Gibson LP R8 vs Trad Plus need advice!

  • Thread starter Thread starter Ricky Rockhardo
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Ricky Rockhardo

Ricky Rockhardo

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So I tried both of these this weekend and I was truly blown away by the R8. I had been seriously considering buying a Traditional Plus, but after trying an R8 for the first time ever I think I want to save up for one of those. However, I was wondering how close could I get to the R8's sound by putting CTS pots, Bumble Bee caps and some better PUs in the Trad? My sense is that the mojo of the R8 really comes from the wood and construction, but I wanted to get some feedback.

Also what is a reasonable price for a used R8?
 
Since most R8's tend to be plaintops, you can get them in the low $2,000 range. They seem to go for $2200-2300 all the time.

I'd just go for the used R8. The gearpage forums and the les paul forums usually have the most used R8's in my experience.
 
Oh, and I have a traditional and it kicks ass, but if you want an R8, a used one is just a little more expensive than a new traditional, so I'd go with what you like.
 
Used R8, the body is solid and isnt weight relived and it has the longneck tendon, the quality and attention to detail is also better in most cases, they seem more consistant. I think the R7 & R8 is the best value in the custom shop. I had the traditional before and it thought it was nice but still liked the other guitar better.
 
Thanks guys, I guess I need to sell of my JVM and move on to R8. I agree will all the above, while the Traditional's are great guitars the R8s are better
 
Ricky Rockhardo":1frbs5y6 said:
Thanks guys, I guess I need to sell of my JVM and move on to R8. I agree will all the above, while the Traditional's are great guitars the R8s are better
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Of course they are better! You'd be surpised how close you can get with a good traditional or standard and some tweaking of electronics/pickups.

If the price difference was less than 800 bucks I'd get the R8 used, if not a used traditional or standard...

Also check out the customs, you can get a used one for the price of a used R8. I love LP customs, they look amazing and sound even better!
 
Get the R8. I just bought 2 R8s last week and they flat out kill. The long neck tenon + solid (non weight relieved, non-chambered body) makes a huge difference. Also overall quality and fit-n-finish are better. Plus all the Historics from 2006 on have been Plekked at the factory.
 
I think the Traditionals are also PLEK'd (mine was), but still say the R8 (used) is the way to go.
 
used R8 anyday over the Trad. Much better guitar. I have a used one and it is amazing.
 
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