• Guys, we've spent considerable money converting the Les Paul Forum to this new XenForo platform, and we have ongoing monthly operating expenses. THE "DONATIONS" TAB IS NOW WORKING, AND WE WOULD APPRECIATE ANY DONATIONS YOU CAN MAKE TO KEEP THE LES PAUL FORUM GOING! Thank you!

Nicest R8 you've seen?

Ransom

Member
Joined
May 11, 2017
Messages
16
I was scrolling on reverb and come across this 58'
It has got to be one the most gorgeous R8 i've ever seen. The top almost looks like its one piece its matched so well.


 

Big Al

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 24, 2002
Messages
14,537
Everyone has their own ideas on best ever. This proves that, 'cause I sure don't agree or see what you do. It is a nice one, no doubt, but not even in top ten, imo.
 

axeman565758

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 23, 2007
Messages
1,204
a 2021, with a 5 digit 2020 serial number?
and as Big Al mentioned, beauty is in the eye...etc....
That is an ok top IMO, but worse is that's the wrong top for that color
 

JoeC

Member
Joined
Oct 25, 2019
Messages
92
Its a sharp top if you like the blister look. Probably also a great deal on the price. If you like the 58 neck profile
 

JoeC

Member
Joined
Oct 25, 2019
Messages
92
Also, are those the original pick-ups? Ar ethey not doing the unpotted on the 58s?
 

ADP

Well-known member
Joined
Jul 16, 2015
Messages
682
T6Qr0Sa.jpg


I ordered it direct from Gibson through Naperville Music in IL in 2014 and have owned it since new.
 

JoeC

Member
Joined
Oct 25, 2019
Messages
92
Very Nice. I had a 2014 R8 Hand Picked top - loved the guitar. Then I got a 2018 R9 that changed everything for me. I ended up trading up the 58 for a R0 60th Anniversary 59 spec. I just got use to the thinner neck plus everything else is way different. My 59 and 60 are extremely close. This was my 2014 R8
 

Attachments

  • IMG_2378.jpg
    IMG_2378.jpg
    87.1 KB · Views: 51

ADP

Well-known member
Joined
Jul 16, 2015
Messages
682
Very Nice. I had a 2014 R8 Hand Picked top - loved the guitar. Then I got a 2018 R9 that changed everything for me. I ended up trading up the 58 for a R0 60th Anniversary 59 spec. I just got use to the thinner neck plus everything else is way different. My 59 and 60 are extremely close. This was my 2014 R8
Now THAT is an R8 I can get behind. That's a nice top! Mine was sold as a VOS "Plaintop"
 

JoeC

Member
Joined
Oct 25, 2019
Messages
92
Thanks, that is a Gloss finish. Only one special angle got the flame like that, more of a plain top.
 

Big Al

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 24, 2002
Messages
14,537
I think those are all beautiful R8's. I always liked how top figure and color would vary and we all could find one that would make us moist. I would strongly disagree with the notion put forward in post #4 that it is the wrong top for that color??? Wasn't aware that figure demands a particular color, or vice versa!

I own one R8 from 2013 that was sold as a plaintop, labled plaintop from Gibson and priced as such. It is Sunrise Teaburst and has beautiful flowing medullary grain on the Eastern Rock Maple top. Though sold as plain it is fully figured with very active, dancing flame that moves and shimmers from every angle with a unique fingerprint or face depending on angle.

Not even in the same zip code of the best top R8s but I just love it's look as it looks very much like a few Bursts I came across in the 70's. Looks real. We grab onto the things that move us. It is a deep personal vibe or shallow superficial just wow thang. Mojo, voodoo, vibe call it what you will, it just be that thing that resonates visually. How cool is it that a model guitar can offer such unique personalities???

I can easily pick out any of mine from a roomful. I know their faces. They are unforgettable.
 

JoeC

Member
Joined
Oct 25, 2019
Messages
92
Thats deep Big Al.



All of us have tops that move you. I can go from very plane to heavy flame or stripe. I guess thats what makes us buy more than one. I like early - deep red and then end stage Honey to Lemon. The middle fading such as ice tea and Bourbon bursts don't do it for me. Other types of tops Im in the middle, namely C-Cups.
 
Top