Gibson R9 8 Months Later (1959 Les Paul Reissue)
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- čas přidán 4. 07. 2024
- 1959 Gibson Les Paul Reissue from 2021 (R9)
Owned it 8 months now and have a few reflections to make.
I ran it through my 1981 Marshall JMP 2204 and Marshall 1960ax with Greenbacks. Also decided to use my Waza Tube Amp Expander for attenuation. Drive is supplied by a BYOC Mighty Mouse (dubbed the Burninator) and a BYOC Screamer (dubbed the General).
0:00 Welcome & Drive!
1:28 Pros, Cons, & Unpotted Pickup Drawback
4:30 Clean & Driven Neck & Should I Top Wrap?
6:01 Neck Dirty & Clean Middle
7:10 Outro & Dirty Play
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Beautiful guitar, and what a dream rig you have, Gibson Les Paul + Marshall = Rock N Roll heaven.
For sure! It sounds good with the Vox. It sounds good with the Fender. It sounds AMAZING with the Marshall!
Always good to hear a review of a guitar without someone essentially ‘selling it’.
Thanks
I love that guitar. Beautiful.
Me too! Thanks.
That thing sounds so authentic .
That guitar is very tasty I love the when the binding bleeds ..gives it character..👍👍
It does give it character! Its not a big deal but it is noticeable. I've seen a lot worse than mine so I feel like this is "tasteful character".
I own a GCS R8 and I love everything about it, it has quickly become my #1. The binding bleed is on purpose, that’s how they were in late 50’s. Many people who get GCS get Murphy Lab all dinked up to look old. The more beat up played through looking? The more expensive. I’m personally not into that, but I understand why many do like that. The Custom Buckers Unpotted? I LOVE THEM! Lol. They sing, make all the sounds and pick up everything including feedback. Volume can control that as you walk away from your amp. You can hold notes till next Tuesday if you want. There is unlimited tones in playing with the pots. The only way I’d get rid of my R8? You would have to shoot me. Great video going through the pros and cons. This would help those who might care for the details, like it or not. These GCS are not for everyone, but for the ones that do? They are the closest to the real original without spending at least $250k.
"You can hold notes till next Tuesday." ... LOL... you are so right!
Yesterday I bought a 2022 R9 and love it. I hesitated with a black Murphy Custom Les Paul, but I couldn't get used to the "cracks" on the neck. It looked great but just didn't feel right in my hands. In the end, it just wasn't for me - and saved 2k in the process. The 59' was an instant bond. I already own non CS LP standards that are great, but this last one is just a step closer to the real thing. I know spending 10k on a guitar isn't for everyone, but when I see people spending way more on cars that are "worthless" years later... I'm really happy inside. Cheers. Great video.
@@jayseb Whats also great about that, If you love it? You won't sell it lol. You would have to hold a gun to my head on my R8 lol.
It is so close to the real deal. Good luck with yours.
I picked up amid 2000s R8 and while it's a beautiful guitar it sounds terrible and the neck is really thick as well. It sounds muddy, over compressed, harsh. I now am basically going to replace all the electronics, start over and reset it up, maybe even thin the shoulders of the neck.
I've top-wrapped Standards and Customs. Made my '04 Standard come alive. On Customs it made little noticeable difference. Seems to differ guitar-to-guitar as well. The advice I got was "try it and see" and that's what I'd recommend too. It such an easy thing to try anyway.
I’ve tried and currently am trying. I like it so far.
Lovely guitar and great review cheers my friend 🎸🎸
Thanks for watching and commenting.
Sounds incredible
How much of that is the R9 and how much is that Marshall! I definitely couldn't be to blame...LOL But seriously, what do you think? Is it more Guitar or Amp? Personally I think it is the marriage of the two and the amp makes a HUGE difference.
@@tweedcouch right on
@@joezambrano9651 🤜🏻🤛🏻
Love the clip at 4:36
Owen (the 14 year old cork sniffer) said the same thing. When I finished videoing he asked how I did it... he's been playing it ever since.
Topwrap if:
1- the strings touch the bridge when the tailpiece is completely screwed down and you want it to be like that to supposedly transfer more vibration from strings to body (if that is proven to be true).
2- you want the strings to glide smoothly over the bridge when doing bendings but you want the tailpiece full screwed down for the same said reason in #1. (This doesn't change tension, it just put less pressure over the bridge and the strings feels slinkier).
Good synopsis of what could happen. Thanks for the comment.
Amazing guitar bro ❤️❤️❤️!! Love your playing too❤️🎩🤘!!
You very kind. Thank you for the encouragement.
I have top wrapped. It does make a slight difference to the feel and tone. I'd recommend anyone try it. You might prefer it, and if not, just go back to conventional stringing.
How does the tailpiece look? Does it get all scratched up?
@@tweedcouch The tailpiece will likely get marked and dented. My advice, on an expensive, or vintage instrument, would be to get a replacement tailpiece, and try that first. I did it on my 2016 Les Paul Tribute. I'll probably do it on my other guitars too. I like how it feels. Joe Bonamassa tip here. Put your strings through an extra old ball end before putting it through the tailpiece. This keeps any nasty (potentially sharp) string wrap ends away from your picking hand.
@@stevegardiner8473 Both of those tips are Awesome. Thanks for sharing.
The scratches put me off too. Instead I compared a raised tail piece to top wrapping; didn’t hear or feel a notable difference. So went with the former. It’s definitely a smoother experience with less break angle at the bridge.
