2014 R8 Questions

[armoredveh]

I'm new to the forum and a Strat player who's looking to get his first LP. I came across a 2014 R8 that's reportedly in mint condition. Even the neck binding has some Washed Cherry finish that's bled into it (giving it the authentic look).

I know that some 2012 reissues did not have a single piece of rosewood and I was wondering if there were any issues with the 2014 R8s that I should know about?

Also, and as it relates to "playability," are the R8s difficult for someone like me who's new to LPs? I'd hate buy this beauty only to find that this particular model, for instance, has a chunky neck that's an acquired taste even for Gibson veterans.

Bill

 

[BSeneca]

It is going to have a big neck. Try before you buy it. If your hands aren't small you will probably be able to adjust to it. I feel the neck actually helps with string bending and adds some sustain as well. Its going to be a change from a Strat no doubt, but give it a chance I think you will love it. 13 and 14's are particularly nice examples and have many upgraded historically accurate details. I am in the reverse situation of yours. I am a lifelong Les Paul guy and have recycled many Strats in my day. But I found "the one"! Sounds incredible, plays incredible and its Olympic white with a maple board so to me it looks incredible. Had to REALLY adjust to the neck difference and scale length. I have played it for two weeks straight only picking up my Pauls once in a while. Good luck with it. I think it will be worth it for you. Later, Brian

 

[armoredveh]

Brian,

You mean like this one? This is my 2014 CS 1960 NOS Time Machine.

 

[Left Paw]

The 58 RI has the largest neck of all. You might do better with a 60 if neck size is your concern.

 

[bulletproof]

Brother,you gotta try before you buy.....especially if neck size is a consideration point. My '14 has a big ole neck and I love that,my '89 has a much slimmer neck and I love that,too. If one is new to the Lester arena and neck size is a worry,play as many as you can get your hands on

 

[BSeneca]

Brian,

You mean like this one? This is my 2014 CS 1960 NOS Time Machine.

Yes, but with a maple neck. I am a big Hendrix fan and I love a lot of other Strat players but never could get the sound that I heard in my head until now. Figured it out after years of playing and selling Fenders that it was the maple neck that made the difference.

 

[dave999z]

There is a lot of variation from one guitar to the next, even among 2014 R8s. The neck on my 2014 R8 is hardly any different than the neck on my 2011 American Standard strat (except the strat has rolled edges), while the neck on my 2009 R8 was a baseball bat.

Generally, as you go from R7 to R0 the necks get thinner, but there is a lot of variation.

There is nothing odd about a 2014 R8 you need to worry about. In fact, it's among the best playing/sounding/looking reissues Gibson has done, and certainly the best value. I love mine.

 

[strat1701]

Yes, but with a maple neck. I am a big Hendrix fan and I love a lot of other Strat players but never could get the sound that I heard in my head until now. Figured it out after years of playing and selling Fenders that it was the maple neck that made the difference.

I've always prefered maple necks/boards to RW on strats.

I'm new to the forum and a Strat player who's looking to get his first LP. I came across a 2014 R8 that's reportedly in mint condition. Even the neck binding has some Washed Cherry finish that's bled into it (giving it the authentic look).

I know that some 2012 reissues did not have a single piece of rosewood and I was wondering if there were any issues with the 2014 R8s that I should know about?

Also, and as it relates to "playability," are the R8s difficult for someone like me who's new to LPs? I'd hate buy this beauty only to find that this particular model, for instance, has a chunky neck that's an acquired taste even for Gibson veterans.

Bill

absolutely no issues with bi layered boards in 2014. Rest easy on that.

Not all 2014 R8's had huge necks. I've owned a few of them which were very close to R9 territory. Pre 2013 R8's will have more chunkier necks, but it seems of late that they are really only SLIGHTLY thicker than the R9's from the 14/15 era. A True Historic R9 or R8 will have a larger neck though, from the people that have them they appear to be reverting back to larger shapes which is UN-historic imho. My Th R9 has what I would consider a chunky C R8 neck but it's an R9 TH. Go figure.

13/14/15 R8's ARE your bang for your buck, there are thousands to choose from and a high number of them have really awesome tops and nice neck profiles.

I'm a LONG time strat player, I thumb hook a lot, and I have hand issues. I've found SEVERAL 14 R8's that are easily playable for me with no issues, get out there and play some, you're bound to run into 3 that will work for you. If you can't try before you buy if you're dealing with a good and reputable dealer many will give you at least a 48 hr approval period. Check forum sponsors they are great to work with.

 

[indravayu]

A True Historic R9 or R8 will have a larger neck though, from the people that have them they appear to be reverting back to larger shapes which is UN-historic imho. My Th R9 has what I would consider a chunky C R8 neck but it's an R9 TH. Go figure.

My TH58 has a neck like a thicker '13/'14 R9 - it is way slimmer than my old '14-spec'd R8, which had a massive neck.

 

[armoredveh]

Well I just pulled the pin on an absolute mint 2014 R8 for $2800 (pics to follow). Only time (and practice) will determine how well I adapt to it.

 

[jamman]

OP , If a thinner neck is your preference , R0's are the place to look (to start anyway) .

Yup, Strats with maple FB's sound like .......a Strat , imo . Those with RW boards are darker sounding , from my experience . Never owned 1 either , only maple FB Strats ...

 

[jpindustrie]

I thought the R6 I played had a bigger neck than my 2014 R8 but I am not 100%

OP a good comparison is with the 50s style Tele or even a strat V neck, I thought the 58 neck would be too big too but when I picked one up for the first time it reminded me a lot of how a V neck fender plays.