Really? Is that the only difference between 2016 R9 and R8?

[GazzaBloom]

So is it just the flame top and neck carve that now the only difference between the latest R9 and R8? It used to be that only the R9 came with the brown lifton style case but the R8 comes with that case now.

Not only can I not justify in my mind the excess price for a True Historic but the R9 up charge is hard to swallow, especially with so many nice subtle flame top R8s or nicely figured plain tops.

Glad I got my 2016 R8, the best value modern historic burst, that's for sure.

 

[goldtop0]

You did good
Today and over the last few years(since '13) the R9/TH9 is overpriced.

 

[THDNUT]

R9s are just better because they are one more than an R8.

 

[PRS]

R0's are the best because you can type....

R-0hhh Yeah.

 

[strat1701]

let's see how many posts this one goes before there is a divisive line drawn and TH buyers are labeled kool aid drinkers are called out for that....

The guitar YOU want to play is the guitar for you, and if it cost 1 dollar or 10K, it shouldn't matter to anyone but the buyer/player.

 

[mfolet]

Sometimes no difference.
I like my 2016 R8s too. I agree they are the best buy out there in reissue land.

 

[goldtop0]

The guitar YOU want to play is the guitar for you, and if it cost 1 dollar or 10K, it shouldn't matter to anyone but the buyer/player.

That's far too cerebral strat......come on let's complicate it a little

 

[strat1701]

That's far too cerebral strat......come on let's complicate it a little

I'd be happy to write a dissertation if you want, something that really delves deep into the intricacies of pricing vs. quality and 'what you get for your money'.

 

[WhiteEpiLP]

I just keep trying to find a way to justify buying an "R" gibson.
Not that i dont think they are worth the money, just not in my hands
One day I'll buy one and when i do R4 thru R0 are all on my try list, what makes the cut? I dont know but to me the number following the "R" doesnt matter too much.
It obviously has to appeal to me in the looks department but playability is paramount.

 

[KBMelb]

I'd be happy to write a dissertation if you want, something that really delves deep into the intricacies of pricing vs. quality and 'what you get for your money'.

Just no novels please

 

[Sct13]

I just keep trying to find a way to justify buying an "R" gibson.
Not that i dont think they are worth the money, just not in my hands
One day I'll buy one and when i do R4 thru R0 are all on my try list, what makes the cut? I dont know but to me the number following the "R" doesnt matter too much.
It obviously has to appeal to me in the looks department but playability is paramount.

I'm not doing it....

I'll get a crummy ole' TH first....

As soon as I see one I can't live without!

 

[Left Paw]

Since 1996 (or 97 for the really flamey ones), the R8 has been the best deal in the Historic lineup. Nothing against the R9.

 

[jlb32]

Even the neck carve is not much different anymore between R8's and R9's.

Many of the tops on R8's look as good or better than the R9's these days. Not really sure what the up charge is for anymore.

Gibson is just out to sell as many as they can and the more flamey R8's have been a huge success for them.

 

[indravayu]

So is it just the flame top and neck carve that now the only difference between the latest R9 and R8?

I believe R9s are supposed to be slightly lighter, too (though there are exceptions).

 

[jpindustrie]

I would think they've always sold more R8s/R7s than R9s. Lower costs = more sales.

I think the R9 still has that cache of being the '1959 reissue'.

I thought the average weight is lower on the R9s? Plus the tops are probably more consistently figured.

 

[Slater529]

I wish I could afford a new TH... Heck, I can't even afford a new R8. I'll just have to stick with ny used R9 unless I hit the lottery. It could happen!

 

[Sct13]

I guess if I looked at MY history you would see more R8's that moved through my stable....

And its mostly $$ and neck profiles and tops....the 2 or 3 R9's I did have I wished I would have kept....but in no way follow the formula of neck carve...and the one I still have could have easily been an R8 except its lighter...

That one got HM'd because of its rubber like finish (not kidding it was thick and gooey)

but R8's rule IMHO ....I like the eclecticism of R8 figured tops....they are was more organic and far as wood appearance

and R9's are this....Lighter weight (in most cases), more symmetrical, stronger figured tops, the backs are a different cut of Mahogany....I think they are quarter sawn, while R8's have a Grain that appears to be flat sawn..

Also I noticed that the R9 necks have a better centered "spine" for lack of a better word...

Just observations ....not real world Gibson hoo ha...

 

[alnico59]

Personally I've always thought the R7 was the bargain. Well maybe not with a dark back or aged which both I absolutely love.

 

[freebyrd 69]

I believe R9s are supposed to be slightly lighter, too (though there are exceptions).

False.

 

[FKO]

I'd be happy to write a dissertation if you want, something that really delves deep into the intricacies of pricing vs. quality and 'what you get for your money'.

Have the dissertation under your signature, that would save you the trouble. Wayyyy too many naysayers of late.