes me play the beasties instead of running a museum.
The R9 is my favorite and since the acquisition, my fever for an R8 BB has abated,for now.......
I love the picture of yours. The whole lefty thing is cool. Keep it, enjoy it, PLAY IT and smile
I do think the black , while a color of Beauty ( Pun intended ) really brings out any flaws on these guitars. It's like a black car. They are horrible to keep clean and show up every imperfection. White cars are less maintenance on the outside.
I can also agree that for certain people, the acquisition and showing of a fine instrument is a hobby and pleasure unto itself. A lot of such folks trade stories and pictures on internet sites like the 13'th fret. Nice folks. Rich folks too, judging by some of their stables filled with 5 - 50 grand acoustic gutars!
As a seller of collectibles, I can understand this mentality, but damn, guitars are meant to be played, so I love to erase the barriers that prevent me from enjoying the playing. The VOS pre-aged concept does this for me. I can't see that kind of thing catching on in tha acoustic world though.