Are the CC models worth the added cost?

[kingsxman]

I've been relatively happy with my 2014 R8 but have had a bug lately to check out other models. The thing that interests me about the CC models is that they are aged, which i really like. I know the aging is more expensive...so thats one reason why these CC models are higher priced. But in general, do you find that the CC models have anything more "special" about them than a normal 58 reissue? Are the necks shaped any different? (i.e. is a Montrose CC 28 different than a normal 2013 + 58 reissue).

In particular I'm thinking about a Montrose. Greg Martin, Shanks or one of the "lower priced" CC's. The Montrose CC-28's appear to be all over the place with the tops.

 

[Crotch]

I can only speak to the Shanks. I liked it enough over my other reissues to sell them all and keep only the Shanks. In fact I also kept a Joe Bonamassa Standard over some reissues. So really there isn't a yes or no, right or wrong answer to this question.
I hate giving this answer cause it's so boring but you really have to play them.

I will say that I have never heard of a dog Shanks. They seem to be universally respected on all forums. You can also get a R8, R9, or R0 aged these days without paying the CC premium. There isn't any CC magic if that's what you're wondering.

 

[Sct13]

agreed I guess it "depends" on whether or not certain attributes were called upon to emulate...I think the earlier ones had "some" features that closely resemble the collectors original....but after awhile as runs progressed that seems to be untrue....

I have only seen one or two CC#7's that copy the originals grain pattern, (I know for obvious reasons exact copies are impossible) but there are some CC#7 with amazing flame tops....The original is for the most part a Plain Top with very weak flame.

Also matching up the wood weight and character has got to be a tedious time consuming part of the wood selection, and I have heard that they abandoned that altogether (or at least loosened the restrictions) to include nothing more than a good color ... and basic neck size....most of the attention goes into the aging.....but I have seen two "versions" of the CC#7.....

So I would evaluate on a case by case basis....I got damn lucky with mine...I will probably not "seek" another. Unless the gods drop a beast in my lap....

 

[jamman]

I've been relatively happy with my 2014 R8 but have had a bug lately to check out other models. The thing that interests me about the CC models is that they are aged, which i really like. I know the aging is more expensive...so thats one reason why these CC models are higher priced. But in general, do you find that the CC models have anything more "special" about them than a normal 58 reissue? Are the necks shaped any different? (i.e. is a Montrose CC 28 different than a normal 2013 + 58 reissue).

In particular I'm thinking about a Montrose. Greg Martin, Shanks or one of the "lower priced" CC's. The Montrose CC-28's appear to be all over the place with the tops.

As with All Gibsons , it depends on the individual guitar ... If it's what your looking for ..Then it becomes "worth it" ,,,imo ...
Try researching the model you are interested in ,since CC's are made with a single as it's model .Some have Custom Wound pups ,while others use Stand Pups . Depends on what The owner (of the original and Gibson ( feel is a close match) in sound . It's listed in each guitar write up ...

As with any guitar ,
I don't recall seeing 1 up for sale described as DOG FOR SALE,
Bet you'd have a difficult time selling that 1 , Ya think ....

There is Great ,good and , not so good .
I had a Shanks ..Imo , it's was OK . The neck was very nice . Everything else was average for Gibson . Nice looking and all , But so are many Gibson builds today ....
Buy what you like the feel and sound of , Gibson marketing is an Art in Word Play .... Trust your Hands and Ears 1st....

 

[sws1]

A "regular" TH is a bit of an average spec, taking from measuring lots of guitars.

A CC guitar is designed to replicate a specific guitar...well, the best they possibly can given there are no 2 pieces of wood that are the same.

The neck is spot-on to the shape of the original neck. The tops attempt to look like it is at least a sibling of the original. The wear marks are done to look just like the original.

If you don't know what you want, then a CC may not make any sense as it's still a guitar like all the others. But if you like the look of a specific original burst, the a CC model allows you to get close.

Having said all that, I just received the prototype of an upcoming CC, and can say it's the best historic I've ever played, and gives the original a run for it's money. Luck of the draw, probably. Whatever it is, I had a tough time telling the CC and original apart, if I wasn't looking closely. The "vibe" was identical.

 

[Duane_the_tub]

Select woods are always more desirable, in the construction of anything. From what I understand, the Custom Shop gets the best pick of woods, obviously for tops but also for bodies and necks. Pretty important.

 

[Sct13]

A "regular" TH is a bit of an average spec, taking from measuring lots of guitars.

A CC guitar is designed to replicate a specific guitar...well, the best they possibly can given there are no 2 pieces of wood that are the same.

