They are beautiful no doubt and I'm guessing they still sound pretty solid, but all the ones I looked at have maple necks not mahogany. Yes, it makes a huge difference. OK the ones that were above $500 had mahogany necks. That's still a fair dollar tho. People should really consider one of these ones if they are thinking of getting a Les Paul. That first one 6strngs should be headlining the Ugliest Guitar thread.