R8 and R9 Questions

[Ted K.]

I know this was discussed on the old board, but I can't seem to find the discussion. When did Gibson institute the changes to the R8 and R9s, such as the long tenon, fatter neck, etc? What were the changes and were they all made in one model year? How significant are the changes to tone? Thanks--TK

 

[plaintop]

1998 was the first year for the changes you mentioned as far as I know. The big deal was the R8 in '98. They went on to only make the R9 in '99 and '00. All the while a sporatic R0. This year it's back to R8's and R9's. Yes, it is a pretty substantial upgrade.

The neck is my favorite part!

Somebody here knows more for sure.

 

[nicholas]

I think 99 was the big year, with something like 13 changes. Y2K they made some more, with 01 having the lightweight tailpiece, red side dots, magdascar fretboard, and vintage style frets.

 

[Dave Paetow]

They have been using the long tenon and fat necks since '93, but the '99 and newer ones are more accurate.

 

[RICH]

The historic LP came out in 93, it had the long tennon, the holly headstock veneer, the narrow cutaway binding, silk screened serial number and LP signature and the usuall shit like the knobs, abr blah blah blah.

In 1999 they started making the guitar on new tooling, it became a completely different guitar, they changed the body perimeter, cutaway, moved the bridge pickup 1/8" farther from the bridge, the neck was moved a little north, the neck shape and heel changed, the binding became much thinner on the body, they went to pore filler finish and hard lacquer, headstock shape, and some other things as well. Some shit changed again for 2001, thats another story.

 

[RICH]

Yeah, what Dave said!!!!

 

[Robert Sherman]

Red dot side markers in the 01 R9's? My 01 R9 #9 1384 has black dots. Now y'all got me all worked up. I need a drink.....I hope this isn't one of those mexican gibsons I heard about.

 

[MikeSlub]

Robert: Your 2001 R9 has red dot markers. They are a very dark translucent red. Shine a flashlight on them or angle them under the light and you should be able to see the color, or you'll be able to sort of see through one or two of them since they are translucent.

 

[Robert Sherman]

Thank goodness, for a minute I thought I paid $4500.00 for a tequilaburst! Well, now I am relieved, but my wife is gonna think I've lost my mind when I start shining a flashlight on the neck. I thought the Gibson Historic page on the 01 R9s stated that the 01s had turtle shell side markers. So much to learn, so little gray matter!

 

[MikeSlub]

Robert: Yes, they are also referred to as "tortoise shell" markers - you know, that dark red/amber color.