Re: 1958 Les Paul Standard Reissue VOS
I have four Historic reissue Les Pauls. A 2005 '58 plaintop in Washed Cherry, 2006 '59 flame top in Iced Tea, and two 2009 Tobaccoburst VOS G0 plain tops. I own eleven Les Pauls.
The most expensive Historic was one of the G0s at $2,400. My fave is the other G0, it was store damaged, very minor and I got a great deal on it. I've been very lucky in finding good deals.
My R9 was a rescue dog that had been totally abused by the original owner in a foolish, drunken attempt to "relic" it. It would have been better if he'd used the soldering iron and sandpaper on his genitals. I spent a fair amount of dough getting it to look decent again.
While it sounds great, the R9 has a very, very big neck. It is a very resonant, lively, and responsive guitar. I love the tone, but I am thinking about selling it because the neck is so big. It is bigger than my R8. The G0 necks in contrast are about as perfect as can be.
I think the differences between the Historics and the Standards, Traditional and 1960 Classics are truly significant. The Historics are by far my favorite Pauls. I've made some slight mods to my 1960 Classics that get them to about 90% of the Historics, but that 10% is a BIG difference.
Personally, I really like the 2013-14 guitars--they are getting closer and closer to the original specs. Some of the earlier attempts do not have these features and details, and they sound and respond differently. BTW, Historics are usually built with the lightest weight wood billets available.
The advice to play as many as you can is good advice. Necks can vary widely, as they are hand shaped. If you buy online, be sure it is from an authorized and reputable dealer with a good return policy. Dave's Guitar Shop, Wildwood, MF Private Reserve, GC Platinum and Sweetwater are good places to start, and they will work with you to find the right guitar. Remember that cash talks. Used guitars can be good values; though most of the savants avoid the 2012 models because of the "stacked" fingerboard. Be sure to collect the case candy.
BTW, GC has a guitar similar to the AMS model, but it is a 1960 R0 model with a thinner neck, for about the same price. Take your pick.
I really think a Historic IS worth the money; when you get the right one they are fantastic, and it's an heirloom guitar that your family will be fighting over when you die. You might pay a lot, but the value is there.
BTW, I play out with all of my guitars...yep...even the Historics.
Good luck. Let me know if you have any questions.
Bill
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