A few thoughts on my "new" R7...

[weirdotis]

I've had a while to get to know my '03 R7 that I got almost two weeks ago now, and I'd like to put a few things in perspective regarding the Historic series versus the USA guitars.

First, when I played the guitar, the sound was incredibly different than my USA. Much brighter and maybe less mids? In any case the guitar sounded clearer and much more like a traditional Les Paul, to which I attribute the solid construction and maple top to which is a difference from my other guitar which is chambered and all-mahogany. I was expecting the little variations that you hear from guitar to guitar of course, but nothing like the discrepancy in tones between my two. I love both sounds and am going to have a hard time deciding which one I want to take to gigs. But it's nice knowing that I have a choice of tones at my disposal if need be.

Second, the workmanship is fantastic. Now, I still am an "armchair AVH" when it comes to guitar construction and tone, but the thing I noticed is that it's east to mistake the forest for the trees when talking old and new guitars. Is a lot of the stuff on historics non-vintage-correct? Sure, but it doesn't take away from the playability or tone in my opinion. I will enjoy it for what it is, which is a fantastic sounding guitar that plays well and brings me satisfaction but will never reach the prices of a burst or even vintage goldtop. Am I OK with this? Yep.

The last point I'd like to make is that the USA guitars are different, but not always inferior to the historic series. The fact that I can pick up my R7 and then pick up my Classic Antique and still have a hard time choosing which to play is evidence to me that an expensive custom shop Les Paul is not totally necessary for achieving great tone. I believe my R7 was worth every penny for numerous reasons, but you don't need to spend that amount of money to get yourself a great guitar.

I'm going to slap a set of reflectors on this one at some point along with a set of Shed Blues & Twos when my wallet recharges. At first I wasn't a fan of the Burstbuckers (the common brightness problem) but once I lowered them I found a tone I really did like.

All that said, here are some more pictures.

[dylanR]

gorgeous guitar, awesome fretboard

[joeobrien]

I agree with the OP completely. I had a hard time at first deciding whether a VOS was worth the extra cash over say a Trad or Standard. Now I've had it a week or so (2010 R7 Darkback) I am very happy with it. But, I still find the tone and lightness of my Studio is more than good enough for most situations. They both sound and feel very different and sure, the R7 feels much more serious as a musical instrument and has a more woody, dark and muted tone. Overall I'm happy with both guitars and all I would say to guys on a budget, only invest in a VOS if you really want to.

[jamman]

That's a sweet GT. I agree wth you about some of the USA models . Good 1's can be found.
Although I feel the level of quality is more consistent with the CS guitars. Better woods are used in general and the Craftsman who make the guitars are better and more highly skilled. Any trade takes time to master. On the other hand I will say my 2005 faded is a fine guitar. After replacing the pots, caps (RS,BB luxe) and installing BB’s 2&3 that guitar cooks and screams. 100% keeper , that I have never considered selling. I also have a few others (USA's) which i have a problem with , when I think about selling them. They are just very nice guitars.
Enjoy that nice GT, it looks great.

[BSeneca]

Its fine to like the USA guitars they are still a higher quality instrument (usually). But I think that the more you play your R7 you will come to discover the difference in quality and tone of the historic series. If you have a good one nothing compares except other historics which is why I have three. The sickness has not set in yet just wait.

[weirdotis]

Originally Posted by dylanR

gorgeous guitar, awesome fretboard

Thanks!

Originally Posted by joeobrien

I agree with the OP completely. I had a hard time at first deciding whether a VOS was worth the extra cash over say a Trad or Standard. Now I've had it a week or so (2010 R7 Darkback) I am very happy with it. But, I still find the tone and lightness of my Studio is more than good enough for most situations. They both sound and feel very different and sure, the R7 feels much more serious as a musical instrument and has a more woody, dark and muted tone. Overall I'm happy with both guitars and all I would say to guys on a budget, only invest in a VOS if you really want to.

Yes. The point of my post was that if you can only afford a USA, don't feel bad because with a few upgrades you can still have a fantastic sounding guitar (IMO). But, if you can, the Historics are incredible guitars and worth every penny.

Originally Posted by jamman

That's a sweet GT. I agree wth you about some of the USA models . Good 1's can be found.
Although I feel the level of quality is more consistent with the CS guitars. Better woods are used in general and the Craftsman who make the guitars are better and more highly skilled. Any trade takes time to master. On the other hand I will say my 2005 faded is a fine guitar. After replacing the pots, caps (RS,BB luxe) and installing BB’s 2&3 that guitar cooks and screams. 100% keeper , that I have never considered selling. I also have a few others (USA's) which i have a problem with , when I think about selling them. They are just very nice guitars.
Enjoy that nice GT, it looks great.