These GCS guitars are great. I picked up an R7 about 2 years ago, the build quality & tone is excellent. Keep the videos coming.
Thank you for the encouragement. I hope to get some more time in about a month.
that thing sounds gorgeous! I'm definitely going to buy one. Trying to decide on the finish. I'm between the Cherry and Ice Tea burst.
I LOVE a cherry burst! I chose Ice Tea only because I wanted that soft fade.
Don’t count out factory burst. It’s a stunner in person
I have owned many LP’s and thought that this one sounded like crap to be honest, but I truly believe that, that is due to the individual that is playing it.
Great video!!
Top wrap usually serves two purposes:
1. Reduce the tension and use thicker strings: By raising the tailpiece, reduce the overall tension of the strings, so that the guitar can be used on thicker strings while maintaining the same playing feel.
2.Reduce risk of string break by angle, which can also make the feeling of the strings better when you doing palm mute.
Thanks for sharing! I ended up top wrapping another guitar and I think you are right. Especially the palm mute
@@tweedcouch it’s works for me too^_^
Someone also mentioned that top wrap can enhance the resonance and extend the sustain of the sound. I think it’s too subjective, there are too many timbres that affect the tone. I still prefer doing this more for practicality and feel.
@@cornershot3657 It seems like more of a feel thing to me too.
Great job …..finally a guitar demo without 17 pedals in the signal chain.
Hahahaha! Ya not my kind of thing. One or two max. Most of the time it’s straight to the amp with a touch of reverb added.
I wish that no panels were used in this demo in order to hear the actual tone of the pickups.
That is one nice sounding guitar.
Thanks!
I have had my R9 for a year, as well, I am extremely happy with it. I also have bleed but this is to be expected. I lump it in with a headstock fracture as an inevitability when you are an R9 owner. I just accepted it and enjoy the instrument.
Headstock fracture! Wow is there a good story that goes with that?
@@tweedcouch Oh I haven't had one, yet, but I probably will. You probably will, also. :)
It's like buying an old MG B. You just accept the issues and have fun with it.
@@hessex1899 lol. Very true
@@tweedcouch Have you plugged your R9 into a dimed Orange or Matamp yet?
Great review
Thanks!
Binding bleed happened quickly in 59 too because of the dye they used.
That’s what I heard. I suppose it will take a good 50 years and a bunch of use to have this go away. I’m up for the challenge😀
I’ve been learning on an acoustic and a telecaster for the last 6 months. Just got the exact one ur playing. U can tell it’s extremely high quality, but it’s such a different feel - prob something I have to get used to.
LP's were something I needed to get use to but once I did they they became one of the most comfortable guitars I play standing. Sitting is more of a struggle.
What model acoustic do you play? Dreadnaught? Grand Auditorium? Jumbo?
@@tweedcouch grand auditorium. I’ve actually never tried playing while standing. I’m always sitting. Maybe I’ll try it standing.
@@cjbaker9703 I am a better player standing. I usually move a lot when I play live. Can’t remember back when I started what I preferred. Btw. I saw your channel. I love that you are in to into health and guitar! I’m your new subscriber😉
@@tweedcouch thanks man, I subscribed to your channel as well. If you ever have any guitar playing tips on future songs I post, always appreciated. 😎💪🏻🎸
@@cjbaker9703 Will do
I have one. No regrets!
I swear this is the guitar I was looking at! Hahaha. Now it makes me really want it. Cheers!
I am so sorry... lol. It is a stellar beast. My buddy just got an R8 and the unboxing video will be out in about a week. Its a stellar guitar too. I just don't think you can go wrong with these.
@@tweedcouch couldn’t agree more. I need to just break down and buy one. Haha
@@kylepainter1384 It's what happened to me... I regret nothing.
I like the feel of a top wrapped tailpiece. I’m not talking about string tension either. Just the literal feel of the strings for palm muting. I haven’t heard any tonal or sustain change or felt a change in tension in the strings. Be it top wrapped or not.
Great point. Palm muting would definitely have a different feel.
Food for thought
I have an R9 because it was a dream guitar ...
However I have 3 other les pauls of different years and I have a 2022 50's standard that I traded some gear I wasn't using .
It is a 50 's standard gold top and it is a killer guitar ,completely stock from the factory and it plays and sounds just as good as may R9 better because I am not scared of it .. I think because I have treated the R9 like a new born baby and don't want to ding or scratch it
It's so beautiful and it was to me an expensive guitar new.. so I guess I treat it different.
I will never let go of it.. but the gold top kicks it's butt..
I say play the new standards, Gibson has stepped it up in build quality and QC .. no need to spend an extra 2 grand on a R9 if you don't need to.
I’ve been very fortunate to own a number of Gibson’s over the decades. The last 4 years have rendered some amazing instruments. It does not surprise me in the least that your Gold Top is an R9 killer.
To my hands, my R9 has a great neck and feel. To my back the weight of my R9 is far better. To my ears the sound is subjective and based on the song. Sometimes the R9 wins and sometimes it doesn’t.
I don’t plan to sell it. So I play it. If I do decide to sell it then I will know I got my moneys worth out of it.
Re top wrap.. it obviously reduces the tailpiece to bridge string break angle, that can reduce the feeling of your hand dropping off the back of the bridge when muting, but of course you could always just raise the tailpiece to do that.
I’ve occasionally just top wrapped the EBG strings and that seems to reduce their tension slightly ( but a physicist will disagree ).
