Chambered R8's Talk To Me

[Trennasol]

OK, I'm in the market for a R8. Been searching around for a few months and found a new one locally that I like a lot, but it's really plain looking and a tad on the heavy side. Mind you the LP I've been playing for the last few years is 11 LB's. The R8 I'm looking at is in the 9ish range and an improvement weight wise. The issue is that I've been battling a shoulder injury for a few months now, and it doesn't seem to be getting any better. Holding the 11 pound LP for 3 hours during band practice is making it worse. Therefore, the idea of a chambered R8 is creeping around in my thoughts. I kind of don't like the idea of chambering and would prefer a solid body LP, but I'm wondering if in the long run the chambered model might not be my better bet.

So I'm looking for thoughts and descriptions on how the tone differs with the chambered models. There seems to be a growing buzz about the chambered Historic models but complaints about chambering with the Standards. In the end, I'm looking for tone and playabiltiy. I'll let me shoulder hurt if the chambered models don't quite cut it tonewise. So, those of you with the chambered R8's, how do they sound?

Thanks for any comments!

 

[curt]

So, those of you with the chambered R8's, how do they sound?

Thanks for any comments!

Isn't that THE reason to buy any guitar? When I was told by someone I respect that owns a real 59 and said that the tone is so close the differences aren't worth mentioning and that they play better. I started looking the next day and found a keeper.

 

[treatmanc]

Dude--ever try a 335----its a sweet SOUND AND LIGHT

 

[CR9]

I have owned every model of chambered historic Les Paul (Cloud 9) and also an Elegant. My chambered 58 is a keeper over all of the others even the 59's. Comparing the Chambered reissues to solid body reissues, the tone is cleaner in the mids and highs with a woody flavor. Kind of like a Johnny A. or 336. The lows are not as boomy or thumpy, more of a smooth note like a ES-295. I have not compared them to the USA chambered Les Pauls. The USA versions is not chambered the same way the Custom Shop chambered are. I have found that I like very dark mahogany wood on the back as it gives a different tone than the light colored wood in a chambered reissue. The darker wood comes closer to a vintage tone. Don't rule out the new ES-339. Same size as a Les Paul, less weight and get all the great sounds.

 

[rockpit]

Trennasol
I have similar issues as you-- neck, back and a 11 pound '79 LP Custom. Dan introduced me to the Cloud 9's. They are tone monsters, and less than 8 lbs. See if you can get your hands on one to test drive. They are very resonant, even unplugged. I have a couple of them, and they are a real pleasure to play.

 

[waynesmith]

They are amazing guitars...Great tone and feel, that's why I grabbed an 07 chambered R8 figured top when I saw it. I have an 06 chambered R8 that is a plaintop and that one is also a tone monster, both weigh in at about 7.6lbs. I feel once you play one you will want one....

 

[Trennasol]

Thanks for the replies everyone. A big help with a big desicion. I've decided to go with a Cloud 9 R8. I've arleady got a fund going, some stuff on eBay for sale, and a few pieces on consignment locally, so hopefully in a few weeks I'll be joining the club.

Thanks!
T

 

[waynesmith]

Best of luck....you will love the cloud9 R8's...