Is an R9 Plaintop rare?

[58fan]

In 1999 Gibson Custom had a huge campaign that the 1999 Historic was as close to an original burst ever achieved. If you bought them new they not only came with a black CS case but they also shipped to you later on a brown Lifton case, BOTB book, leather strap and reproduction paperwork. I bought three R9s that year, a cherry sunburst and a darkburst figuretop both of which I have sold long ago when the Custom Authentics were released. I still have the plaintop R9.

Is there any rarity in an R9 plaintop ... also is there any desirability?

Does anyone know if they ever made another R9 plaintop any other year pre or post '99. I've tried to follow year after year and I don't think there was, but I may be wrong.

 

[Tim Plains]

The marketing campaign every year is this year is as close to an original burst ever achieved.

Is there any rarity in an R9 plaintop ... also is there any desirability?

Gibson makes a few thousand gold top R7s yearly. Would you consider a gold top R8 rare or desirable because its serial number begins with 8? That's how I view your R9 and I don't recall seeing any plain top R9s besides the anniversary run.

I think your guitar would be desirable to people specifically seeking guitars from that lower production era or a collector of anniversary editions.

 

[MattD1960]

similar sentiment, none of these reissue guitars are particularly "rare" they are actively in production and now thru the M2M program you can really get whatever you want. the idea these are rare comes from our wanting them to be exactly like the old ones. they are well made and expensive and hold their value to a decent degree but they are not rare.

 

[jb_abides]

R9 Plaintops are not 'rare'. However, they are 'less numerous' and desirable to someone looking for same.

Which is to say there's not a distinct class of buyers, but obviously there's someone out there who prefers a particular look, be it plain to flame, type of flame and pattern, finish color, etc.

So it's supply/demand on a case-by-case basis, but I don't think there's any standing premium to be applied.

 

[markguitar]

Actual designated R9 “Plaintop” model reissues are in fact fairly rare. They were only done in 1999 & 2000 as there were no ‘58 plaintops in those years. Only around 150 were made.

 

[Xpensive Wino]

In 1999 Gibson Custom had a huge campaign that the 1999 Historic was as close to an original burst ever achieved. If you bought them new they not only came with a black CS case but they also shipped to you later on a brown Lifton case, BOTB book, leather strap and reproduction paperwork. I bought three R9s that year, a cherry sunburst and a darkburst figuretop both of which I have sold long ago when the Custom Authentics were released. I still have the plaintop R9.

Is there any rarity in an R9 plaintop ... also is there any desirability?

Does anyone know if they ever made another R9 plaintop any other year pre or post '99. I've tried to follow year after year and I don't think there was, but I may be wrong.

I prefer plain tops, me. I have a "stinger" that's supposed to be a repurposed Henley model.

 

[58fan]

Actual designated R9 “Plaintop” model reissues are in fact fairly rare. They were only done in 1999 & 2000 as there were no ‘58 plaintops in those years. Only around 150 were made.

Thank you Mark for chiming in here with your info. I sold several guitars through you a few years back. You were great to work with.

 

[delawaregold]

There were three different COA's in 1999.
Most of the prices I have seen, depend on which COA you have for the guitar,
and how complete the documentation, cases, and the case candy are.

 

[GreenBurst]

I prefer plain tops, me. I have a "stinger" that's supposed to be a repurposed Henley model.

Henley?

 

[Xpensive Wino]

Henley?

Yeah, as in the boat race...

I meant "Felder"...

 

[GreenBurst]

Ah, yes, Lord Iffy Boatrace.

 

[58fan]

There were three different COA's in 1999.
Most of the prices I have seen, depend on which COA you have for the guitar,
and how complete the documentation, cases, and the case candy are.

View attachment 28716

View attachment 28717

View attachment 28718

Mine is like the one in the middle. The guitar is as NOS as one could get with the Lifton, BOTB book, COA, etc.

I appreciate the responses and info.

 

[Red Baron]

I've only ever seen one plaintop R9, this 2000 model that I used to own (I replaced the inlays).

 

[Basher]

I have an R9 plaintop, bought from a gentleman on here called Goodwood.

I like it but I guess it's just an R8 that was made in 1999. Not sure about rarity but I doubt they're particularly desirable.

The fretboard on mine is a real ugly, streaky thing but I'm not paying out big bucks to get it replaced as it works fine. Only mod I've done I'd had an RS wiring kit put in there and it cleans up really nicely with the volume controls, particularly on the neck pickup.

 

[58fan]

I've only ever seen one plaintop R9, this 2000 model that I used to own (I replaced the inlays).


View attachment 28732

That is simply gorgeous! There is something to be said for a nice plaintop.