Bottom line it gives a sl different feel esp if you have tailpiece slammed into the guitar. Personally I just make sure the string don’t break so sharply that they touch the back of the bridge and if I want a different feel I just raise the treble end of the tailpiece a bit as I prefer the bass strings to have a good angle all the time.
Thanks for the comment. I believe you’ve nailed it. I have the tailpiece on the R9 raised more now and it seems like I get a similar “slinkiness” that I feel on my buddies R8 that is top wrapped.
Be aware that top wrapping will scratch and samage the chrome top surface of the stopbar.
What I've used to mitigate that is to apply a sheet of screen protector used on a phone or tablet onto the chrome top first before top wraping the bridge.
Which is a good thing cuz in my experience, top wrapping didn't improve the tone enough IMO to warrant doing that. Just raising the stoptail higher a bit was just as good and, TBH I don't think I needed so much break angle on the string after the bridge as some may think.
In that similar vein, I really don't think the LP needed so much tiltback on the headstock either.
Oh and begore anyone gets started about the supposed loss of sustain when the stopbar is raised. That's only true if ye have lower grade studs like those found on cheaper LP models that are nade kf softer metal that'd flex more. I try to upgrade to thicker studs made of quality steel, or at the very least, to same sized studs made of quality hardened steel. If ye want max xfer of energy from steing to body, add chrome plated spacer discs thick enough to sit between the raised stopbar the stud base. Then lower the stopbar to sit solidly on the spacers and still have the strings at ideal break angle over the saddles.
Quality info. Thanks. I like the screen protector idea. I just wonder if the interaction between the strings and the metal is much different tone wise.
@@tweedcouch Personally, I think the energy interaction between the strings and the stopbar metal won't make any difference between having the string going thru the stopbar as per normal vs running the strings over stopbar THEN thru the stop bar from reverse. It's still the same mass of metal regardless how ye pass the string thru it.
If ye seeking more effect like more/longer sustain, better thing is to swap the bar and stud for one made if a denser metal like stainless steel or better yet tungsten carbide.
@@TheGhostGuitarswhat I noticed when I tried it was not a difference in sustain. It was the feel. My guess is that I could achieve the same feel by raising the tail piece.
The whole top wrap thing is mostly aesthetic. Kind of like leaving the back cavity cover off the back of a strat. Some people think that by bottoming out the tailpiece to the body that you will get better sustain but there's pretty much no difference for the vast majority of people. The reason they top wrap the strings is because when the tailpiece is bottomed out there is too much break angle over the bridge so when the strings go on top of the tailpiece the angle is reduced to about where it should be.
You are definitely on to something there. The break angle would be relatively the same with the tail piece decked and top wrapped when compared to lifted and traditionally strung.
@@tweedcouch believe it or not, the stop piece screws are for "String Tension Adjustment". Different string gauges and different finger strengths are all variables. You do not loose a drip of sustain by raising the stop bar as myth'd thinking would lend. If you just blindly top wrap, your tension is at it's lowest. Good for grandpas or the very experienced, but new player or lumber finger technique combined with these low output pickups makes mush tone.
Sustain and tension. The people who says that are spot on :-)
@@goswo I should have tested the sustain but the tension change was HUGE!
@@tweedcouch one tail piece, wrap around, is as simle as it gets and good for tension and sustain. Can be a little tricky when it comes to intonation, but there are some good ones out there :-)
I cleaned my neck bleed off, was over spray red. ...like your pickup explanation tapping on them, helped me understand mine better.
It doesnt do that as well, I think Gibson threw junk parts on mine to make it a Wall Trophy not a real playing musical Instrument.
Which year and model do you have?
this came up recommended, but I was hoping for an R8 9 months later! maybe next time :)
Step 1: get and R8, unbox, demo
Step 2: own R8 for 9 months, talk about observations, demo better than I did 9 months prior
I love the way you think. I will need to make this happen!
Sounds great. Regarding unpotted PU - some are not microfonic, e.g. Amber, Spirit of 59, PAF replica.
I will look those up.
@@tweedcouch czcams.com/video/NlskT3xpOqM/video.html
Sweet
Had it over 2 years now and still love it.
That happened to my seafoam green classic. The red dye from the case turned the binding slightly.
Wow the case did it. This guitar doesn’t go in the case often. The red dye is greater in areas of the neck I play more.
@@tweedcouch could be something else. I think mine definitely changed color. Could just be the finish.
I top wrap my LP studio with 10s. Its the only way i can have my tailpiece studs screwed all the way down to the body, and still clear the bridge. I find it also makes the strings a little "slinkier"
People will say that this is all in our heads but I tried it on an R8 and felt it. I think you are right.
Awesome demos.
I wanted an R9 my whole life, but I could just afford an R7.
It's above and beyond anything I ever imagined. 8 months in and I'm 100% content.
But, there's still the R9.
There's just nothing like it. At least there's nothing like either of the two. :)
The bond between musician and their instrument is great. Your R7 likely is everything you’ll ever need. I landed on a great deal. It’s the only way I could justify (and that’s a stretch) or afford an R9. I’m so happy for you. I hope 2024 finds you well and able to get an R9 if you choose.
The top wrap derives from inaccurate neck sets from the factory necessitating the bridge to be adjusted high to compensate. As a result, the tailpiece has to be even higher to get the correct break angle. Top wrapping a guitar with a correctly set neck reduces the pressure of the strings over each saddle sometimes to the extent that they will jump out of the ‘v’ nick cut into the top of the saddle. In any case, the reduced down pressure affects tone and sustain in the same way that a top loaded telecaster will compared to a through body strung instrument.
