New Les Paul Standard 50 vs Custom Shop

[MuLLe]

Hi folks,

Im just wondering if you folks can give me your opinion about the new range of Gibson USA Les Paul Standard 50's and 60's compared to the older Custom Shop models?

There are so many who says Gibson has up their production in all aspects and the new Original collection of USA Les Paul Standard range seems to be glorified in reviews and demos and that is actually nice

But I have the opportunity to buy a used 2008 Custom Shop R8 1958 Les Paul Standar VOS in mint condition. But when it comes to craftmanship etc etc.... Would you guys say the new USA range Les Paul Standard has the same quality/equal as the older Custom Shop or the old Custom shops still have a better quality over all?

I really appreciate if you can give me a shout on what you think and prefer. Im just looking for your opinion on the quality in craftmanship, new USA Standard vs old Custom Shop.

Its obvious the neck profiles are different and electronics, but its all the other parts im interested in to hear from you folks

Which one would you prefer, a brand new USA les paul Standard 50' or a 2008 Custom Shop R8 1958 Les Paul Standar VOS in mint condition?

Cheers
/MuLLe

 

[JeffH66]

Well, this is just one mans opinion and is certainly not a recrimination of the new Standards, which are EXCELLENT instruments, but I still believe that you will receive superior wood and craftsmanship with the 2008 R8 in VOS. Gibson has historically reserved the best selection of wood for the custom shop models and the level of craftsmanship, however much improved the USA line may be, simply cannot match the man hours they put into instruments in the custom shop. And we haven’t even talked electronics, fretwork, hardware, etc.

I own a 2011 R7, and it is one of the finest Les Pauls that I have ever played. I would be happy to own a new Standard, but if I had the financial means to buy a custom shop guitar, I would do that every time, even if it meant buying used over new.

 

[MuLLe]

Thank you Jeff, the Custom Shop only costs about 200$ more

 

[JMP]

Considering the price difference you posted, run and buy that R8 immediately.......or tell me how to contact the seller. A R8 for approximately $2,700 is too good to pass up.

 

[MuLLe]

Hehe,

I have already made a small downpayment on the R8 , but its open so I can change my mind if I want to... But I just wanted some input on difference and if there are differences since the new range of USA standard range

 

[MuLLe]

Here is a photo on it.

 

[JMP]

Hehe,

I have already made a small downpayment on the R8 , but its open so I can change my mind if I want to... But I just wanted some input on difference and if there are differences since the new range of USA standard range

I’ve not played a R8, but can assure you that overall the new Standards are fantastic. BUT, for a nominal increase in cost, considering a used Custom Shop is a no brainer.

 

[jstarr]

If you have to spend every penny on a guitar, I’d go with the R8... providing it’s a great player. If you don’t need to spend every penny, I’d buy a used Traditional and put $1000+ in your savings account.

 

[Benniator]

Just buy an Epiphone. It’s like 20x the quality at 1/20th the price.

 

[cowsgomoo]

I had a 2011 R8, and I have a 2020 Standard 60s. I don't see any difference in quality. I prefer the one I have now, for a bunch of subjective reasons - the neck and the sound mostly. But the things that caused me to pass over one of Gibson's Standard or Trad offerings in 2011 for a custom shop LP were the rim bursts (didn't like em), the 'prosthetic leg' orangey binding, and the crappy nibs that always seemed to be too high (custom shop nibs go halfway up the angle of the fret end, not right to the top, and they feel much nicer). Headstock shapes were often a bit weird too - either too thin or too pointy

Well, the 2020 Standard dealt with all the gripes I had. Bursts great, nibs great, headstock looks right, binding and plastics are fine. I think since Henry left, Gibson must have really made the effort to improve every aspect of current USA production.

The 2020 is also a one piece body, as far as I can see - it doesn't really matter to me too much, but if you believe this 'custom shop hand select the finest tone mojo-infused woods while USA uses any old crap glued together', then it might be useful info

I'm not saying don't get a custom shop LP, just that I prefer my 2020 for subjective reasons, and that standard production USA guitars have had ironed out a lot of what I thought were flaws

As usual, the answer is - play a bunch if you can, because the right choice is usually obvious when you've sat down with a few


edit: I see you've already decided looks nice. You can't go wrong with either

 

[Injector]

If the R8 is truly mint I would take that in a heartbeat. The new Standards are good, if you run the racks and get a lightweight one with no issues but Gibson quality has NOT gone up. It's the same as it always was. Same staff, same salaries, same factory. They make great guitars, decent guitars and crap guitars just like they always did.

 

[none2low]

If the R8 makes you smile and gives you that tingle in your toes, then no question about it. I believe you are getting a higher quality instrument. That is not to say that the new Standards are in any way bad, nor that you can't find an exceptional one, but there is a reason the custom shop charges more and it's not just "historical" accuracy.

 

[musicmaniac]

R8

 

[uncle mud]

R8

 

[RocketKing]

I would go for the R8, undoubtedly

 

[integra evan]

Having owned both at the same time, I always preferred the R8. That was a great guitar all around.

 

[madh4ttr]

For that little difference, the R8 is the way to go if it's in great shape BUT, the 60s standard I got is an awesome instrument and you wouldn't mind either.

 

[vlivecch]

Yo man, I’m with madh4ttr above... The R8 looks nice and probably sounds great. I’ve never played one, but the New 60s Standard I have is one heck of a beautiful instrument... It also sounds Mmmmmm great through my rig...

 

[mudface]

I favor R8s...........From plain to flame or even in the middle................

Historics are of a different standard than regular USA production line.

 

[Mcholley]

My 2 cents...

Get the R8, you will be glad you did - a step up over the Standard line for sure, and I have played a bunch, and if I had a choice, the Historic line wins every time.

Mark