• 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!

Recent R8s vs. slightly older R8s (VOS Models)

jcarter0032

New member
Joined
Jan 3, 2023
Messages
3
I'm sure this has been asked thousands of times, but how do the current R8 models (2019 to present) compare to models from the earlier 2010s? I've been eyeballing a new R8, but also a couple 2013s and a 2016, and am just curious if there's a big difference or not in these. I've heard that the newer VOS is "better" but I'm not sure on if that's true or not and also if there's any noticeable differences besides new and used prices that is. Thanks for the input in advance!
 

ADP

Well-known member
Joined
Jul 16, 2015
Messages
682
You want a 2014. Chances are that 2013 is great, too. That's the right answer, but everyone has their opinion.
 

jb_abides

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 6, 2005
Messages
5,276
Better is in the eye of the beholder, although opinion abounds...

The ultimate answer is play as many as you can then buy the one you like best; every guitar is an individual creation that may be excellent, OK, meh, or a dog.

Spec differences: Typically, people cared most about the removal of the so-called Truss Rod Condom or plastic liner for the steel rod in the neck, the introduction of hide glue for the neck, overall hide glue construction, and 'True Historic' (TH) / post-TH spectrum of upgrades including plastic parts.

VOS (versus Gloss) is a mainly a finishing designation, the commencement of which somewhat aligned with certain spec change introductions, although there were other pre-VOS/post-VOS evolutions characterized by 'era' or waves. Spec changes are by model year, and there are some 'era' folks use for demarcation.

Due diligence education can be gleaned reading: Year-by-Year History of the Historic Les Paul Collection

Here's my 2005 R8 -- nothing wrong here!
1673209042717.png
 

renderit

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 19, 2009
Messages
10,951
I have mostly 2013 though 2016's.

They are all excellent.

Some 2012 had the "sandwich" fretboards.

2013 is safe, no truss rod condom and hide glue for the fretboard or top (I can't remember which).

2014 started hide glue tops as well I think.

2015 started the True Historics with better plastics etc.

I have favorites in each year, they are all outstanding and you will find more good ones than bad ones.
 

AA00475Bassman

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 26, 2016
Messages
3,769
IMG_3998.jpgThis is my go to 07 R8 - I'm down to 5 Historics I sold about 10 guitars this summer I really like this guitar - Although 07's are not better than any other year its just a great guitar - this year stuff has been dragged through the dirt a great Historic is not defined by year - in my subjective opinion !
 

Tim Plains

Active member
Joined
Aug 1, 2013
Messages
795
Just find a guitar you like, the rest is secondary.

The newer it is, the more accurate specs it has, and that makes it better for '50s purist, depends what motivates you.

Some 2012 had the "sandwich" fretboards.

2013 is safe, no truss rod condom and hide glue for the fretboard or top (I can't remember which).

2014 started hide glue tops as well I think.

2015 started the True Historics with better plastics etc.

I have favorites in each year, they are all outstanding and you will find more good ones than bad ones.
Most 2012s had the sandwich fretboard.

2013s only used hot hyde on the neck joint or fretboard, can't remember, but it's only one.

2014s used hot hide for both neck joint and fretboard.

True Historics use hot hide for the neck joint, fretboard, and top.
 
Top