I've been looking at R8's & R9's recently. I have been to a local shop to try out a few models and loved a Historic standard 2018 R8 with a 59 neck. The custom buckers sounded amazing. It seems Gibson find something new every year that makes this years model the closest yet. I've done my own research and found generally most say to avoid 2012 models due to the fretboard being a 2 piece construction? Does anyone have more info on what has been added each year to make them as close to an original as possible? or which year is thought to be generally the better one. I know their are good ones and bad ones from every year but for example would a 2014 model be seen as a good one?
Comments
I do know that, after installing a set of Monty's PAFs, it rocks
I think the 'two-piece' stigma would affect resale...so looking for a used 2012 could be a wise move...although we've seen good prices on 2013/2014 spec instruments too! I get confused after that point.
Of course, if you can try before you buy, always do that. I've never tried an R9 but an R8 neck is a handful!
Good Luck!
I woud go for any year with the custom buckers, which were introduced in 2013 I think?