Spot Posted March 18, 2008 Share Posted March 18, 2008 Hi Guys, I was thinking about buying a '57 VOS Goldtop and wondered if it's really worth the extra cash. Any thoughts on this? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RichCI Posted March 18, 2008 Share Posted March 18, 2008 I can't answer your question specifically and probably only you can answer it yourself. My general feeling about Gibson is this: If you're buying a Gibson guitar, you're already paying for a lot of fluff including nonfunctional aesthetic touches and brand name recognition; basically, snob appeal. That said, buy the one that you'll be happiest with as long as it's within your means. Gibsons are great guitars (I own two) but you can buy other great guitars for less money - but they won't be Gibsons. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ibis Posted March 18, 2008 Share Posted March 18, 2008 Hi Guys' date=' I was thinking about buying a '57 VOS Goldtop and wondered if it's really worth the extra cash. Any thoughts on this? [/quote'] What else did you have in mind? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spot Posted March 18, 2008 Author Share Posted March 18, 2008 A 2007 Standard....... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Archer993 Posted March 18, 2008 Share Posted March 18, 2008 Only get a black VOS if you want a filthy looking guitar. I have one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zaphod B Posted March 18, 2008 Share Posted March 18, 2008 As far as I can tell, aside from the guitars being built (allegedly) to period-correct mechanical specifications, you get: -- Long-tenon neck joints -- Aged finish -- A guitar that takes longer to build -- $1,000 dollars less to spend on something else To be honest, it's hard for me to separate the extrinsic and intrinsic components of the cost of a Historic Reissue. I do have a real jones for a '52 VOS with a single-piece wraparound tailpiece and P-90s, though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RichCI Posted March 18, 2008 Share Posted March 18, 2008 Only get a black VOS if you want a filthy looking guitar. I have one. Heh! That's the truth! When I bought my LP, I didn't want black for that very reason but the guitar played and sounded so good that I figured that the extra time spent polishing was worth it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Raptor Posted March 18, 2008 Share Posted March 18, 2008 You can get R7 gold tops, and 58 (R8) reissue bursts for between $2500-3500 new and used, so depending on where you are shopping they can be right in the same range as the Standard. The overall quality on the CS guitars is usually better than on the Gibson USA guitars. The CS ones are not weight relieved, and they get higher quality and lighter wood than the Gibson USA models. There is nothing wrong with the Gibson Standard though. The reissues will sound more vintage, but you can get into fatter necks. So make sure you try a few different ones. There is a lot more variation between guitars from the CS in terms of neck profiles because there is a lot more hands on work done on them. You can also get one of the GC 1960's Standard reissues. They have a slimmer neck, almost on par with the Gibson USA necks, and I have seen them sold for as low as $2000. Although I am not a fan of GC, the people I know who have the G0's, as they are called, are very happy with them. The only thing about an R8 or G0 is that they are plain tops, but can be very pretty all the same. The VOS treatment on gold tops and bursts doesn't look too bad, you can get the reissues with a shiny finish for about $300 more though. So try a few reissues, and some Standards, and even other brands too and buy the guitar that speaks to you the most. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ibis Posted March 18, 2008 Share Posted March 18, 2008 A 2007 Standard....... Funny' date=' I used to own a 2005 Standard desertburst (which I sold) and now own a 2005 R7 GT (albeit a gloss version). I never connected with the standard although it was a really good guitar. It didn't sound 'special' enough to make up for the ergonomic shortcomings of the Les Paul shape. It did have a little 'pose factor' like all LP's do, of course. I now find myself the owner of the R7 GT (how did that happen?). I play some very high end guitars on stage and have never known a sound like it. It is beyond doubt the best sounding guitar I have [b']ever[/b] owned. Being a Gold Top, the pose factor is multiplied by 100X (I keep thinking of when I first saw Snowy White in Thin Lizzy in 1980 with his GT). I don't think I will ever sell it. Sure it has a giant baseball bat of a neck, much bigger than a 50's profile Standard neck, but I find myself pretty 'immune' to neck profiles and will happily play whatever I have in my hands at the time. But, it may be a consideration. I'd suggest playing one first before you decide. You'll then have to make a value judgement based on all the tangibles and the intangibles. Who said being a grown up is easy, when you have to choose between guitars? That said, its hardly Sophie's Choice. If you change your mind its not too late, but a little time and thought will help you avoid costly 'corrections'! Best of luck, let us know what you choose and why! Best still, send us some pics! Here's a pic of mine I took this morning. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimtlin Posted March 19, 2008 Share Posted March 19, 2008 I have an R0 that I like a lot. I also have a Les Paul Standard Faded -- After replacing the stock pickups with custom Fralins, CTS pots and different caps ... I like the Faded as much and slightly prefer the sound -- although I really enjoy both. I think the VOS is pricey but I wanted one -- not sure it's "really" worth the money -- but I have a lot of instruments like that. I think the Faded Standard is a really good deal. