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So, I've been playing strictly Epiphones and Gibsons for the past few years. And have been pretty happy with them. However, I recently got the itch for a new SG and was wanting something a bit different. I've also been a big Soundgarden fan since Lollapalooza '92, so this beauty fit the bill. My Kim Thayil, S-100 Polara arrived yesterday and I have spent the entire day today playing it. I gotta admit, I'm pleasantly surprised.These pickups are the star here, warm biting tone with zero mud. They can scream with some distortion, but also clean up very nicely.The neck feels better to me than anything Gibson or Epi is putting out these days. A bit wide, but somewhat flat. A great feel in the hand.Cosmetically, it's beautiful. Gloss black with gold hardware looks classy and bad*ss at the same time. A genuine Rosewood fretboard and real Grover tuners too.The tailpiece position makes all kinds of weird tones possible. The electronics are working great (including the Phase switch) 2 sounds like 2, and 9 sounds like 9, as it should be. The body-embedded knob markers are a GREAT touch. And the heft of the body ensures that there's NO NECK DIVE! A huge issue I've had with SG's in the past. If you're in the market for an SG, and willing to dare to be a little different, you need to take one of these for a spin. A great looking, great playing SG alternative for half the price of a new Gibson.