True historic 59 - no deal

[MarcB]

Visited GC in Boston today.. as they had a 59 TH in cherry sunburst.. spent a good hour with the guitar, jamming with a customer and chatting to all the staff.. TBH I wasn’t expecting anything special.. but the guitar played very well (needed a set up) had a few player marks.. but it was a good guitar.

John the (acting) manager .. tried his hardest to get me the deal I wanted but senior management (on a call) refused the offer as the guitar has only been there for a month.

Oh well.. I’ll check back in a few months and see if it’s still there .. and not sold to a GC in California.. (very likely according to John)

Gotta say.. the GC in Boston has to be my favourite of all the stores I’ve visited.

Bonjour.

 

[EdwardR9]

They are seriously good guitars. Sadly the prices on Reverb put them out of reach. I had a 2015 59’ lemon and I still have a 7 pound 9 oz 2016 R0. Stunning and sonorous.

 

[EdwardR9]

I paid $5200 for the R0 in 2016 and that was a deal.

 

[MarcB]

I paid $5200 for the R0 in 2016 and that was a deal.

I’m thinking I’m gonna have to pay up now for a TH..
I missed out on a GT TH too.. over in California.. seems the LA cats are buying strong.

 

[DvnLesPaul]

still an extreme head scratcher for me that I have seen guys get a Historic Makeovers done on a 2015 TH. significant upcharge specifically for the finish and then pay to redo it, why not use any other R9? I guess if you already had the TH and started jonesin' for that elusive pot o gold. I really wanted one of those 2015 TH's for the longest time, just never quite found the deal I needed to pull the trigger.

 

[jb_abides]

I don't understand the fixation on 2015/6 'True Historic' models as a 'thing'...

I understand if you find a really good example... that's equal across all Historic Reissue eras.

So, 'True Historic' ... For the special COA? Otherwise, there's no JuJu apart from improvements since the 2013 round.

'True Historic' was a marketing term to introduce the new round of upgrades (centered on the plastics) for the year/era; also to provide tier differentiation from [upper-tier] Historic Select and [lower-tier] Custom Select [short tenon] models in the Custom Shop reissue portfolio family which have since been deprecated.

All 'real' Historic Reissues that follow the 'True Historic' marketing re-brand (excluding the Custom Select aberrations) are in effect True Historics [name reverted to just Historic Reissue], and with the upgrades that followed ... just as desirable if not more so.

Just find the Reissue that you like best, if you want the TH features, everything in the wake of 2015 that's a proper Historic Reissue will do.

 

[scovell001]

I don't understand the fixation on 2015/6 'True Historic' models as a 'thing'...

I understand if you find a really good example... that's equal across all Historic Reissue eras.

So, 'True Historic' ... For the special COA? Otherwise, there's no JuJu apart from improvements since the 2013 round.

'True Historic' was a marketing term to introduce the new round of upgrades (centered on the plastics) for the year/era; also to provide tier differentiation from [upper-tier] Historic Select and [lower-tier] Custom Select [short tenon] models in the Custom Shop reissue portfolio family.

All 'real' Historic Reissues that follow the 'True Historic' marketing re-brand (excluding the Custom Select aberrations) are in effect True Historics [name reverted to just Historic Reissue], and with the upgrades that followed ... just as desirable if not more so.

Just find the Reissue that you like best, if you want the TH features, everything in the wake of 2015 that's a proper Historic Reissue will do.

The TH had additional hand wet sanding of the body which went with the 2016/2017 line & some additional rolling of the fretboard. Gibson dumped out a load of cheap 58/59’s in the autumn of 2017. I agree with you though, the first year ‘Gibson new management’ 2019/2020 guitars absolutely blew this TH models out the water - but, dealers are now trying to make the TH line ‘a thing’ - There are some good examples out there, but yeah, later models & Murphy lab, much better.

 

[jb_abides]

The TH had additional hand wet sanding of the body which went with the 2016/2017 line & some additional rolling of the fretboard. Gibson dumped out a load of cheap 58/59’s in the autumn of 2017. I agree with you though, the first year ‘Gibson new management’ 2019/2020 guitars absolutely blew this TH models out the water - but, dealers are now trying to make the TH line ‘a thing’ - There are some good examples out there, but yeah, later models & Murphy lab, much better.

