We just cannot seem to keep these Murphy Les Pauls in house for very long and one look at this R9 will tell you why; They are simply one of the finest guitars to be produced by Gibson's Historic Division, period. This particular R9 weighs in at 8 lbs, 11 oz- an outstanding weight by any measure and the neck is nice and full. It actually borders on the feel of a '58 rather than that of a thinner, '60- feeling profile. In fact, it's the first thing you notice when you hold the guitar and as for the tone department, have no fears. The guitar sounds as you would expect from one of the better examples of the marriage of mahogany and maple and I wonder if the guitars designated to be aged are still hand- picked? It certainly seems to us that this R9 is a cut above the standard reissue you might find in one of the many shops across this great land. The seller is a well- known retailer of fine guitars, so the pedigree is established- seems they too have great tastes when it comes to a fine Les Paul! The aging on this one is relatively light and not as heavy as some of Tom's earlier work. The color is also not too intense or "clowny", making the appearance of the guitar quite pleasing to the eye from any angle. Nice flame, a sweetly figured fretboard and a bunch of case candy round out what we feel is a quality, affordable package, so please call today on one fine six- stringer. As always, 'Elk operators are standing by and ready to be of service!