2015 True Historic R8s - Any Experiences?

[Duane_the_tub]

I came across a 2015 True Historic R8 plaintop available locally. I spoke with the seller, and he's motivated.

I've read through all the TH threads on this forum, and there isn't a lot of info specific to this model (just TH line in general, especially the debacle with TH/CS back then). I'm hoping to get some insight from anyone who either owns or has played a True Historic R8, and can make some comparisons between other years of R8s and Historics in general.

How are the neck profiles on these?
How is the finish?
Is there a significant difference in overall feel/playability?
Are the supposed differences in carving/finish process apparent in the finished guitar?
Do the Custombuckers on these tend to have any particular tonal characteristics?
Do you think the differences with this line warrant a higher value for a used one?

I know that last question, especially, is totally subjective and may spark debate. I'd just like to hear the impression of those who have actually owned/played them. Thanks!

(Pic as an example)

 

[bluesoul]

How are the neck profiles on these?
How is the finish?
Is there a significant difference in overall feel/playability?
Are the supposed differences in carving/finish process apparent in the finished guitar?
Do the Custombuckers on these tend to have any particular tonal characteristics?
Do you think the differences with this line warrant a higher value for a used one?

How are the neck profiles on these? ....My 58 TH has a neck profile that is more like an R9. Full but less shoulder than earlier R8's.

How is the finish?.... Very nice!

Is there a significant difference in overall feel/playability? Maybe a little feel wise. Playability is no different than any of my Historics. Frets on the TH are a little bit smaller (not as tall).

Are the supposed differences in carving/finish process apparent in the finished guitar?....I don't see much difference.

Do the Custombuckers on these tend to have any particular tonal characteristics?....the CB's in mine were: Bridge... weak and thin. Neck sounded nice but boomy A and low E (could never dial it in). Pickups were replaced! With that particular guitar...I tried several sets before finding something that worked.

Do you think the differences with this line warrant a higher value for a used one?....,IMO not really. I still have mine and it's a fine guitar, however, I would say it is no more special than any of my other Hostorics. In fact I play it less than the others!

Just like any other...mileage may vary!

 

[bluesoul]

I should add this about the CB's. Custom buckers are hit and miss with me. When they "hit" they stay! But I believe the guitar either likes them or does not!
I have a 2014 R7 where the CB's sound great. I swapped the CB's from the TH R8 (2016) into the R7 and the CB's from the R7 to the TH. Guess what....each guitar sounded the same!

 

[lunchbox]

I’m still holding out for a ‘True, TRUE Historic’. I might even wait for the ‘True, True, TRUE Historic’ line that we were promised.

 

[scovell001]

In short, you need to play it ! - the TH line was known for having a few ‘bad glue jobs’ when the fb was glued on - there were quite often ones found (whom we’re having makeovers) that had barely any glue there !

I played a Murphy aged th58 that was simply ok & a th59 (with not that amazing a top) that still stands as the finest historic lp I’ve ‘ever’ played.

So, in short, as above, you need to play it !

 

[Mosster47]

I came across a 2015 True Historic R8 plaintop available locally. I spoke with the seller, and he's motivated.

I've read through all the TH threads on this forum, and there isn't a lot of info specific to this model (just TH line in general, especially the debacle with TH/CS back then). I'm hoping to get some insight from anyone who either owns or has played a True Historic R8, and can make some comparisons between other years of R8s and Historics in general.

How are the neck profiles on these?
How is the finish?
Is there a significant difference in overall feel/playability?
Are the supposed differences in carving/finish process apparent in the finished guitar?
Do the Custombuckers on these tend to have any particular tonal characteristics?
Do you think the differences with this line warrant a higher value for a used one?

I know that last question, especially, is totally subjective and may spark debate. I'd just like to hear the impression of those who have actually owned/played them. Thanks!

(Pic as an example)

View attachment 627125

I love plain tops. That's just a sexy looking guitar. That's a guitar with so little flash you know the owner can play.

 

[DanD]

Both of my TH8s had/have R9 neck profiles.

Both are/were very comfortable to play. Shoulders have a bit more of a rolled feel than my newer Rs.

I’m a Goldilocks when it comes to necks. I’m not into large shoulders or flat backs w/skinny 60s necks.

The TH Rs I’ve played all seem to have approximately the same neck depth with only my R7 having any shoulder to speak of and it is far less shoulder than the earlier R7s.

My best (to me) Historics fall into the 2014-2017 range. I think attention to detail was a bit better than the newer Rs I own. YMMV

 

[Duane_the_tub]

Great, thanks for the feedback.

Doesn't look like it's going to happen after all. It would be an in-person deal and unfortunately, the seller is insisting I pay him entirely in cash. That's typically a deal-breaker for me.

 

[Tollie]

Great, thanks for the feedback.

Doesn't look like it's going to happen after all. It would be an in-person deal and unfortunately, the seller is insisting I pay him entirely in cash. That's typically a deal-breaker for me.

Why? You could meet in a safe public location, like the local police station parking lot.

 

[JMP]

Why? You could meet in a safe public location, like the local police station parking lot.

Agree. If I were selling, I’d request cash and in person too. Don’t let old fashioned cash hold you back.

 

[Duane_the_tub]

I was really hoping to trade him a piece of livestock for the guitar.

 

[Tollie]

I was really hoping to trade him a piece of livestock for the guitar.

In some countries you can trade your daughter’s hand in marriage for livestock so it’s certainly possible.

 

[DanD]

What’s your daughter look like?

Lots of cows out here…

 

[Unionjack515]

What’s your daughter look like?

Lots of cows out here…

Annnnnnd thread ended.

 

[Unionjack515]

Annnnnnd thread ended.

My post was intended to be less dramatic but the interface took off my laughing emoji…ha

 

[2Muchgear]

My R8 is an ‘07, and came to me with ThroBak kz115’s (which are staying). Neck profile (I have an r6, 7, 8, 9) has the biggest shoulder feel and comes in at .910. The R7 is .915, but the shoulders aren’t as broad And it doesn’t fill the hand quite the same.

The r8 is my couch guitar, I love the neck. It’s a cherryburst plain top and looks like Mick Taylor should be playing it, it has faded some since this image.

good luck -