My own ‘93 LP used to annoy me because it needed the T-O-M bridge to be adjusted high otherwise it would buzz. That was until recently I noticed that the bridge was on backwards. Having sorted it, the instrument feels and plays just as it should. While I had its apart, I notice that the bridge had sunk in the middle due to the down pressure from the strings. After straightening it, it is so much better.
The guitar was a bit of a Friday afternoon guitar. The pickups were uneven in volume sting to string with the top string giving weak signal whilst the base was boomy and muddy. The bridge pick-up was overwound and measured 16ohms. I swopped them out for a set of ‘57 classics which I wired 50s style. Needless to say I love it and would not part with it.
I love the dedication you have to knowing your instrument. I have found the same thing on a 95 Studio I got on a steal of a deal because the owner said it would buzz and never stayed in tune. An hour of work and a new bridge (the old one was a smiley face) and it played like a dream. Sold it for twice what I paid about a month later.
I had a weird buzz in an sg. I couldn’t find the source. I realized that the strings came out of the tail piece at a sharp upward angle, and touched the outer edge before going onto the bridge. I decked the tail and top wrapped it. The buzz went away. Coincidence? Maybe.
Interesting. I think you nailed the cause on that SG and came up with an excellent fix. I’d be curious to know if others have had this buzz issue fixed by top wrapping or vice versa.
@@tweedcouchYou can try to raise the tailpiece. It’s actually recommended with the tune-o-mati bridges, since it reduces the pressure on it and prevents the bridge collapse, which is common with these bridges.
@@vladimirerfan7721 I usually have it raised but didn’t need to initially. Later I decided to raise it some and now I have it top wrapped.
Dude, Add Tone Pros to that guitar, you’ll love it bro!!!! I’ve added Tone Pros to all my Gibsons!!!! Huge Upgrade!!
I’ve heard people say that before. What is the tonal difference? Or is it a feel thing? Maybe functionality?
Late last year(about November or December) i really wanted to get a R9. This was really nagging at me but i could not afford the 6K
they were selling for new and i was not about to buy one online where i could not play it first. Anyway i settled for a new 2022 Standard 50's
and yeah it was a very good guitar but did not scratch the R9 itch. About 3 months after buying the standard i came across a dealer
who as luck (or fate?) would have it was local to my area. He had used mint condition R9's for not only a lower price but also accepted trades.
Needless to say i traded the 50's Standard and added cash to get a 2018 Historic R9 and have been extremely satisfied since! It is definitely
my dream guitar. Love the way it plays,looks and sounds. The Neck has the "Carmelita" profile which fits my hand like a glove!
Great story. I love the journey.
@@tweedcouch Thank you! Yeah the journey was a good part of the excitement.
I heard it said the chase is as fun as getting the prize and i must agree that was true. When i finally was sitting there playing the R9 i had a huge smile on my face and i felt on top of the world.
it was like a shot of adrenaline or something.
Top wrapping depends on the guitar. You’ll need to slam to tailpiece all way down. Try it. If you don’t like it, you can always put it back. It really didn’t work on mine.
I recently tried with a buddy whose R8 seemed real stiff compared to the R9. Sure enough it did the trick for his R8 and it’s every bit as slinky as mine not top wrapped.
Thanks, would be nice to hear some metal tones
I wish I were metal player. Lol No seriously…
Good that you play it through a propper marshall...i played my les paul custom through my home fender Vibro Champ...urfhm...it just sounded dull and lifeless and i got some very nice tim Shaws in it, now that i got a jcm900 it comes to liiiiiiiife, could be personal preference but i am now all into marshalls !!!! The top whrapping thing makes the strings have a little les tention, if you feel like you could like litten bit more slab do it, if you like the stringtention as is, leave it
My R9 sounds good through my Fender Pro Jr and real good through my Vox AC15c1TV… but it roars through my Marshall JMP 2204. I like the JCM 900’s and the JCM 2000 DSL’s too. Marshall’s are stellar amps.
Nifty decibel meter in the back. Cool big numerals.
It’s been very useful. Thanks.
What is that lcd display in the background with the changing numbers? What does it do?
It is a decibel meter. It gives people an idea of how loud the volume was in the room. You'll notice that I'll talk in the 60's-70's db and depending on if I use an attenuator you'll see my playing is between 90 and 105db.
Top wraping is cool
Try it
It is really about string angel less of a string angel makes the string tension less to a point ,a more of a slinky feel you may like it .
Tail piece screwed down to the body more sustain has been proven snake oil..
Depending on your neck angle and every les paul is a little different because the neck is hand fitted . Most of the newer let's say in the last 2 or 3 years have been pretty good so you can lower the tail piece down to the body an not have the B or E string touch the back of the bridge.
Now if it dose just raise it a little until you can slide a piece of paper between the string and the back of the bridge and your good.
Also keep in mind that excessive string break angle puts to much pressure on the bridge and over time your bridge or and your adjustment studs will bend or collapse..not common on the nashville bridge system.
. Main thing is to get the strings off the back of the bridge and adjust your string angle from there..
Or you can top wrap to lower tension a bit .
I tried the top wrap a few months ago. The result warranted me transitioning 3 other of my Gibson guitars to it. The guitars just play easier to me. My Explorer is now top wrapped and down a gauge of strings. Plays phenomenal.
I have my explorer top wrapped. Makes it a little faster and slinkier but don't really want that on my les Pauls
I have an explorer too and was just thinking about this.
