My buddys got a Gretsch (however thats spelled) and is in the process of replacing all the hardware with Gold and quality Gibson pickups. Ive asked a few "experts" at guitar shops about it and the only difference when hes done between that and a REAL Les Paul is the wood in the body. Costs a few hundred in hardware and pickups , but it IS beautiful now. Sounds great too. THe Gretsch is a 70s model he got from his father, used to suck .