School me on R9s

[neilli]

I don't really follow Gibson stuff too closely, and certainly have no idea of 'good years' vs 'bad years' and so on. After inquiring about an R0 at my local store I played an R9 just to try the neck, and it blew me away. It was used (but seemingly untouched) for 5k out the door, and the sales guy said it was a 2012. He inferred it's a Yamano though I'm waiting for confirmation on that.

Now for me, 5k is a ton of money to spend on a guitar but these rarely seem to be much cheaper, plus this one was a looker and of course, being able to try before you buy is always a good thing, rather than saving 500 and having to trust that it'll meet your expectations..

 

[LP Freak]

You can find them for $4k all day long.

 

[Les Zombie]

I currently own 3 historic R9 and have owned 6 or 7 of them since 2001.
I personally like the 2009-2014 the best for historics, the necks feel great and have less shoulder than previous years. The one i play the most is a 2013, i love the custombucker pickups and the neck on that guitar.

 

[joepete77]

5k is too much for 2012, that's the only year they tried putting 2 pc fingerboards on them, not many sold and the next yr went back to normal spec.

 

[Shawn Lutz]

Generally they're great guitars. Best bet is to play whatever you can and let the guitar do the talking. Look in the $4k range. Play whatever you can, avoid 2012's whether it matters or not to you as it will affect resale value later on down the road as a lot of people pass them up unless its too good of a price to pass up.

 

[Rdodson]

I have an '02 R8 with a massive ribbon chevron top in lemon drop. It is a great guitar. The '13s and '14s really upped the ante though in terms of resonance. The hide glue in the neck joint (I don't know if it makes as much difference in the fiberboard and top joins but probably) really adds a perceivable amount of rigidity. It is like drinking out of nice glassware vs really nice crystal ware.

 

[Webb]

Is 2007 considered a good year for R9's? Also, what is the significance of a Yamano? I've had my eye on one but haven't pulled the trigger yet.

 

[Les Zombie]

Is 2007 considered a good year for R9's? Also, what is the significance of a Yamano? I've had my eye on one but haven't pulled the trigger yet.

2007 had some really nice flame tops, it was considered a good year for woods.
theres alot of 2007 les paul lovers on mlp and lpf. the specs wasnt really any different than the couple previous years but ive heard good reports.
Yamano is known for handpicking fine instruments from Gibson. it doesnt really make it any better but you might get a special color or really nice top.

 

[LP Freak]

My '11 R9 brings me great happiness and was under $4k

 

[neilli]

Thanks for all the replies guys! I'm in Canada, so the 5k translates back to about 4500 USD at the moment, but it's a beauty - the top is stunning, plus it's in my favourite lemonburst... However, it's interesting to hear about the laminated fingerboard - I actually asked the sales guy about that when I was in there and he said 'no' but then he's trying to sell it right?

It is definitely a beauty, but I'd want to confirm the fingerboard thing at least before I jumped. Do Gibson offer that sort of info on a serial number inquiry?

 

[The Hoff]

The newest ones are actually the most historically correct (2013-2014). Definitely check out mylespaul. They have all the info you need.

 

[Les Zombie]

Theres good deals out there but just depends on the dealer, if your buying used you will get the best value for your money, theres alot of guys on the les paul forums that buy and sell R9 for decent prices, people who buy and a week or two later find another one they like even better and the guitars are still mint. Just keep your eyes open until you see what you like, if buying used you shouldnt lose money and if you dont like it then just flip it and buy another.

 

[Even Bigger D]

I looked into R9s, and actually owned one for a while. I concluded that the price vs. the workmanship was not a good deal, or at least not to my liking and ended up with a replica build instead. Much happier. This is back when they cost $2k-3K, not 5K. I can't imagine paying 5K for one.

 

[H Golf Sport]

http://www.thegearpage.net/board/showthread.php?t=1428665
Yamano R9 for under 4k just FYI.