Unpotted pickups rule. I've got a Wildwood Guitars Standard '50's model in honeyburst with the wildwood spec underwound, unpotted pickups. I'd like to get another set and put them in an Epiphone with a '50's wiring kit just to see how much difference there is between the Gibson and Epiphone with the exact same pickups. But, I've already got a set of Pearly Gates for the Epiphone.
If you ever test this I’d love to know your thoughts.
Top wrapping is sometimes implemented due to each Les Paul being just a little bit different from each other.
A lot of it has to do with the instruments neck angle and what the string break angle is over the top of the bridge.
In some instances the bridge needs to be very high (due to neck angle), in those cases the stop bar needs to be raised very high so the strings clear and don't contact the body of the ABR-1 bridge. Rather than raise up the studs of the stop bar many people simply "top-wrap" the strings, this allows them to keep the stop bar screwed down close to the top of the guitar. Also, top-wrapping lessens the break angle of the strings over the bridge saddles. In many cases the reduced break angle can give the strings a slightly more slinky/loose feel when playing. Remember though, it is advisable to keep the string break angle sharp enough to promote good intonation and sustain but not so extreme an angle as to cause the ABR-1 to collapse over time or possibly have a lean set in on the ABR-1 threaded posts. And in all cases it is always a good idea to add an extra ABR-1 post thumb wheel screwed down flat against the guitar's top, this will also prevent the entire bridge assembly from taking a lean. A drop of removable loc-tite can be used on the lower wheels threads to prevent vibration or is coming loose. Oh course this is all just my $.02 Cents and your mileage may vary!
Nice R9, I've been a fan of un-potted pickups since 1977 when I purchased my very first Les Paul!
Love the comment and your wisdom. Thank you for all the advice.
@@tweedcouch Not a problem, I've found that pretty much anyone who is passionate about guitars is an OK person.
I've been a "Practicing Guitarist" since 1974, I love this stuff.
Great Content and thanks for taking the time and sharing with us.
@@tweedcouch FYI, I've REPORTED the SPAM that is showing up.No Worries, it happens everywhere.
@@hkguitar1984 you rock! Thanks man
I started top wrapping my SG when I put a fret rocker to my ABR1 (wired) and found it was starting to collapse! I had just gotten it and noted the real extreme break angle from the decked stop bar. I haven't been able to move the stop bar screws as they're corroded in. I almost couldn't get the strings out because they were rusted into it partially. reeeally crusty standard that I got for 800 bucks. it's been fantastic after peeling the rind off it though.
Note, top wrapping will scar up your stop bar and fast. If you can move the screws for a little less break angle to the bridge it will do just as well without leaving etched lines across your stop bar. but it is a whole vibe and mood.
I top wraped back in the late 60s and 70s never really liked it. One of the problems is the string ball can get stuck in the tail piece because it was never designed to go that way, it doesn't make much of a difference in the sound. It's just kind of a thing To Do if you know what I mean.
That makes sense. I tried it on an R8 and a Heritage semi hollow guitar and the tone didn’t change but the feel of the string did. Not much but some.
You wherecrightvits the dye on the neck bleeding into binding. I heard you could tape off the neck and let th he sun light fade it.
I heard this too. The bleed doesn’t bother me enough to try it yet.
I don’t have an R9, but I do have an R8. Never played an R9, but I can’t it’s much better than my R8 just has flame. Either way the historic reissues from Gibson CS, are phenomenal out of this world guitars.
I have played both and the R9 has a little smaller neck. Otherwise they are very similar.
@@tweedcouch Yeah the neck profiles are different and also the fret size. the 58's have smaller frets.
Great video, and great tone! I have a 2021 R9 with binding bleed and custom buckers as well. I play through a Helix and was pleasantly surprised to hear the nearly identical similarities in tone! I own PRS, Suhr, Fender, Epiphone and Gibson. Of all my guitars, my 59 is by far my favorite. I even use it for praise and worship at church🙌
Also, I top wrap all of my guitars that have a stop bar tail piece. It may be just a stigma, but I truly feel a deeper connection with my guitars when top wrapped. Thank you for the video!!
I think you and I would get along well. I use my R9 with the quad cortex at church and it always gets tone complements. Thanks for sharing.
Top wrapping is like have a trapece tailpiece in terms of (looser) feel, in my experience. What do you think about craftmanship quality comparing the White Falcon with your R9? Thanks for reply
First I will say that the Gretsch White Falcon is just a different animal. Thinner neck, different pickup dynamics, larger guitar body... I will also say that it is one of my best playing guitars and the action gets the lowest on it. As for the R8: Pre-Top Wrap... the guitar had a beautiful neck and finish feel. Much like my R9 (except the R8 neck was bigger) but seemed more difficult and strained to play. The reason I broke the string is because I knew I could hit a certain note when I bent my R9 and was trying to hit it with the R8 when the string snapped. Post-Top wrap the guitar strings felt like the R9. I could hit the notes, my fingers glided along the fretboard, and overall the tones were glorious. Finish wise the Murphy needed some breaking in but I think the R9 did too. Something about a new guitar needs the oils and friction that only a player can give to it.
@@tweedcouch that make sense because the narrow tall frets on the R8. What do you think (tonewise) about its hide glue construction? Do you fell any difference? Gretsch custom shop not used hide glue even on request
@@ivan_emege I can’t comment on the tones Hyde glue makes but I can say this… I have owned dozens (yes dozens) of Gibson guitars since the 90’s and I have never noticed such a difference as when I played a Custom Shop R8 or R9 in the 2020’s. Neck shape, pickups, electronics interaction, feel, finish… it is very different from the core line.