Thanks for the perspective. Interesting: I haven't seen dealers doing this but haven't scrutinize that market closely... I just didn't think they should be a THING. I guess any past nomenclature can be hyped.

OK, I've seen 'double-carve' as part of the past TH marketing; although that style of top carve was stated as being incorporated into the baseline Historic Reissues going forward. Never heard the level of rolled edges during the TH stint was 'rescinded' but Gibson moves in mysterious ways and it's an easy remedy.

Neither attribute would make me specifically seek out a TH model year over any successive model year -- it'd be guitar vs guitar, only.

 

[Jethro Rocker]

Visited GC in Boston today.. as they had a 59 TH in cherry sunburst.. spent a good hour with the guitar, jamming with a customer and chatting to all the staff.. TBH I wasn’t expecting anything special.. but the guitar played very well (needed a set up) had a few player marks.. but it was a good guitar.

John the (acting) manager .. tried his hardest to get me the deal I wanted but senior management (on a call) refused the offer as the guitar has only been there for a month.

Oh well.. I’ll check back in a few months and see if it’s still there .. and not sold to a GC in California.. (very likely according to John)

Gotta say.. the GC in Boston has to be my favourite of all the stores I’ve visited.

Bonjour.

 

[corpse]

MarcB prpompted me to head to Boylston St. saw your TH.
Nice inventory.
The hotel next door, Verb, looked cool. I had the Cajun Chicken Sando. Killah.
GC has free parking in the back along Fenway Park. Verb charges $20.

 

[AA00475Bassman]

Sounds like a nice guitar many on this board really like the TH years My historic I own range from 1998 - 2020 I find these all fantastic guitars - Although the TH line was very popular & liked by many buyers . I do find GC should be more receptive to offers the amount of store play these guitars receive in my subjective opinion puts many in a used category.

 

[gary buff]

Here's a pretty one for sale, light in weight, the wood on this looks gorgeous. No affiliation etc.

Gruhn Guitars

guitars.com

 

[EdwardR9]

The TH in 2015-2016( Hand Scraped fret binding) had hide glue neck fit, hide glue top, Royalite Binding and much thinner lacquer like 3 mill. They didn’t make a ton of them either. $8599 list. I loved my 2015 R9 but traded it for a Carmelita and kept my 2016 R0. It is 7lbs 8oz and is just tremendous.
I traded my Nicky and Carmelita towards 3 2018 Brazilians and I’m not looking back.

 

[EdwardR9]

The TH in 2015-2016( Hand Scraped fret binding) had hide glue neck fit, hide glue top, Royalite Binding and much thinner lacquer like 3 mill. They didn’t make a ton of them either. $8599 list. I loved my 2015 R9 but traded it for a Carmelita and kept my 2016 R0. It is 7lbs 8oz and is just tremendous.
I traded my Nicky and Carmelita towards 3 2018 Brazilians and I’m not looking back.

 

[MarcB]

MarcB prpompted me to head to Boylston St. saw your TH.
Nice inventory.
The hotel next door, Verb, looked cool. I had the Cajun Chicken Sando. Killah.
GC has free parking in the back along Fenway Park. Verb charges $20.

I’ll be back over there on Wednesday.. wanna check out their used SGs https://www.guitarcenter.com/Used/G...liaIndexName=guitarcenter_InStockBoostEnabled
..and I’m now thinking a Gibson acoustic to start the collection off again.. maybe a Hummingbird or HB artist.. but wanna play them first.. I’ve often seen that eatery but never ventured inside.. I often just high ball it to Target for some US treats to take home to UK.. lol. Also that coffee shop across the road has cool staff..

 

[MarcB]

Here's a pretty one for sale, light in weight, the wood on this looks gorgeous. No affiliation etc.

Gruhn Guitars

guitars.com

Dagnamit… late to the party.. sold!! And in was in Nashville a few weeks back too.. pfft. Can you recall the price ?

 

[MarcB]

I don't understand the fixation on 2015/6 'True Historic' models as a 'thing'...

I understand if you find a really good example... that's equal across all Historic Reissue eras.

