Happy to finally learn about the Custom Shop R8 R9 meanings. Well defined, thank you. Having owned many lovely Gibsons, I am a Gibson lover. I could not afford a Custom Shop but wanted a Les Paul "8 or '9. I bought a 2003 Bacchus BLS 59. The person who sold it to me, sent me a complete birth certificate including every type of wood used, and all sorts of exacting specs. After I beeswaxed the fretboard & restrung her I had total recall as to the magic of The Gibson. I'll never afford the real Gibson 8 or 9, but this is close enough for my soul. I almost never discuss brands other than the home brand of the forum. This particular guitar brought me here to understand such labels as R8 R9 classics. Gibson has made so many marvelous guitars. I hope this gets posted. I need to sign up for the Gibson Forum. 🥃