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Traded my 2012 R9 VOS for a "new" 2018 R9 VOS.

Axeplyr

New member
Joined
Mar 24, 2003
Messages
7
I'm not sure I've ever posted here, so greeting all. :)

I've had a 2012 R9, bought used in 2013, which I never bonded with. I've tried to sell it a couple times with no luck. I guess the stigma of the 2012s lingers on.

Anyway, I've been eying a couple "new" R9s at the local GC (OKC) for awhile, finally decided to haul my 2012 R9 for an A/B and possible trade.

This GC had two brand new Murphy Lab R9s - one was the $10,999 heavier relic, and one was the $7,999 lighter relic. Additionally they had a couple R9s (one VOS and a "Beauty of the Burst") and a couple R0s (1960).

So thanks to a very patient GC salesman there, I asked him to let me pull them all down and give them a go. Luckily they happened to have an SV20H and a 1960A cab sitting there.

I tried them all - the clear winner was the VOS R9. The Murphys were close, but that one R9 just had a lower mid push in in the tone and a ballsy attack that two salesman and a couple customers all agreed just had "it". The $7999 Murphy was good, but it lacked the balls of the VOS R9. That VOS R9 is super percussive and articulate, and it just had that lower mid push that was absent in that Murphy R9.

Oh yeah - NIGHT AND DAY difference between the 2012 and every single newer R9... the CustomBuckers and all the other improvements dramatically improved the tone compared to my stock 2012 R9. I did not expect it to be so dramatic a difference. But honestly, even playing the new R9s - they just resonated; you could feel it through the guitars. My 2012 never had that, so maybe mine isn't a great example.

Here's the strange part... the best sounding R9 - VOS - is a 2018! Mike (GC sales dude) looked it up and said they got it it in late 2019... so strange it's a 2018, and took so long for them to get it.

No matter, it sounded and looked better than any other R9 LP in the store, so I took it home with me.

Thanks to a 15% coupon and Mike being a little flexible on the trade for the 2012, I didn't get beat up too terribly bad.

Edit: pics.

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Axeplyr

New member
Joined
Mar 24, 2003
Messages
7
Not the best pics, but I'm having a hard time getting the photos some of you guys get. There must be some lighting trick people use to get the flame to pop out.
 

Axeplyr

New member
Joined
Mar 24, 2003
Messages
7
One thing I wonder about.
Apparently the only differences between a 2018 and 2019 are the unpotted (vs potted) pickups, knobs on the V1 (bell vs reflector), 60th Anniversary toggle switch cover plate, and burst colors (two each for V1/V2/V3, none of which were offered in 2018). And no changes to the R9s since.

Do you think this impacts value or collectability?

I picked this guitar because it appeared to sound the best, but the 2019 Beauty of the Burst model was close. I'm wondering if it's worth exchanging for the 2019 from a collectibility/value standpoint.
 
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Any Name You Wish

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 15, 2021
Messages
493
One thing I wonder about.
Apparently the only differences between a 2018 and 2019 are the unpotted (vs potted) pickups, knobs on the V1 (bell vs reflector), 60th Anniversary toggle switch cover plate, and burst colors (two each for V1/V2/V3, none of which were offered in 2018). And no changes to the R9s since.

Do you think this impacts value or collectability?

I picked this guitar because it appeared to sound the best, but the 2019 Beauty of the Burst model was close. I'm wondering if it's worth exchanging for the 2019 from a collectibility/value standpoint.
Well, as far as collectibles going up in value, it will be a long time before that happens to my R9 2021 model year. I'll probably be dead by then:) I don't think I would sweat that with yours. In the meantime you have perhaps a decade or two of playing it. I would stick with the one that you liked best and forget all that other stuff. I am certain that there are plenty of 2019, 2020 and 2021 R9's that don't sound or feel as good to you as your 2018 model. Color and finish is really secondary. BTW - I thought the reflector knobs were only on the R0's.
 

Axeplyr

New member
Joined
Mar 24, 2003
Messages
7
Well, as far as collectibles going up in value, it will be a long time before that happens to my R9 2021 model year. I'll probably be dead by then:) I don't think I would sweat that with yours. In the meantime you have perhaps a decade or two of playing it. I would stick with the one that you liked best and forget all that other stuff. I am certain that there are plenty of 2019, 2020 and 2021 R9's that don't sound or feel as good to you as your 2018 model. Color and finish is really secondary. BTW - I thought the reflector knobs were only on the R0's.
Thanks for your input! I think I’m going to hold onto it then. There’s no point in chasing the latest specs. This guitar is such a joy to play and sounds so rich - it’s a keeper.
 

JoeC

Member
Joined
Oct 25, 2019
Messages
92
One thing I wonder about.
Apparently the only differences between a 2018 and 2019 are the unpotted (vs potted) pickups, knobs on the V1 (bell vs reflector), 60th Anniversary toggle switch cover plate, and burst colors (two each for V1/V2/V3, none of which were offered in 2018). And no changes to the R9s since.

Do you think this impacts value or collectability?

I picked this guitar because it appeared to sound the best, but the 2019 Beauty of the Burst model was close. I'm wondering if it's worth exchanging for the 2019 from a collectibility/value standpoint.
I have a 2018 59, it was a killer Compared to my 2014 58. Completely different. I am convinced those pick-ups on the 2018 are "Lightly potted" or not really potted at all. I ended up trading my 2014 for a 2020 V1 60th anniversary. The guitar with the unpotted pick ups seems to have a bit more of the growl as they say, but on the same page as the 2018.
 

JoeC

Member
Joined
Oct 25, 2019
Messages
92
in 10-20 years the value may be $1000 more for the anniversary, nothing to worry about. Enjoy what you have.
 

goldtop0

Well-known member
Joined
Aug 19, 2003
Messages
8,931
I am convinced those pick-ups on the 2018 are "Lightly potted" or not really potted at all.

If you remove the black binding tape from around the bobbin of one of the pups and have a look you'll get your answer Joe.
Let us know the result (y)
 
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Sol

Active member
Joined
Oct 26, 2001
Messages
775
Faced with such a beautifully figured burst I couldn't trust myself to buy with my ears as I should.
I really think my eyes would be making the decision for me.

Thankfully my Goldtop relieved me of that dilemma. However, I have a grudging admiration for those that can disregard beauty for tone, regardless of future value..
 
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Florida Sam

Member
Joined
Aug 5, 2001
Messages
610
Beautiful!! I had a similar experience as you, tried every R0,R9,R8 in South Florida. The 2018 R0 beat everything hands down. GC also said they received this R0 in 2019 yet has a late 2018 serial number. It's the best guitar I've ever played.
 
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