what is the difference between VOS and non-VOS reissues

[andykoctopus]

How would a 1958 VOS and a 1958 reissue be different? is it just the finish? or are there more differences?

 

[ZampraZ]

just the finish

 

[LongBeach]

VOS = Dull
Not = shinny

 

[dazzypig]

This is an interesting question, I knew about the finish so I'll tag another question on the end if I may:

Which seems to be the most popular among this forum's members? Just out of interest

D

 

[Last]

I believe that most go for the VOS as it's about $300 less expensive than it's gloss counterpart.

 

[mwm523]

I believe that most go for the VOS as it's about $300 less expensive than it's gloss counterpart.

Yep, VOS are less expensive, more abundant, and the finish cleans up to almost gloss anyway if you choose to polish it.

 

[LongBeach]

I bought/ordered my 68 VOS Ebony the same time Wolfchild did.
He buffed his out and it looks bitchen!

 

[Marc]

Yup, it's cheaper by a few hundred and I think it looks better, but I may be in the minority on that.

 

[Hamtone]

Isnt the gloss nitro and not whatever the vos is? Not saying the vos cant shine up as well but nitro is a different animal and they dont add any "aging" color to it, seeing how it is going to yellow more and may very well turn green.

Or I could be all wet

 

[mwm523]

They're both nitro. The VOS stuff is some kind of red gunk they put on top of the nitro.

 

[SKATTERBRANE]

The VOS is not final polished either, it was a price hike in disguise. I refuse to every buy a VOS Les Paul.

 

[Tim Plains]

This again?
You guys should read the stickies...
http://www.mylespaul.com/forums/gibson-les-pauls/50210-gibson-les-paul-101-a.html

Gibson's VOS - Vintage Original Spec line. The terms VOS, historic, reissue & historic reissue all refer to the same guitar. There is only one difference, VOS refers to the aged finish on the top and hardware. The ones that do not have the VOS finish are referred to as "gloss" or "high gloss" reissues because (obviously) they have a high gloss finish. Websites like Guitar Center list the two guitars as VOS and "reissue." Reissue refers to the high gloss. I think this has caused some confusion with some people but rest assured, they are all the same guitar. Again, one looks brand new and the other does not look brand new - that's the only difference. VOS costs $300 less.

 

[Marc]

They're both nitro. The VOS stuff is some kind of red gunk they put on top of the nitro.

I had a little of that in the corners where the body meets the neck. I think it is just rubbing compound that was left over. It's not all over the guitar. They just don't polish it to a sheen. I'm not sure if there are any less coats. I think they are nice guitars.

I sometimes look over at my shiny Traditional next to it and think it's like the goofy kid with the brand new shiny white tennis shoes. Then me and the R8 steal his lunch money.

 

[Ride on a Pony]

I had a little of that in the corners where the body meets the neck. I think it is just rubbing compound that was left over. It's not all over the guitar. They just don't polish it to a sheen. I'm not sure if there are any less coats. I think they are nice guitars.

I sometimes look over at my shiny Traditional next to it and think it's like the goofy kid with the brand new shiny white tennis shoes. Then me and the R8 steal his lunch money.

Brilliant.

 

[Last]

You get the rusty screws & aged looking hardware with the VOS.

Almost hard to believe that's a brand new guitar!

 

[dazzypig]

You get the rusty screws & aged looking hardware with the VOS.

Almost hard to believe that's a brand new guitar!

Ahhh, I didn't realise the hardware was aged too? I just thought the finish hadn't been polished.

Seems the general consensus is, save money and look cooler: buy VOS

 

[Dave1968]

The VOS is not final polished either, it was a price hike in disguise. I refuse to every buy a VOS Les Paul. /QUOTE]

Why?

Im confused.. Isn't a R8 the same as a '58 VOS? Ive read the sticky thread by R9 (Thanks, invaluable info!!) If someone can shed some light on this Im all ears.

On Gibsons website they state, "The 1958 Les Paul Standard comes in either a V.O.S. or Gloss finish, and with the standard Gibson Custom case, custom care kit and certificate of authenticity".

Theres no mention of R7,8,9 or 0's etc when I search?? Is the R a shop/urban ref?erence?? R9's thread lead me to believe that VOS or gloss is in this instance a R8 and you can pay extra for the gloss?

Thanks!!

 

[stinger]

The VOS is not final polished either, it was a price hike in disguise. I refuse to every buy a VOS Les Paul. /QUOTE]

Why?

Im confused.. Isn't a R8 the same as a '58 VOS? Ive read the sticky thread by R9 (Thanks, invaluable info!!) If someone can shed some light on this Im all ears.

On Gibsons website they state, "The 1958 Les Paul Standard comes in either a V.O.S. or Gloss finish, and with the standard Gibson Custom case, custom care kit and certificate of authenticity".

Theres no mention of R7,8,9 or 0's etc when I search?? Is the R a shop/urban ref?erence?? R9's thread lead me to believe that VOS or gloss is in this instance a R8 and you can pay extra for the gloss?

Thanks!!

The R8 is the same as the VOS 58. It will come with either the VOS finish or the Gloss. The gloss costs extra. This all applies to the R7, R9 and R0 as well. The R stands for Reissue. Inside the control cavity, there is a stamp of the model number such as R8 etc. This is where the R reference comes from.

 

[Dave1968]

Thanks Stringer! I thought as much. Clear as day now!

 

[Hamtone]

I must be a weird bastard (well yes) but I keep my stuff squared away (other than the usual dents and dings a guitar gets) but I keep em polished and free of debris and rust etc. If it had rust on the pup poles I would be at it with a Q-tip with baking soda and water.

I like old cars too but even an old car that has been restored still looks old. The buffed old chrome bumpers still look old, and have a dull shine. I like to "season" my own stuff with my own experiences. The rest seems like posing, to me.