The neck is spot-on to the shape of the original neck. The tops attempt to look like it is at least a sibling of the original. The wear marks are done to look just like the original.

If you don't know what you want, then a CC may not make any sense as it's still a guitar like all the others. But if you like the look of a specific original burst, the a CC model allows you to get close.

Having said all that, I just received the prototype of an upcoming CC, and can say it's the best historic I've ever played, and gives the original a run for it's money. Luck of the draw, probably. Whatever it is, I had a tough time telling the CC and original apart, if I wasn't looking closely. The "vibe" was identical.

Which Release?

Do tell!!

 

[freebyrd 69]

A "regular" TH is a bit of an average spec, taking from measuring lots of guitars.

A CC guitar is designed to replicate a specific guitar...well, the best they possibly can given there are no 2 pieces of wood that are the same.

The neck is spot-on to the shape of the original neck. The tops attempt to look like it is at least a sibling of the original. The wear marks are done to look just like the original.

If you don't know what you want, then a CC may not make any sense as it's still a guitar like all the others. But if you like the look of a specific original burst, the a CC model allows you to get close.

Having said all that, I just received the prototype of an upcoming CC, and can say it's the best historic I've ever played, and gives the original a run for it's money. Luck of the draw, probably. Whatever it is, I had a tough time telling the CC and original apart, if I wasn't looking closely. The "vibe" was identical.

I have owned enough of these to say you are incorrect on two points. The necks on these are far from spot on, at least on the runs to date. Not only are they not accurate to the original, they vary quite a bit within any given run, the exception being the Shanks, which was the best playing and most consistent of the bunch.

The aging on most is nice, but again, leaves a lot to be desired vs. the original. Colors are often times inaccurate as well, even within a given run they can vary greatly.

That being said, many of them are great guitars. I gravitate toward them for the aging....I like an aged guitar. Some of them do have a nice unique sound to them with the Custom Buckers they pair with them.

Do they have anything special over a regular R9,8,0 whatever? They cost a bit more, but usually get a bit more on re-sale also. Maybe the new TH spec runs are more accurate and consistent than previous runs. I only had my hands on one, and the at was an aged Ace. It was nice, and the neck and frets felt great, however, I never had the privilege of playing that particular original to know how accurate it was to it.

Good luck!!!

 

[sws1]

I have owned enough of these to say you are incorrect on two points. The necks on these are far from spot on, at least on the runs to date. Not only are they not accurate to the original, they vary quite a bit within any given run, the exception being the Shanks, which was the best playing and most consistent of the bunch.

Have you played the originals from which these CCs are based? I mean, the ones you are referring to above? How do you know they aren't spot on?

Maybe the earlier CCs were different, and the TH CCs are more accurate. The Nicky/Donna CCs are accurate. I can say with 100% certainty (since I own the original guitar on which the prototype I mentioned is based), it is a dead ringer, from nut to body. I suppose that there may be some slight variances given the hand sanding that's involved, but they now have the digital scan, have proven they can replicate it, and have the tooling to do so. The Custom Shop continues to evolve, so I wouldn't be surprised at all if CC #1 is produced differently than CC#35.

 

[sws1]

Which Release?

Do tell!!

My "Dangerburst". Coming later this year.

 

[Sct13]

Oh my!

That's nice..

 

[kingsxman]

I'm pretty familiar with "what" a CC model is all about. I just wasnt sure if most people found them to be "better" than your average historic reissue. I have seen alot of models that I "like" but am not sure if they would be better. The only CC model that really "knocks me out" is Nicky. I wish i could afford one. Even in the case of Nicky I've seen a bunch of pics where the tops are "less than" stellar. Most seem to be good but there are a few that havent looked great.

I've played some Greg Martins at Daves. They were nice. On my first trip there (4 years ago) I played a couple of Sandy's and was unimpressed. To me, the changes that went into the 2013 on up models was really important to the average historic that put them up a notch above the old models.

 

[sws1]

I'm pretty familiar with "what" a CC model is all about. I just wasnt sure if most people found them to be "better" than your average historic reissue. I have seen alot of models that I "like" but am not sure if they would be better. The only CC model that really "knocks me out" is Nicky. I wish i could afford one. Even in the case of Nicky I've seen a bunch of pics where the tops are "less than" stellar. Most seem to be good but there are a few that havent looked great.

I've played some Greg Martins at Daves. They were nice. On my first trip there (4 years ago) I played a couple of Sandy's and was unimpressed. To me, the changes that went into the 2013 on up models was really important to the average historic that put them up a notch above the old models.