@@tweedcouch Thank you so much. Nowadays I have a Gibson Memphis 335, the Gretsch G6120 Steve Wariner (amazing guitar), and in the hunt for a R8.
Dr T, after testing an R8 and a beautiful R9 in the last months, I ended purchasing, to my own surprise, a Custom Shop ‘57 Les Paul Special TV Yellow VOS. The guitar really surprised me, it as ugly as a Telecaster, nothing to compare aesthetically with the R8 and R9 beauties, but tonewise and playability I like more than those historic Standards. All mahogany, wraparound bridge and the customs P90 sounds pure, and weight is under 7.7 lbs. Plus it comes with an alligator case really cool. Regards from Spain
How does it compare to the standard??
The standard has potted pickups that sound warmer to me. The R9 neck is bigger (rounder and asymmetrical). R9 weight is generally lighter but that varies from guitar to guitar. Is it worth twice the price? Depends on what you like.
0:31 to 1:27 extra sauce for my steak please
It’s a house “secret sauce”. 🤫
Is that a decibel meter behind?
It is a decibel meter. I used watch guys playing and wonder why I couldn’t get the sound quite right. Then I saw a CZcams video with people playing and noticed their volume was about 92-100db for a sweet spot. It’s a visual for those who care.
She’s a Keeper !
I have really liked it. Great feel and weight. It’s a keeper
Actually rather than thinking about top wrap you need to improve string strike velocity. Then go ahead and roll that bridge pickup treble down.
Agree that playing technique is more important than top wrap or not. When you say “string strike velocity” is that the same as “string attack”? If so then I get what you are saying and I’ll give it a shot. If not, then I’d love to try something new and would love a link or a description of the technique.
More sustain with top wrapping IMO. Sort of like a 54 LP with the wrap around bridge. I have one and it definitely has a bit more sustain. I think Joe B top wraps his LPs. So….
Joe is an artisan of tone and has a touch to the strings that is unreal. Great points.
I've stopped playing my les Paul std since one of the fret position markers fell out
I’ve seen people online reset the fret markers. Seems like moderately intense project but completely manageable for a good luthier.
More top wrap love… I also have an R9 (replete with binding bleed!) and top wrapped the strings for a more slinky feel. If that’s of interest to you, it definitely does it. The whole, “umm… doesn’t really make any difference” thing is not my experience. It’s made a significant difference and I love it. Could I have raised the stop tail? Sure. I just think it looks cooler slammed on the body. Does it transmit more vibrations to the body? Perhaps - haven’t tested that theory. But really, if you want a slinkier playing Lester, try the top wrap method.
I think I need to discover this for myself. I might get another bridge and do an A/B video with my observations. We shall see. Thanks for the comment.
I have an R9 that I bought almost 2 years ago now. Love the guitar. I top-wrapped it once, but I didn't like it an quickly changed it back. The way I understand it, the theory is that if you top wrap, you reduce the angle of the strings on the bridge which should make the strings easier to bend and give it a softer, smoother feel. But I felt like the top-wrap just made my guitar really jangly sounding at the bridge, almost like a Jazzmaster. So instead, I prefer to go string-through at the tailpiece and simply raise the tailpiece a little bit to reduce the string angle at the bridge and get the same benefits of top-wrapping, with none of the "jangliness". It's easy to experiment with raising the height of the tailpiece and seeing if the guitar plays any different. Don't forget to use a popsicle stick to raise and lower your tailpiece to prevent your studs from getting marred by a screwdriver!
I have since tried it and didn’t like it as much as raising the tail piece. I did do it on another guitar (r8) and it was way easier to play. Crazy if you ask me but I did experience it… so there must be something.
@@tweedcouch I always top wrap the strings after trying it on My R9. I prefer the tailpiece to be all the way down for connection purposes(making contact with the top of the body) but did not want the tension it puts on the ABR-1 bridge
when it is set all the ay down, plus i like the slinkier,looser feel of the strings with top wrapping.👍
Great guitar, but nothing makes you sound better than practicing
Very true. Also nice to have something that inspires you to practice.
@@tweedcouchso true, i want one too! ❤️ didn't imply you can't play just to be sure!!
@@tucki666 Not taken that way at all. I completely agree... practice > gear.
Owned x 2 Gibson Custom Shop guitars....1958 Gold top & 1968 Les Paul Custom Shop. Plus, 1976 Gibson Les Paul Standard & 1978 Gibson Les Paul Custom. All take a back seat to my '81 Greco...and cheaper!
I love it when somebody finds the guitar that just feels right in their hands. For me this was a 2012 PRS Starla. Of course it doesn’t sound like a Gibson and that’s why I keep coming back.
Wrapping the strings over the stop piece completely changes the tone of the guitar...The sound is more of a plucked, twang, cut sound... a little thinner. it sounds totally Jimmy Page- am convinced this is a huge factor in getting the middle pick up sound of his if you like that. Also Jeff Beck and others use the guitar that way. If you go back to standard, it sounds great but warmer, fatter, too much sustain, and notes are not as distinctive especially on the neck pickup, IMO.
That is interesting. I’m going to write this down and listen for it when I try it.
yo bro is the binding bleed fading?
It is staring too. It’s no longer a hot pink type color.
