Gibson LP 1959 Reissue vs Gibson LP 1960 Plain Top Reissue (G0)

[Gas4LPs]

I bought a Gibson Les Paul 1960 Plain Top VOS Reissue (G0) in 2010. I got the G0 because I tried a 1958 reissue and in 2010 the necks was baseball-bat-plus-sized. The G0 is a nice guitar, sounds great and plays well. I replaced the Burstbucker 1&2 with a set of Kloppmann HB 59's.

After buying the G0, I bought a 2010 Les Paul Studio 50s Tribute (50's neck) and recently a 2016 Gibson Les Paul Standard Faded (50's neck). I now see how the neck thickness can make a difference. I also realized the Gibson Les Paul 1959 Reissue has the overall profile which makes it the holy grail of the historic series.

How much difference is there between a Gibson Les Paul 1960 Plain Top Reissue (G0) and a Gibson Les Paul 1959 Reissue?

Is it worth the hassle of an upgrading the G0 to a Gibson LP 1959 Reissue?

 

[AA00475Bassman]

A lot of what your asking is is subjective , you can only define worth of effort .

Disclaimer , Looking at post's today, this opinion trend with Historics is moving towards the vintage theme .
Such a shame . Holy Grail

 

[El Gringo]

First thing is the necks on the 60's are slim taper .

 

[Big Al]

As AA0075Bassman said, you really have to make the call as in reality the only big difference is neck profile. Which one will you prefer?? Hell, I don't know. I haven't seen many 59 Reissues without a flame top so there is that to consider too. Really, you need to find some and try for yourself, however I would say if you balked at the fuller 50's neck and choose the R0, then I would stick with it. It appears you don't like fat necks. Maybe look at a new 60 there have been some excellent runs of the 1960 style Burst in the last few years.

 

[TM1]

I have an R-8 from 2010 and when I sent it to Kim @ Historic Makeover's he cut the sucker down. I have never played an original `50's Les Paul that have a huge neck like the R-4, R-6, R-7 or R-8's have. I have a 2002 R-0 that was made for Guitar Center. It was from the very first run and the neck on it is perfect.

 

[1jamman]

IMO , if your wanting the figured top of an R9 (and it's price) , How about taking/getting neck measurements of the G0 you have (1st fret-12 fret) ,that gives you a reference point to know an idea of size that works for you .
I've found R9 neck sizes can differ enough (~.880 - .920) that knowing what works for me allows for easy ,fast elimination of guitars , that have necks to big for me to want t play or enjoy . Neck shape +(shoulders) are an important consideration .

If you are willing to Shave a new guitars neck then it almost makes no difference , Still , A huge neck(.920+ @ 1st fret) can not be shaved down into a real "slim tapper" neck (.800). It can be made very playable and 1 you love, but it still needs some "meat" left for the TR, Nut area and joint area.

Me ,, I'd look for an R0 or do a M2M and get it spec'd as I like .....

 

[D'Mule]

Like Al said, G0 LPs are already nice guitars, so you won't get much extra bang for your R9 buck if you don't really need a flame top.

Not all R8s have huge necks. My '06 R8 does indeed have a big round neck profile, but in contrast my 2002 R8 has a much more trim neck- less depth and no shoulders.

Maybe you can trade for an R8 with a somewhat fuller neck than your G0? If in the end it still seems a bit big you can have it shaved.