Info /opinions on a 1997 1960 R0 "Big Top"

[mob]

They seem to be priced a bit higher than other "Historic RI's". Apologies if this has been "threaded" to death. I gave a quick search and didn't find much. Is there anything special with this era?

 

[jb_abides]

You mean, the Monster Top era?

 

[mob]

You mean, the Monster Top era?

Yes, I suppose. Pardon my lack of knowledge. The "big top" was how it was described in an ad. The guitar in question has a killer flame maple cap for sure.

 

[Tim Plains]

Considerably less guitars were made back then, some people think that lead to better quality, I personally don't. I wish people would stop generalizing with eras because it's irrelevant and more of a collector mentality. Judge each guitar on its own.

 

[mob]

Considerably less guitars were made back then, some people think that lead to better quality, I personally don't. I wish people would stop generalizing with eras because it's irrelevant and more of a collector mentality. Judge each guitar on its own.

I tend to agree. Play them then decide.

 

[brandtkronholm]

They seem to be priced a bit higher than other "Historic RI's". Apologies if this has been "threaded" to death. I gave a quick search and didn't find much. Is there anything special with this era?

Like Tim Plains said, Gibson didn't make nearly as many of these reissues back in the early years of the R9 (R4/6/7/8/9/0) series. I think the production numbers began to rise by 1996 or 1997. Despite the lower production, the early reissues are not "rare" guitars outright. The higher prices might be justifiable for the earliest reissues, 1993, 1994, maybe even 1995, but somewhat less so for the 1996-1999s. Beware of HUGE necks beginning in 1996 and through the early 2000s! I mean, colossal baseball bat necks!

The bottom line: They're all great guitars. Go play it and find out!

Here's an informative link detailing the "year-to-year" differences of the R9 (and others): Year-by-year history of the historic Les Paul collection .

I've a '95 R9 (pictured below) that I acquired in 1996 and haven't played a better Les Paul since. But this is just my opinion! I've modified it with an early '60s PAF (7.6Ω+/-) in the neck and an old double white PAF (8.2Ω+/-) in the bridge, Luxe oil/wax/paper bumblebees, and '50s wiring, Schaller strap locks. Out of necessity I've had to replace at least one pickup surround (I busted the original!), a few switch tips, the pick guard, and the nut. Most of these modifications took place in the '90s. A refret - or a good dressing - may be in order soon as well as a new bridge. It has plenty of natural finish checking. I'm delighted to report that the original tuners are good and healthy after nearly 30 years!

 

[Patrick Ginnaty]

That era is all about the top.

So... let's see it?

 

[mob]

That era is all about the top.

So... let's see it?

 

[jb_abides]

Yours is a rather moderate example from that era. Nice one.

When I think 90s Monster Top, I think:









They have their place for folks.

You can also search LPF for 'Monster' and find old threads and post regarding Monster Tops from the 90s [up through today, too].

 

[Patrick Ginnaty]

my '98 R8. Not quite a "monster top", but I like it.

 

[brandtkronholm]

View attachment 26627View attachment 26628

Not so bad!
Maybe with different lighting it would look more monstrous. Pictures out in the sun will reveal all!
The pickups are almost certainly '57 classics - which are underrated and often overlooked.

 

[brandtkronholm]

my '98 R8. Not quite a "monster top", but I like it.

View attachment 26637

I think there's a good amount of '90s monster in there!
I like it!

 

[brandtkronholm]

Yours is a rather moderate example from that era. Nice one.

When I think 90s Monster Top, I think:

View attachment 26631

View attachment 26630

View attachment 26629

View attachment 26632

They have their place for folks.

You can also search LPF for 'Monster' and find old threads and post regarding Monster Tops from the 90s [up through today, too].

Yup.
These are monster tops.