I absolutely agree with you as well. It's obvious to me that these guitars simply have a much more human factor in them along with better QC, much better wood selection, and better "primary tone" which I think is a combination of all the factors combined.

Originally Posted by BSeneca

Its fine to like the USA guitars they are still a higher quality instrument (usually). But I think that the more you play your R7 you will come to discover the difference in quality and tone of the historic series. If you have a good one nothing compares except other historics which is why I have three. The sickness has not set in yet just wait.

Oh believe me, the sickness has set in. Although I love mine, I have no intention of ever buying another USA guitar. I'm just trying to rationalize the fact that I have no money now.

[TrialandError1223]

I have had the exact same experience as you. I have a SG 61 reissue and I love it. The guitar is very resonant and I am in love with the 57 classics. When a time came when I had enough money for a really nice expensive guitar my first thought was to not get a gibson. My thoughts were that all gibson with humbuckers sounded the same. I had a Gretsch White falcon that I was really really close to buying. My friend wanted to buy a guitar at Sam Ash so we headed over there and they had 4 historics. I decided to try them while he was trying acoustics. All 4 sounded very different. I decided that they sounded different then my SG and they felt way better then the SG so I bought one. I bought my 2009 57 reissue because the guitar was the lightest and most resonant.

My only disappointment was the electronics. The pots had to be upgraded and the pickups don't have to be changed by I want something more open sounding so I will.

[52trapeze]

Save yourself some money and just get a magnet change(a2) and a rewind. I cant wait till i get my 2000 goldtop this week!

[RobP]

I love my R7...and yours

The fretboard on yours is stunning!

[ctkarslake]

Originally Posted by joeobrien

I agree with the OP completely. I had a hard time at first deciding whether a VOS was worth the extra cash over say a Trad or Standard. Now I've had it a week or so (2010 R7 Darkback) I am very happy with it. But, I still find the tone and lightness of my Studio is more than good enough for most situations. They both sound and feel very different and sure, the R7 feels much more serious as a musical instrument and has a more woody, dark and muted tone. Overall I'm happy with both guitars and all I would say to guys on a budget, only invest in a VOS if you really want to.

No offense, but you sound a bit confused. The OPs guitar is NOT a VOS, it is a Gloss version Historic R7. 2003 was 3 years prior to VOS coming out as a finish option (2006 was the first year it was offered). What I think you meant to say is for players on a budget to "only invest in a Historic Reissue if you really want to". Historic Reissues are offered in both Gloss and VOS finishes ever since '06.

[calvin1]

nice

[joeobrien]

Originally Posted by ctkarslake

No offense, but you sound a bit confused. The OPs guitar is NOT a VOS, it is a Gloss version Historic R7. 2003 was 3 years prior to VOS coming out as a finish option (2006 was the first year it was offered). What I think you meant to say is for players on a budget to "only invest in a Historic Reissue if you really want to". Historic Reissues are offered in both Gloss and VOS finishes ever since '06.

My mistake - you are absolutely correct. I confused the terminology and stand corrected.

[enuenu]

How do you find the neck? Is it super chunky? That's my only issue with R7s. I want one, if I can get my hand around it!

[b-squared]

I've got an '03 Braz R7, and love it. The neck is super-chunky though...very fat. I have mine tuned to an E-flat open tuning for slide, and it's perfect for that. (For me.)



BB

[enuenu]

Are dark back R7 GTs more sought after than naturals? Just curious, not a deal breaker or anything. Found a used R7 with a natural back and a 60 neck that may suit me. Would such a special order hybrid RI be less sought after in general than totally standard R7s? I myself usually shy away from "specials". Just too conservative I guess. But it just might fit the bill.

[b-squared]

I don't think the dark backs are any more sought after than the lighter versions...it's just personal preference.

My first electric was a Goldtop/dark back LP copy, so I have a preference for that version.

BB

[weirdotis]

Originally Posted by enuenu

How do you find the neck? Is it super chunky? That's my only issue with R7s. I want one, if I can get my hand around it!

My first thought was, "Wow, that's a big neck!"

Then after I played it for a few hours I was impressed at how it didn't seem so huge anymore. If you have average or large sized hands, I wouldn't worry about it- after a few hours you won't notice it.

[weirdotis]

These are going to sound good... and I have an RS Vintage Upgrade kit on the way.