"Better" as in sounding better? Constructed better?

I don't think there is anything different about how they are made. They are simply made to a very specific set of specs. One might argue that a certain set of specs makes the guitar "worse", if the neck size or tone is not what you like. e.g., Nicky pickups are slightly dark sounding, compared to others.

The wood and labor and assembly line is all the same.

 

[kingsxman]

"Better" as in sounding better? Constructed better?

I don't think there is anything different about how they are made. They are simply made to a very specific set of specs. One might argue that a certain set of specs makes the guitar "worse", if the neck size or tone is not what you like. e.g., Nicky pickups are slightly dark sounding, compared to others.

The wood and labor and assembly line is all the same.

Thx. Great info from good source. So mainly aging then is what your paying for.

So what cc models have the smallest necks? (I.e like a real 59).

 

[freebyrd 69]

Have you played the originals from which these CCs are based? I mean, the ones you are referring to above? How do you know they aren't spot on?

Maybe the earlier CCs were different, and the TH CCs are more accurate. The Nicky/Donna CCs are accurate. I can say with 100% certainty (since I own the original guitar on which the prototype I mentioned is based), it is a dead ringer, from nut to body. I suppose that there may be some slight variances given the hand sanding that's involved, but they now have the digital scan, have proven they can replicate it, and have the tooling to do so. The Custom Shop continues to evolve, so I wouldn't be surprised at all if CC #1 is produced differently than CC#35.

First, I wasn't trying to be a jerk or stir the pot with you. You are correct, the CS is ever evolving. Congratulations on the CC! That is an absolutely beautiful Burst!

To answer your question, I have had the pleasure of checking out Goldie, and the Skinnerburst for a direct comparison. I have also had Spot and Snakebite too, although I realize these aren't Reissue's yet, there necks were more consistent in feel to the other 59's than any Reissue, CC, or artist run I have had my hands on.

Another conversation I had with a guy that owns a few bursts was in the same camp that they are horribly inaccurate when it comes to the necks.

I know in the past they have paid a little closer attention to the Artist Proof guitars that are presented to the owners of the real bursts for approval. I owned Artist Proof #1 Shanks as well.

Hopefully they have evolved the process to where they can really get the neck profiles accurate and consistent now, as well as the color, both front and back. I'm sure your Artist Proof is a stunner!

 

[freebyrd 69]

Thx. Great info from good source. So mainly aging then is what your paying for.

So what cc models have the smallest necks? (I.e like a real 59).

You are paying for a few different things.....

1) Aging

2) A limited number produced

3) Maybe sws1 can confirm or refute this, but to my knowledge, the original owners/artist of the burst in question do get SOME compensation per guitar sold. That is also factored into the upcharge of the guitar.


Your question of "better" is subjective. Different is a better word to describe these guitars. Is different "better" to you? Only you can answer that.

If you are looking for a slimmer neck, IMO, Shanks is THE ultimate "players" CC (to date). The pickups sound great, and it was a very consistent run. Stay away from any 58 CC....those will have a bit fatter necks as a rule. Most of the R9 CC's are your typical fatter than 60 but thinner than 58 neck rule of thumb (although that can vary).

 

[Crotch]

The tops are all over the place with these things. For supposing to be an exact replica of a particular guitar I say they have done a poor job. Doesn't mean the guitar isn't a good one and I know it is hard to match a top but some of them have been pretty amazing that if not for a serial number you would have no clue. That goes for color too. I would still tend to gravitate this way vs a TH though. Just me.

 

[Crotch]

Can I also say for the hundredth time. Will they please do a 1960 CC (I know the Shanks was a transition). Possibly the Kreiger Burst?

 

[tubes10s]

You're paying for the aging, and you're paying for the limited number produced, which does add some collectable value if that is one of the things that you look for when buying a guitar. The aging on CC models is cool in my opinion because it's modeled after an actual guitar aged by actual playing. Guitars that are aged, but not modeled after a specific guitar's aging just don't have that same mojo to me. That's not a bad thing at all, it's just an observation.

 

[sws1]

Thx. Great info from good source. So mainly aging then is what your paying for.

So what cc models have the smallest necks? (I.e like a real 59).

I don't know which ones have the smallest necks. I believe the Jeff Hanna is thinner. I don't think the Nicky is that big, although it is a touch wider than others, strangely enough.

Mine, shown above, will not be a thin neck. Not a baseball bat, but probably a bit fuller than other '59s. And with really comfy shoulders.