thanks for all the positive comments, guys. Andrew, yes i agree, i've tried a few mid 70's Fenders and i thought they were all awful, and the prices being put on them is ludicrous, especially considering it's not that long since you couldn't give them away! this Les Paul cost me just something similar to a new one. that being said, one of the worst guitars i've ever played was a 1975 Les Paul Deluxe! really awful