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spot Posted March 20, 2008 Author Share Posted March 20, 2008 Well I tried the VOS out and quite frankly,...I think it's not worth the money. I'll stick with the Standards & Classics :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spot Posted March 20, 2008 Author Share Posted March 20, 2008 I have an R0 that I like a lot. I also have a Les Paul Standard Faded -- After replacing the stock pickups with custom Fralins' date=' CTS pots and different caps ... I like the Faded as much and slightly prefer the sound -- although I really enjoy both. I think the VOS is pricey but I wanted one -- not sure it's "really" worth the money -- but I have a lot of instruments like that. I think the Faded Standard is a really good deal.[/quote'] You mean this Lester???? http://www.guitarsale.com/Gibson-1959-Les-Paul-Standard--VOS--Faded-Tobacco-i224673.music Pretty pricey if you ask me..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joeydego Posted March 22, 2008 Share Posted March 22, 2008 I looked at the standards and for a few bucks more, you can get a custom shop standard, a G0 as theyre called, the guitar on the left: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tim Plains Posted March 22, 2008 Share Posted March 22, 2008 Well I tried the VOS out and quite frankly' date='...I think it's not worth the money. I'll stick with the Standards & Classics [/quote']I think you've asked the wrong question here. What you meant to say is that you tried a '57 Reissue with the VOS finish and didn't like it. VOS is just the aging treatment on the guitar's finish to make it look old. The only difference between a R7 and R7 VOS is the cost. VOS is a bit cheaper for some reason. So, is a reissue worth the extra $$? Well, I say yes it is, if you're looking for a new guitar that is made the same way as it was back in the 1950s. I know I'm buying a R8 this summer because I want a vintage looking - and more importantly vintage sounding (hopefully) - Les Paul. But I'll pass on the VOS... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hall Posted March 22, 2008 Share Posted March 22, 2008 Hey Tim! As always I have to mention, VOS means Vintage Original Specifications. The aged finish patina has been deemed the VOS model now days and even unofficially accepted by Gibson as an easy way to keep clear the labeling trend which grew once Gibson followed the VOS with the same instrument in gloss non aged finish. VOS polishes right off to gloss, by the way. *But, that really isn't the point here, so bear with me. I have an R8 VOS and if you are looking for the closest thing to the original 50ies Les Paul sound and feel, the R8 aged or gloss finish is the guitar. I tried them all for a full year before deciding. Bought mine two years ago at a price nearly a grand less then they advertise for now. It is the Les Paul I played when I was a kid all reborn again in sound, looks and feel. The Pleking is a great feature and the solid body is not TOO heavy. Mine even has figuring on what is supposed to be a plain top. I'm a 335 player first, but I wanted that original Paul sound back in the hooch. Play several and I'm sure you will find the right one. I hope they are still making them with the care of a few years back. Quality control is becoming kind of an issue. Good hunting! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LPCollector Posted March 23, 2008 Share Posted March 23, 2008 VOS is not even close to real vintage 50's spec: http://forums.gibson.com/Default.aspx?g=posts&t=1980 But, I'm sure most of us knew this already.................... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GKingN Posted March 23, 2008 Share Posted March 23, 2008 I would say no, I would just get a new LP then it'll age on its own so in 50 years you have your very own 2007 real VOS Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hall Posted March 24, 2008 Share Posted March 24, 2008 LPCollector: What is your point? I made it pretty clear in that prior discusion on the VOS, the effort was only to come as close as reasonably possible in 2008. No one is suggesting they used less efficient braided wiring and 50 yr. old parts, etc. And I thought we all knew that. The R8 is as close as one is going to get to that original sound and nothing more; other than to say it is one hell of a fine guitar. Agreed? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LPCollector Posted March 24, 2008 Share Posted March 24, 2008 Hey Tim! As always I have to mention' date=' VOS means Vintage Original Specifications. [/quote'] HG, I guess that I have misunderstood your motive of "always having to mention" the definiton of VOS. My Bad! Since VOS is not in fact actual vintage original specification and just marketing nomenclature....I was confused, sorry. However, I am in total agreement in regards to the Historic line being as close as we are allowed to currently get to the vintage originals. All of my CS Historics are great, but the two R8's that I have are VERY special to me and I agree with you 100%. To the original poster (Spotondrums).....YES! They are worth the money! If your gonna buy an R7....I hope you like big necks...cause mine, I'm sure, started out life as a Louisville Slugger. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hall Posted March 26, 2008 Share Posted March 26, 2008 LPCollector: Ah! All is clear, and we are in full agreement. Good to understand each other and to agree as well! I'm also with you on the matter below. To Spotondrums: Just as LPCollector, I love those big fat necks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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