CC#7 vs '13 R8+HM

[polloelastico]

I'm having a dilemma.

I'm pretty excited about the CC#7 (but still need to get one in hand) and it may be the right choice for me. I'm really into the descriptions of "sorta strat and tele" like sounds, and then neck shape sounds perfect. From what I can tell, the Shanks finish is pretty correct. I also like the plain-ish top (which is why I'm not looking at R9s).

I also played a 2013 R8 and mostly liked it; I didn't care for the neck profile (too much shoulder, not very 59) and I thought the finish wasn't right, seemed thick and not very realistic. Cork sniffing? Probably, but I have some other vintage guitars so I'm sorta familiar with how finishes age and guitars wear. Plus, it just didn't really feel like an old guitar.

I think for the same money as the Shanks, I could find a '13 R8 that sounds killer, and then send it off to HM to get refinished and the neck profile fixed, plus the other little nice things they do. Not talking the RDS here, just the package 1 which is about 2k.

I'm not that concerned with resale, but potentially it's the same. I'm not buying that the CC models will appreciate, so that's not my motivation here. But hey, would love to be wrong about that.

I feel with the R8+HM I could get something more unique, but with a CC#7 I would know on the spot, before they run my card, what I am getting -- no risk.

What am I missing here?

What a great problem to have!

 

[Jabberwocky]

Missing nothing. With an HM R8, you get the guitar that you know you want, to your last specification.

With the CC#7, you get the specifications that Gibson thinks you want, modelled after the John Shanks 59. So, you either get what you want with the HM R8 or you get what you think Gibson thinks you want. The latter may or may not fulfill your wants. The former should. I hear Kim LaFleur aims to please.

Since resale is not a factor, I will be inclined to go with a 2013 R8 + HM. You could even go with a good R8 of any vintage since you're going with a makeover except 2012 since I presume you do not want the bilayer fretboard although I feel that there is nothing wrong with bilayer rosewood functionally.

You cannot really evaluate a CC7 until you have had it in your hands. So, if you're going that route, better just find a dealer who has one or many and play it.

 

[Sct13]

Loved the CC7, will get one....HM's are awesome as well!

 

[sikoniko]

Missing nothing. With an HM R8, you get the guitar that you know you want, to your last specification.

With the CC#7, you get the specifications that Gibson thinks you want, modelled after the John Shanks 59. So, you either get what you want with the HM R8 or you get what you think Gibson thinks you want. The latter may or may not fulfill your wants. The former should. I hear Kim LaFleur aims to please.

Since resale is not a factor, I will be inclined to go with a 2013 R8 + HM. You could even go with a good R8 of any vintage since you're going with a makeover except 2012 since I presume you do not want the bilayer fretboard although I feel that there is nothing wrong with bilayer rosewood functionally.

You cannot really evaluate a CC7 until you have had it in your hands. So, if you're going that route, better just find a dealer who has one or many and play it.

CC7 is the only Collectors Choice that has tempted me based on peoples reviews solely. It is very enticing.

One thing to consider though, if you get the CC7 and the pickups aren't exactly what you are looking for, your might feel a bit of guilt breaking the solder to swap the pickups, while a guitar that you've had made-over you could pickup swap to your hearts content without the slightest bit of guilt - or even experiment without covers and the different color options...

 

[Avenue U Guitars]

descriptions of "sorta strat and tele" like sounds

???

What specific product specifications does a Shanks possess that would result in it sounding any more Strat- or Tele-like than any "other" Les Paul reissue?

 

[Sct13]

CC7 is the only Collectors Choice that has tempted me based on peoples reviews solely. It is very enticing.

One thing to consider though, if you get the CC7 and the pickups aren't exactly what you are looking for, your might feel a bit of guilt breaking the solder to swap the pickups, while a guitar that you've had made-over you could pickup swap to your hearts content without the slightest bit of guilt - or even experiment without covers and the different color options...

I don't know whats in those "Shank's" as far as pickups, but holly crap....
I would'ndt change em' They sounded good, After I played that one I played a few 13's and did not like the new pickup....it was nasal, and too middy, but thats me...

I might try a set of joe b's in it.....no guilt....I'll butcher the bitch....

 

[frankv]

I'm having a dilemma.

I'm pretty excited about the CC#7 (but still need to get one in hand) and it may be the right choice for me. I'm really into the descriptions of "sorta strat and tele" like sounds, and then neck shape sounds perfect. From what I can tell, the Shanks finish is pretty correct. I also like the plain-ish top (which is why I'm not looking at R9s).

I also played a 2013 R8 and mostly liked it; I didn't care for the neck profile (too much shoulder, not very 59) and I thought the finish wasn't right, seemed thick and not very realistic. Cork sniffing? Probably, but I have some other vintage guitars so I'm sorta familiar with how finishes age and guitars wear. Plus, it just didn't really feel like an old guitar.

I think for the same money as the Shanks, I could find a '13 R8 that sounds killer, and then send it off to HM to get refinished and the neck profile fixed, plus the other little nice things they do. Not talking the RDS here, just the package 1 which is about 2k.

