1 Topic by wasatch (edited by wasatch 2013-08-06 14:41:49)

  • Registered: 2011-05-01
  • Posts: 113

Topic: Is this a good price for an R7?

So a local store here has a new Gold-top 1957 historic in the VOS finish, and I'm pretty sure it's NOT the "dark back" that I see mentioned some places. It is the standard light-brown on the back and neck.

List is something in the $4-5k range, but they're clearing it out at about $2,750. That seems insanely low compared to what it sells for online, but at the same time I see used ones going for $500 less than that on ebay and such.

What do you all think? Is that a killer price? Or just an ok price, or what?

Thanks for any help.

Wasatch

  • From: Massachusetts
  • Registered: 2008-10-27
  • Posts: 577

Re: Is this a good price for an R7?

Check the year....if it is a 2012, it may have the two piece fret board....If it's a 2013, grab it....

2009 Gibson Les Paul 1958 VOS (with black plastic)
2008 Gibson Les Paul Traditional Goldtop (with the cream plastic from the 58RI)
> Marshall Bluesbreaker 2 pedal >Boss sd-1> DD3 > Vox Ac15cc1
  • Registered: 2012-03-10
  • Posts: 265

Re: Is this a good price for an R7?

You have answered your own question. It is a decent price it you are buying it new from a dealer....decent, not a "you'd be crazy not to" price, but o.k..

If it is a 2012, yes, it has a 2pc. fretboard. This IS NOT a big deal. I have a Murphy aged 2012 R9 that I gig regularly. There is no one in the world that would be able to tell the difference blindfolded, and it makes zero difference in playability or tone. If you are concerned with re-sale, yes, it could affect it a bit in the short run, but, if you are concerned about that, you shouldn't buy the guitar to begin with.

My advice would be to get a used one in that $2000-$2300 range. There are plenty of them out there from say 2002-2011. Make sure it has a C.O.A., and you can even call or email Gibson with a serial number to verify authenticity.

If you are hell bent on buying new, snag the one at the dealer. Especially since you can lay your hands on it first. If you love the way it plays, there is nothing wrong with that price. Good luck.

4 Reply by airportdon (edited by airportdon 2013-08-09 07:12:38)

  • Registered: 2006-06-30
  • Posts: 2,835

Re: Is this a good price for an R7?

You should play it first....it still might be a dog with no resonance at all......you can't go by looks and price alone.....
-Plus one on the COA from Gibson as well it should have it

And so castles made of sand melts into the sea, eventually.........
  • Registered: 2011-05-01
  • Posts: 113

Re: Is this a good price for an R7?

Thanks everyone. I did play it, and it did sound great. I think I prefer slightly hotter pickups than the 57's, and as mentioned here, if I could save $500 buying used then why not. I'm still looking around. Played a new traditional - wow - love those things!

  • From: Was NY now FL/GA line
  • Registered: 2007-12-16
  • Posts: 2,855

Re: Is this a good price for an R7?

wasatch wrote:

So a local store here has a new Gold-top 1957 historic in the VOS finish, and I'm pretty sure it's NOT the "dark back" that I see mentioned some places. It is the standard light-brown on the back and neck.

List is something in the $4-5k range, but they're clearing it out at about $2,750. That seems insanely low compared to what it sells for online, but at the same time I see used ones going for $500 less than that on ebay and such.

What do you all think? Is that a killer price? Or just an ok price, or what?

Thanks for any help.

Wasatch

If you live in a area where your able to play before you pay, your already way ahead of the game. There are outstanding guitars from any year. Some may have prettier tops, or are more historically correct, but looks doesn't make good tone. Pots and/or pickups can always be swapped out to suit your tastes but you need to find the right wood to make it all worth while. Be patient and keep seeking out that one special guitar that feels right in your hands and speaks to you. When you do find that "one", a few extra dollars won't really matter. Then you make your deal and please don't let "the one" slip away. Good luck to you in your search! As always...

Stay Safe!! Happy Trails.

  • From: York, PA
  • Registered: 2010-08-27
  • Posts: 1,749

Re: Is this a good price for an R7?

jbyrd1 wrote:

If it is a 2012, yes, it has a 2pc. fretboard. This IS NOT a big deal.

Agree.

Spider wrote:

When you do find that "one", a few extra dollars won't really matter.

Also agree.

If you go with a traditional or standard, they won't have the upgraded wiring that the 57 VOS already does. No ABR bridge if you like those, and a few other appointments. I thought the quoted price seemed pretty good considering its new. Could always ask them "how close to" 2500 they can get if you like it and still want to try and barter. "How close" always sounds a little better than "will you take $ XXX.XX?"..

  • Registered: 2011-05-01
  • Posts: 113

Re: Is this a good price for an R7?

I did ask them when I was there how much wiggle room they had and they said none since it had already dropped so much in price. My guess is the average player would rather have a burst for that kind of money, albeit it a non custom shop model. Dunno. This R7 appeared to have a one piece back, VERY light aging - which is good so you don't have to feel like you have to baby it so much, and it had some great harmonic tones. It will likely be gone by the time my gear fund reaches that level but maybe not.

9 Reply by helrazr84 (edited by helrazr84 2013-08-12 23:32:11)

  • From: York, PA
  • Registered: 2010-08-27
  • Posts: 1,749

Re: Is this a good price for an R7?

wasatch wrote:

I did ask them when I was there how much wiggle room they had and they said none since it had already dropped so much in price. My guess is the average player would rather have a burst for that kind of money, albeit it a non custom shop model. Dunno. This R7 appeared to have a one piece back, VERY light aging - which is good so you don't have to feel like you have to baby it so much, and it had some great harmonic tones. It will likely be gone by the time my gear fund reaches that level but maybe not.

Well if its any consolation, I did play a 2013 Les Paul Traditional the other day at GC, and I thought it played, looked and felt REALLY nice. Nice weight too. Even had the pointer washers under the knobs. Not that I'm a leading authority on anything Les Paul, but I am picky and if the 2013s are all that nice....

  • Registered: 2011-05-01
  • Posts: 113

Re: Is this a good price for an R7?

Yeah, the trad's are awesome now. I really loved the one I played. I think that is what I'll end up getting since I can probably get out the door for under $2k. Looking around for one in lightburst.

Thanks for the discussion everyone.

  • From: Alabama Boy In Montana
  • Registered: 2014-01-04
  • Posts: 41

Re: Is this a good price for an R7?

Good luck to wasatch on your search for your Gibson !

What is an R7 ? Just curious.

  • From: skamokawa, wa.
  • Registered: 2012-04-08
  • Posts: 240

Re: Is this a good price for an R7?

R7 is a 1957 Les Paul Historic re-issue from Gibson Custom Shop. R0 is a 1960 for example.

13 Reply by PoppaPlayedAGibson (edited by PoppaPlayedAGibson 2014-01-07 23:38:02)

  • From: Alabama Boy In Montana
  • Registered: 2014-01-04
  • Posts: 41

Re: Is this a good price for an R7?

skamokawa wrote:

R7 is a 1957 Les Paul Historic re-issue from Gibson Custom Shop. R0 is a 1960 for example.

Thanks ! So I take it that these are probably worth more than your typical new guitars because they are made with the quality of the older vintage guitars, a lot of hand crafting, fitting and better quality materials ect. involved , am I right ?

  • Registered: 2013-12-25
  • Posts: 1

Re: Is this a good price for an R7?

If it's brand new it's a decent price, I paid less than 2,000 for mine, although mine was slightly used. If it plays good and you like it, jump on it!