As a precursor, I own, or have owned many a Historic R9 and R8. Also own a G0 and used to own an R0. Also own a 70 Goldtop. Only want to get that out of the way when the people want to say I dont understand because I havent owned a historic.
Wandered into GC yesterday and played a Goldtop Traditonal Pro and a regular Traditional in blackburst with a mild flame top.
Both had a nice weight to them. Both SCREAMED and were setup like noones business right from the factory. ( a rarity from Gibson, and something that has never occured with my Historics). Both were flawless in fit and finish. But, was sold on the Goldtop.
They just got the finish, and everything right. Love the locking tuners. Loved the pups on both. Nice chocolatey dark board. Fretwork was perfect. I think, for me it really comes down to this, take it as you wish.
I like my Historics, even though I have sold a few off because it finally occured to me that I liked the idea of owning them far more than actually playing them. Never liked the pups in them, was always swapping, etc...
This traditional and the regular one are like the standards alot of the guys played in the 80's, when I REALLY dug Les Pauls. I am 42. Sure, some of those guys had older ones, but not usually. The recent standards had something lacking to me, not sure what it was.
This bitch snarls. If I want a mellow 50's tone, which I usually dont, I will take out a historic. But for balls to the wall heavier rock, this thing kills. Far more lower end than my Historics.
My amigo at GC said they cant keep them in stock, and every single one comes out of the box with killer setups, ready to go. Gibson is really doing something right with these. I will eventually, maybe, get a standard traditional, but I LOVE the neck on the Traditional Pro and the satin finish. I see this guitar aging with style, for sure.
CAUSE I'M JUST SNAZZY LIKE THAT!!!