I got my '06 R9 back in 2007 and since new its been a bit of a problem child due to horredous setup issues. Local luthier corrected improperly drilled bridge stud holes, and I replaced the poorly cut nut and ABR-1. The original issues thus corrected, the guitar never really "spoke." It was just somewhat dead sounding to me, particularly wihen I tried a Tonepros AVRII. Very disappointing. I recently bought a '19 R8 which came with the "no wire" ABR-1, a design I rememebr cursing back in the day. (Try crawing around on a stage looking for the saddle that fell out when you broke your high E!) Anyway, I've been blown away by the R8s tone, particulalry for a new guitar. I decided to try a "No Wire" on the R9 and BOOM, the darn thing woke up like sleeping beauty! Just thought I'd pass this along as a prop for for "No Wire", it may be just the ticket for you.