Really nice looking guitar :D
I like both the tortoise-shell and the parchment look.
I agree the pics make the tort more striking, but I'm not sure I'd want to be playing one myself... (I have been toying with the idea on and off)
I know what you mean about the 3-ply though, makes all the difference in the flesh. To the extent that, if I had a 50s re-issue, I'd have to replace the guard!! (Of course, someone sat in the audience probably can't see the difference, but who cares? :lol:)