@@tweedcouch mines a 2020 r9 and my binding bleed is really bad on the neck it seems its starting to fade from a bright orange to like a light maroon-ish color. kinda like a blood stain thats been washed a few times. .....i like broke the bank on this guitar and then like a week or two the necks red and the other spots where my arm touches etc....
how does this dude only have 300 subs?
@@jimioconnor8039 It will fade. I've heard people say that you can get rid of it using UV lights or leaving it in the sun but you need to cover the rest of the guitar. I'll just live with it for now... lol
@@jimioconnor8039 I'm surprised I have that many... I'm kind of a hack... but I love the guitar and I love the stories behind them. It's a hobby. The goal is to get over a 1000 subs so I can actually be monetized and then let that money be what fuels the purchases. Tell a friend and have them subscribe! Also check out the podcast. I actually get a small amount of change in the pocket for that.
Gibson copied the binding bleed problem from the original ‘59’s. I was told it was done on purpose so as to recreate the reissue as close as possible to an original.
I heard that too. Mine has started to fade quite a bit now.
I've got two r9s tea bursts one's a 60th anniversary both got neck bleed very pink, happened very quick, I've heard it will fade had them since 2020 with no sign of binding bleed fade yet, and they get played 2/3 times a week. I haven't seen any photographic evidence of originals with bleed.
Not a fan of the amp but the guitar is great 👍🏼
What amp do you like to use?
@@tweedcouch I keep that a secret :)
@@SarcasticComments23 sometimes secrets hurt people. Lol 😆
I managed to find some great deals over the past 18 months- I've ended up with an R8, R9 and original 1976 Custom. I'm planning on having all three last me for life, and I'd like to pass them down the family. When you consider that, 5 years ago, an R9 was my dream guitar and was completely unobtainable? I'm not doing too bad. Just need an R0 at some point to complete the set.
Don't give up, folks. Keep working for your dream guitar. Keep saving. Sometimes, when all the money is there, you may want to keep the money and forget about the guitar. And that is a wise choice sometumes.
Have a great 2024 everyone!
Great advice and positivity.
What did you pay for that rocket ship?
It was a pricey rocket ship. All I will say is that I got it new for a price less than finding one used.
any pickup you tap will make a noise
Not like this. A plastic pick hitting a potted pickup will be dull and quiet. But an unpotted pickup will create a more amplified high pitched sound because of the coil vibration.
Amazing guitar. I noticed Ali Express has them for $300.
Wow! I way over paid! 💸💸💸 I think I’ll get that “Aged Edward Van Halen” guitar for $331 next from Allied Ex. 🤣
@@tweedcouch Don't feel bad. I seen guys pay more for ones that are old, used, and worn out.
@@qua7771 suckers 😉
@@tweedcouch I fell for this scam once, and mine is a fake. The guy even admitted to using old wood that had been sitting around, and using outdated techniques.
Seriously, though. Are you getting an EVH?
@@qua7771 Lol. As for the EVH, no I have to many nice guitars to waste the space with this. Would be a cool guitar though.
Top wrap? I do only because when tweaking a guitar it keeps from putting bend marks and screwing up the intonation and string tuning
other than that ..meh, who cares.
I did end up trying the top wrap on a different Les Paul that seemed kinda stiff when bending strings. After wrapping I noticed a difference on that guitar but wonder if I had just raised the tail piece of there would be much difference.
all pickups tap with a tap ........
All pickups will tap but unpotted pickups are much louder. Do you own any guitars with an unpotted pickup? Try it. You’ll hear the difference and it is pretty substantial.
@@tweedcouch Yes Sold them I run High end amps ...
@@rareform6747 Did the unpotted pickups not like the high end amps? Or did you mean high gain? Those unpotted suckers will squeal with gain for sure.
I think I need to make a video about the difference in tap noise. I just sat down and plugged in. Tapped my unpotted 73 Tele Custom and my potted 72 Tele Custom Reissue and there was a noticiable difference in volume. Then I did it with my R9 (unpotted) and my SG (potted) and again there was a noticeable difference. Hopefully I’ll get some time this weekend to make a short video. I’ve had this comment before.
Bindong bleed does not happen like that on 59s. they use oils in the dye that causes that. its totally wrong. that whol finish is like thick plastic, totally wrong. nothing like a real one.
Not sure how much plasticizer they use now. It feels less plastic than the usual Gibson finish. I have played a real 59 Junior and a real 57 gold top and the finish does seem newer on the R9 but that would make sense since it is new. The bleed does seem to be more than anything I’ve seen on a real 59 too.
Think binding blade looks vintage who cares.
It never really bothers me. I love the feel and tone so it’s just something that happened over time. Thanks for commenting.
Guitar sounds like it was recorded with a sock covered microphone.
Just curious. What are you listening to this video through?
@@tweedcouch Pioneer receiver, Polk Audio speakers.
@@djefferson5669 Is it the voice, guitar, or both that sounds like a sock over the microphone? I'm really just trying to find the frequencies that CZcams messes with. I usually check the sound quality through my Studio Monitors, then my Headphones, and then play it on my phone before posting... then after posting I check it on CZcams and of course the compression of the video makes a shape of its own. It's a small change but I have started cutting or adding to EQ to compensate. I can't fix this video but I can try and fix future ones. Thanks for the feedback.
@@tweedcouch It’s the guitar, but seeing your settings I’m not surprised. But sound is subjective. But it sounds to my ears and on my system like you could back off the mids and increase your treble and presence. It sounds very flat the way it is. Like your playing on old strings. But if I’m the only one to say so, maybe my ears are just too sensitive.
