How many black R8's?

[searswashere]

I tried searching here, couldn't find what I was after.

I have a 2016 limited edition R8, our Gibson distributor ordered 3 that year for the chain. I know Sam Ash did their 2000 run with natural backs, and I know there were some done in the 90's and 2000's as well.

What I want to know is, does anyone have a rough idea of how many have actually been made? The new R9 has made the R8 a bit redundant but if they are actually hard to find that's useful for listing lol.

Thanks all!

 

[musicmaniac]

Pics?

 

[searswashere]

I get the feeling these are kind of rare birds. That said unfortunately the neck is still a hair too fat for my comfort . Great guitar though.

I have yet to call Gibson and ask.

 

[Tim Plains]

I don't think you will ever get a straight answer, unless it's part of a limited run that specifies 1 of xxx, Gibson doesn't release production numbers.

I've been on MLP for maybe 15 years now and have seen them on & off throughout. These are similar to gold tops, people who like them like them, but that majority want bursts for the money. Also, being able to order one through the Made 2 Measure program kills any sort of rare angle for older models.

 

[searswashere]

Mine is a limited edition as per l&m.

Again, Ive only seen two others listed. Seems odd for something they have “done a bunch of”.

Either way no one is interested so I’ll be keeping it for now.

 

[mudface]

I have seen these in all the different Historic "R" models..... R4...R6....R7....R8....R9.... and R0.... they occasionally pop up here and there.... I saw an "HotRod" R5 model with Humbuckers in a black top as a Guitar Center exclusive. So there are various versions of these throughout the years.

Like mention already,... production numbers are not provided unless they're numbered limited editions.

R6 Black Top Historic
^

R5 "Hot Mod" Historic Custom
^

R7 Black Top Historic
^

R9 Black Top Historic
^

Collectors Choice #34 '60 Black Burst
^

R4 Black Top Historic
^

Yup.... there's a few of all models.

I believe the big differences with the R7..R8..R9 and R0 will be the neck carve. Everything else is basically the same.

 

[Top Gun]

2018 M2M 58 with a 59 neck profile and 59 frets

 

[Phil W]

Would someone please educate me about how a black Les Paul can be an R8 or R9 when 58 and 59 reissues, so I thought, are definitively sunburst finished guitars?

 

[mudface]

Would someone please educate me about how a black Les Paul can be an R8 or R9 when 58 and 59 reissues, so I thought, are definitively sunburst finished guitars?

Take an R8 or R9 and spray it black........... It's still a Historic Custom Shop made reissue..... The whole building process is the same. Hide glue,..neck carve,...one piece backs....long tenon....top carve....inlays.....silk screen logo placement....and all the features of that specific model reissue. With the only difference being the painted body.

It's still an R8 or R9 or R-whatever.

Reissues are just a Custom Shop model.... nothing more. They can be plain, figured, or painted whatever color.

 

[Phil W]

I disagree. The definition of a "reissue" is a replication of a previous issue. If there were no previous issues of black Les Paul standard guitars in 58 and 59 then how can there be a "reissue"? The 'R' prefix indicates a replication NOT an imagined variant.

 

[mudface]

I disagree. The definition of a "reissue" is a replication of a previous issue. If there were no previous issues of black Les Paul standard guitars in 58 and 59 then how can there be a "reissue"? The 'R' prefix indicates a replication NOT an imagined variant.

Well.... I won't argue your point,... you are entitled to your opinion. Though there was a couple of unique original 1959 and 1960 Les Paul Standards that were made with factory painted colors.... Black and Cherry Red... special ordered but nevertheless factory made. Check the book "Beauty of the Burst".

The Black 1960 model was replicated as a Collectors Choice #34.

My opinion is that the Gibson Historic "R" models are just new guitars with some elements that appear to be like the original model..... Far from actually replicating the originals.

But your opinion is just as valid.

 

[Phil W]

Well.... I won't argue your point,... you are entitled to your opinion. Though there was a couple of unique original 1959 and 1960 Les Paul Standards that were made with factory painted colors.... Black and Cherry Red... special ordered but nevertheless factory made. Check the book "Beauty of the Burst".

The Black 1960 model was replicated as a Collectors Choice #34.

My opinion is that the Gibson Historic "R" models are just new guitars with some elements that appear to be like the original model..... Far from actually replicating the originals.

But your opinion is just as valid.

Interesting. In that case a black R9 is valid but not a black R8 in my opinion.
I still think that the definition of a reissue IS that they replicate the originals; in fact I think it's fundamental to the concept.
Thank you for your courtesy and pleasant reply.

 

[kungpow!]

8 3688

Pg 161 of Beauty of the Burst

That's a black 58 for ya

I love a black standard. One of the most beautiful les pauls in my opinion

 

[searswashere]

2018 M2M 58 with a 59 neck profile and 59 frets

That’s a trade I would take!

Didnt even know the R8 and R9 had different fret sizes haha. My R8 has low action with 9’s whereas the R9 has medium action with 10’s.

 

[StubbyJ]

I have seen these in all the different Historic "R" models..... R4...R6....R7....R8....R9.... and R0.... they occasionally pop up here and there.... I saw an "HotRod" R5 model with Humbuckers in a black top as a Guitar Center exclusive. So there are various versions of these throughout the years.

Like mention already,... production numbers are not provided unless they're numbered limited editions.

R6 Black Top Historic
^
View attachment 604475

R5 "Hot Mod" Historic Custom
^
View attachment 604476

R7 Black Top Historic
^
View attachment 604473

R9 Black Top Historic
^
View attachment 604474

Collectors Choice #34 '60 Black Burst
^
View attachment 604478

R4 Black Top Historic
^
View attachment 604480

Yup.... there's a few of all models.

I believe the big differences with the R7..R8..R9 and R0 will be the neck carve. Everything else is basically the same.

You are my new hero.

 

[StubbyJ]

Back when I did my black reissue hunt I played a few of the run from 2000 and I believe what was 2008. All units had some of the fullest nexts I've ever played.

 

[searswashere]

Back when I did my black reissue hunt I played a few of the run from 2000 and I believe what was 2008. All units had some of the fullest nexts I've ever played.

My buddy just recently got a junior and got to check out my R8 (failed trade deal) and said he thinks the junior is the same size.

I'm hoping to try another R8 owned by a guy on another board, as well as his R0 and 74RI LPC.

I will say that this R8 sounds a lot closer to the R9 I have now that both have 10's and similar action.