I'm not that concerned with resale, but potentially it's the same. I'm not buying that the CC models will appreciate, so that's not my motivation here. But hey, would love to be wrong about that.

I feel with the R8+HM I could get something more unique, but with a CC#7 I would know on the spot, before they run my card, what I am getting -- no risk.

What am I missing here?

What a great problem to have!

What happens if you have a HM commissioned and you end up not likening the neck profile?

I am so picky with necks. Im prolly abby-normal as Marty Feldman would say.

 

[Sct13]

You get used to it......

 

[polloelastico]

???

What specific product specifications does a Shanks possess that would result in it sounding any more Strat- or Tele-like than any "other" Les Paul reissue?

I wondered this too, can only be the pickups. Under wound?

 

[polloelastico]

What happens if you have a HM commissioned and you end up not likening the neck profile?

I am so picky with necks. Im prolly abby-normal as Marty Feldman would say.

This is my concern too. I am super particular about neck profile as well, makes finding guitars a real pia sometimes!

 

[polloelastico]

I'm leaning towards waiting for a shanks to come on the market, take that for a spin and if its the one for me, call it done. If not, then go down the R8 HM route and just accept the risk.

The real issue at hand is both these choices require patience, which does not play well with GAS!

 

[Revv23]

I'm leaning towards waiting for a shanks to come on the market, take that for a spin and if its the one for me, call it done. If not, then go down the R8 HM route and just accept the risk.

The real issue at hand is both these choices require patience, which does not play well with GAS!

This is absolutely the way to go. This way you'll never feel like you made the wrong choice..

 

[sikoniko]

I'm leaning towards waiting for a shanks to come on the market, take that for a spin and if its the one for me, call it done. If not, then go down the R8 HM route and just accept the risk.

The real issue at hand is both these choices require patience, which does not play well with GAS!

nevermind... I linked to where one was... must have sold in the last day or two...

 

[Jabberwocky]

It sounds like Kim LaFleur will keep reshaping the neck until you are pleased with it That's the story as I read it...

If you're going the HM route, do be very very sure about what you want and be very very specific about it. It would be best to have the exact neck profile in hand and tell Kim, Match This. Verbal description is vague at best.

Otherwise, a CC7 sounds like a much better bet because if you do not like it, you can always sell it at little loss in the here and now, and may even make a profit on it later.

You can play as many CC7s as you can find and select the one you want. That is what a CC7 is: A 59 Reissue made as closely as the 59 John Shanks owns, mapped with a digitiser. You either like it or you don't.

With an HM, there is only so much Kim can do reshaping the neck before the point of no return.

If you can wait, I am sure a used CC7 will come on the market soon.

 

[1959lespaul]

If you're gonna go the HM route, why get a '13? You could find a used older model for quite a bit less money and have that done. It would still wind up being the same guitar.

 

[polloelastico]

If you're gonna go the HM route, why get a '13? You could find a used older model for quite a bit less money and have that done. It would still wind up being the same guitar.

The 13s have the hide glue neck joint, no trussrod condom and pickups I actually like. So I can do the "cheaper" HM and just get a refinish and neck reshaping.

 

[Jabberwocky]

The 13s have the hide glue neck joint, no trussrod condom and pickups I actually like. So I can do the "cheaper" HM and just get a refinish and neck reshaping.

Please correct me if I am mistaken but I don't think that Kim LaFleur does his stuff in stages. One can't choose the cheaper package first and then add the difference to get rest of the Real Deal Package later on. Each package requires a fresh strip down of the existing finish. And you pay all over.

If you're going to do an HM, go the whole hog. The difference between the cheaper package and RDS is about $1800.

Buy a lower priced used 2012 or earlier R8 or R9 that you like and you save about $1500 over a new 2013. Go for the RDS with boutique pickups of your choice and I think you are still ahead. Then you get the whole enchilada of vintage nitro, BRW fretboard, hardware, no truss rod sheath, hide glue in the neck pocket and between fretboard and neck, etc.

Makes no sense for me to do an HM and not go for Brazilian fretboard. If hide glue means a lot to you, note that 2013 R8s and R9s do NOT use hide glue between the fretboard and neck. That will be saved for Gibson's "the next level" in 2014!

PS I am cool with the 2013s. They play well and sound great and that's all that matters to me.

 

[Mike60]

What happens if you have a HM commissioned and you end up not likening the neck profile?
...

You could do what I did on my last HM...I did the neck reshape.

 

[sikoniko]

You can play as many CC7s as you can find and select the one you want. That is what a CC7 is: A 59 Reissue made as closely as the 59 John Shanks owns, mapped with a digitiser.

as a matter of trivia - I'm not sure John Shanks owns this guitar any longer. Guitar Center Hollywood bought 2 '59 bursts off of him recently. I didn't have the serial number handy to ask if one was the CC7 original. I do know he was selling it none-the-less. anyone in the area able to check? I've never been to the Hollywood store... I'm told they are upstairs...whatever that means (ie. open to the public or for serious bidders only).

 

[Thawk1116]

I think the Shanks is an R0 not an R9? Is that correct?