So, 'True Historic' ... For the special COA? Otherwise, there's no JuJu apart from improvements since the 2013 round.

'True Historic' was a marketing term to introduce the new round of upgrades (centered on the plastics) for the year/era; also to provide tier differentiation from [upper-tier] Historic Select and [lower-tier] Custom Select [short tenon] models in the Custom Shop reissue portfolio family which have since been deprecated.

All 'real' Historic Reissues that follow the 'True Historic' marketing re-brand (excluding the Custom Select aberrations) are in effect True Historics [name reverted to just Historic Reissue], and with the upgrades that followed ... just as desirable if not more so.

Just find the Reissue that you like best, if you want the TH features, everything in the wake of 2015 that's a proper Historic Reissue will do.

I think my fixation with TH’s is down to the fact of missing out on a 56 gold top at GC Boston years ago.. (when Gibson were possibly going bust) he offered me a killer deal (under $3k) with a serial number 6 0606 !! (I still pine for that guitar)
I called GC the next day (back in UK) and it was sold.. and since then I’ve wanted to
1) get a TH gold top (ticked that box last year but then sold it doh)
2) buy a guitar from GC Boston and bring it back..

yep.. weird but true.. also yes it’s also about the plastics.. but if I was to find any LP (inc Standard) that ticks the box.. I’ll get it..

But since I’ve now I’ve boned down the collection to just 6..
Tele, 345 (no Varitone), small body porch acoustic, Tri Cone, Gibson Herb Ellis, Hondo HL5BB (lol) .. I’m really thinking all I need (want) is a solid body HB.. and probably a SG and a large body acoustic. That’s gonna truly cover all bases.. after which if I find anything worth getting (Strat AVRI with rosewood board) and funds allow, I “may” consider it.. I want my arsenal to now be all used.. and not just sitting around in cases, hence selling 18 guitars .. and yes I should’ve held back some of them.. but the hunt is well and truly on again.. and that excites me..

Bonjour.

 

[MarcB]

still an extreme head scratcher for me that I have seen guys get a Historic Makeovers done on a 2015 TH. significant upcharge specifically for the finish and then pay to redo it, why not use any other R9? I guess if you already had the TH and started jonesin' for that elusive pot o gold. I really wanted one of those 2015 TH's for the longest time, just never quite found the deal I needed to pull the trigger.

I did see a TH with a standard HM package for sale.. and did wonder why?

 

[jb_abides]

since then I’ve wanted to
1) get a TH gold top (ticked that box last year but then sold it doh)
2) buy a guitar from GC Boston and bring it back..

yep.. weird but true.. also yes it’s also about the plastics.. but if I was to find any LP (inc Standard) that ticks the box.. I’ll get it..

Weird but true, OK.

Yes, just find the best Goldtop Reissue from 2015/5 thru current; the plastics and other HW parts in the last few years are either objectively the same (equal to) or better than a TH (since Mat's tweaks).

There is no TH-specific magic. The magic is in the particular guitar you find that delivers for you.

Of course, if you are dead set on a TH, who am I to sway you away?

I just want people to be clear: there's no special sauce in a TH-appellation guitar you cannot get in subsequent years. I don't want people to hang their hats on some believe that deviates from an objective, data driven reality... and go on to promulgate false narratives into the community. Let's keep it real.

It's another trope we've seen before, like 2005 or 2007 were good years, or whatever gets bandied about...

 

[MarcB]

Weird but true, OK.

Yes, just find the best Goldtop Reissue from 2015/5 thru current; the plastics and other HW parts in the last few years are either objectively the same (equal to) or better than a TH (since Mat's tweaks).

There is no TH-specific magic. The magic is in the particular guitar you find that delivers for you.

Of course, if you are dead set on a TH, who am I to sway you away?

I just want people to be clear: there's no special sauce in a TH-appellation guitar you cannot get in subsequent years. I don't want people to hang their hats on some believe that deviates from an objective, data driven reality... and go on to promulgate false narratives into the community. Let's keep it real.

It's another trope we've seen before, like 2005 or 2007 were good years, or whatever gets bandied about...

Still waiting for the first draft of your “beauty of the VOS” book.

Bonjour.