@@djefferson5669 sound is subjective but I’m interested in the subjective part of tone. People’s likes and dislikes are part of what makes the guitar community so interesting. I generally find that when one person says something then other people have thought it too. Thank for the feedback. The next time I record this guitar I will keep this in mind and see if I can get a bit more presence and a little less low mid. Maybe a different mic.
Other then the neck profile really just a Las Paul std. I really don't see a big difference in any LP variant.
You’d think that… but not really. The neck profile is one difference that I definitely love but I also love a good 50’s neck of a standard. The pickups are unpotted and very different then the stock standard burstbucker, 490/498, Classic 57, or 61T. The sweep of the pots are also different. The weight is lighter being sub 9 pounds on most all R9’s but close to 10 on a 50’s. The nut material is different (nylon) and so is the style of ABR-1 bridge… the finish, the higher end case, rolled edges on the fretboard, inlay material, the glues used, the certificates and medallion… I’m sure there is more I’m forgetting. It’s not a 50’s LP with a different neck.
Worth the money? That is up to the buyer/player. It was only worth it for me because of the deal I got. A 50’s Standard is really a great instrument.
I'll pass on the Gibson..lots of love for Epiphone
The Epiphones that are being produced right now are the best they have ever done in the modern era for sure! Glad you love them.
@@tweedcouch epiphone have been putting out high end models since 2019 where have you been? epiphone turned to crap when Henry took over Gibson and epiphone before that they were top end guitars I'm also glad to see epiphone back in full form and Henry is long gone les paul himself tried for years for Henry to go back to epiphone original headstock and quality
@@mr.astrophysics9115 not sure why you have tone you are carrying. I’ve played many and have owned a couple. The ones I have played over the last few years have been the best ever in the modern era in my opinion. Thanks for sharing.
@@tweedcouch Lol you are messing with part of his identity, which is why he got butt-hurt. In my experience Epiphone has been hit or miss for the last 20 years (just like picking up a MIM off the shelve). Can't say anything about the newer ones and don't really care for them. But then again I got a Gibson Slash model recently which is the best guitar I've ever played so cannot justify downgrading.
@@MrDream-zm1pw I bought 2 slash Les Paul's promising myself I would find the one I loved and resell the other I'm having a very hard time keeping the promise. they are amazing. Listen this is just like anything people are lemmings for the most part they find a narrative that is very very very rarely are unique thought and they run w it. this whole epiphone over Gibson thing is one of them and to me is a big fat yawn ...buy the Gibson do your research first ...stop with the epiphone thing
you could have got a much better guitar for a lot cheaper if you'd bought a greco super real or early mint collection model. Gibson just fucks its customers, like when they were selling .50 cent caps as a "vintage spec bumblebee" for 124 bucks a pair, or their "collectors edition paf's" that they sold for 1k each, or when they started selling r9's for 7k each. All you got for that extra money you paid is the label on the headstock. The guitar sounds like a nice, modern guitar, but it doesn't sound like a 59 at all. If you would have got a greco you would have had an actual vintage guitar closer in every way to an original 59 les paul and you wouldn't have been fucked by gibson. And I've never seen an old greco with binding bleed.
If I had a new custom les paul, I'd be too embarrassed at the fucking I took to post videos of it online. I'd hide it under my bed and only play it when no one was around to catch me.
I make the videos for fun. It’s a hobby.
I cannot argue some of the price gouging Gibson has done and I am very fortunate to pay no where near $7k for this LP. I like my R9 quite a bit. It is one of the guitars I gravitate to most. I have not met a Greco I like but my experience is limited to a hand full over the last 20 years and most were not well cared for. I have played a real 57 Les Paul that played and sounded a lot like mine. I have not played a 59.
I’ll add one more thing. Gibson obviously makes angry and verbally abusive. If you don’t like Gibson then stop watching Gibson videos. If you like vintage Greco’s then watch Greco videos. You’ll be a happier person.
@@tweedcouch btw, when the red dye starts bleeding into your binding, it's because Gibson doesn't mask the binding off when spraying it, they just scrape the finish off the binding afterward, and do a half-assed job of it. So you can remove that binding bleed by scraping off the finish that Gibson should have scraped off before shipping it out. . .you could also fuck up the topcoat if you do it wrong. For a 7k retail on an item that costs maybe a grand to make, you'd think they'd build it right. . .but not gibson
Gibson is the most despicable guitar company on the planet. they should get sued for the schemes they pull on their customers.
@@jimbeam-ru1my the bleed wasn’t there when I first purchased the guitar and cannot be scraped off. It’s a different finishing process on the R9 than the standard assembly line Gibson. Which they do scrape off.
@@tweedcouch it can be scraped off. it's there because they didn't get all the finish off the binding. I wouldn't scrape it though, I'd sand it with 400 grit sandpaper, then 800, 1k, 3k, then use rubbing compound then polishing compound. Scraping it is too risky.
I know I'm talking shit, but your guitar is nice. it doesn't sound vintage because of the bridge and the pickups, but it still sounds good. and if you play with a lot of distortion then your pickups will work better than vintage style. I'd love to have that guitar, I just wouldn't want any of my hard earned money to go to gibson.
@@jimbeam-ru1mylike I said. The binding bleed wasn’t there 8 months prior to this video. It started to show more as I played it. I do agree that sanding would probably fix the look. I like that idea and if it starts to bother me then I think that’s my first attack.
Thanks for the conversation. Seriously. I enjoy the perspective and interaction.